Toys for all

Exceptional Parent, The, Oct, 2002 by Maria Tortoreto

It happens to all kids of all ages: they see, they want, they ask, and if they're lucky, they get. Maybe their friends have it, maybe they saw it on television, maybe they saw it in the store. Whatever the case may be, in their mind they need to have it. And all too often, after they do get that fabulous new toy, they don't want it.

It's a universal mystery for parents: why do kids not take an interest in that toy that they spend so much money on?

Well, the' answer is simple. Kids love toys that they can interact with, try new skills on and test their imagination with. Sometimes even the simplest of toys keep interest the longest. The search for quality, interest-holding toys is always difficult and hard to understand, and usually these toys are found by accident. Children with disabilities, however, have this dilemma tenfold.

Children with disabilities often cannot physically play with a toy as originally designed because they cannot interact with it correctly. They also may not have the mental capacity to understand complicated directions. Parents must always be aware of what their children are interested in and address those interests, but also be aware that if a toy is not appropriate, it is not worth buying.

Paula McSweeney, an early childhood specialist and expert on how kids learn, has a few suggestions for good toys. A good toy must:

* have a range of purposes

* be relevant to their lives (promote real life situations)

* expand the level of play

* encompass a range of skills (language, fine motor, cognitive, etc.)

* be fun and capture interest

Of course, a toy will not capture interest unless it also has some of the first four qualities.

We don't often realize it, but the best way for children to learn is through playing. Building with blocks helps them develop size and weight concepts, putting on dress-up clothes helps them use small muscle skills and cleaning up toys after themselves helps children accept responsibility.

While many toys are not designed specifically for children with disabilities, parents must be aware of a toy's qualities that would be appropriate for their child. "Disabilities" may have a spectrum of meaning, but some good things to watch out for are big letters, flashing lights, easy- to-hold pieces, etc.

Toys are an integral part of a child's life. Children play all day long, using toys not only as an enjoyable pastime but also as a source of envy among friends. Kids always want what others have, but if what others have isn't practical, then we should help them focus on what is practical for them. Exceptional children may have a modified version of a toy, or something completely different, but that toy may be just as enviable as the rest.

The toys contained in this month's issue have all been used by children with disabilities. While there are many specially-designed toys, our panels of teachers, students and parents recommend these playthings as particularly well suited to children with disabilities.

This year, EP Magazine has chosen to separate them into several categories. The first group represents toys, such as Play-Doh, that are perennial favorites. They are particularly well-suited for kids with disabilities as tools for both motor skills and cognitive growth. (A word of warning: children with pica should be carefully monitored so as not to put the small pieces in their mouths.)

Most of this year's products are new or updated toys chosen because they represent a unique opportunity for children with disabilities. These toys are not "special" or "modified" items but the same products purchased for all children. At the same time, they are safe, challenging and educational.

Also, we have included books, DVDs and videotapes with special appeal or interest to children with special needs.

Finally, as a tip to the future, we are recognizing a truly unique, experimental robot toy that is totally interactive. Developed with the help of government grants, Cosmobot is a robot that mimics the motions of its user. This product is only available in limited situations but is expected to be a popular item in the future.

We welcome nominees for next year's special toys at epedit@aol.com.