Toy Features for Kids with Physical Disabilities

These toy features work well for children with physical disabilities:

Suction cup bases increase stability of toys and assist children who have involuntary movements.
Attachment straps can hold toys on a child’s hand if the child does not have the ability to hold it on his own.
Enlarged handles give the child a larger area to grasp and allows the use of the whole hand if the child does not have strong fine motor skills.
Hook & loop fasteners (e.g. Velcro) can secure toys in place.
High backs and sides on ride-on toys give children trunk support and help them maintain their balance.
Rubber or non-skid bottoms increase stability for toys do not roll away from the child.
Interesting textures increase the interest of the child and stimulate the senses.
Sustained action in a toys gives a child time to activate it and focus on the toy’s activity.
Laminated surfaces can increase durability and make for easier clean-up.
Angled play surfaces can help adjust the positioning of the play to fit the needs of the child.
Sounds and lights provide sensory input and entertain children who have limited movements.
Inflatable toys can be deflated slightly to a firmness that the child can grasp
Large openings make it easier for a child to access, whether it’s a large toy like a doorway in pretend play houses or a small toy like wide-set holes on lacing projects
Easy manipulations help kids you require easier or lighter pressure or movements to activate a toy.
Adjustable height play surfaces or toys help adjust the play to the child’s needs.

Provided By Susan J. Oliver, Tropomedia
This information is provided on behalf of the toy experts at your neighborhood toy store.