MAKING TOY ADAPTATIONS Brian Simms, M.A. CCC-SLP Assistive Technology Specialist Assistive Technology Partners

A Plan for Our Time Review purpose of play Identify steps to adapting toys Identify how children use toys and techniques for play facilitation Examine materials for making adaptations ACTIVITY- Brainstorm your toys Other?

Why Do Children Play? Cognitive Understanding Problem solving Practice new skills  persistence in problems solving Perseverance- pleasure from completing a task Social-emotional development Practice social skills Language Use Motor Development BECAUSE IT SURE BEATS WORKIN’ !! Transdisciplinary Play Based Assessment (Linder, 1993)

Children with Disabilities and Play Children with developmental delays progress through the same sequence of development, but –Reduced repertoire of play skills –Reduced language during play –Less sophisticated representational play –Limited selection of play materials (Not the case after today ) Transdisciplinary Play Based Assessment (Linder, 1993)

STEPS TO ADAPTING TOYS 1.Assess the Child’s Abilities (Child) 2.Target Play Behavior (Play Skill) 3.Select Toy (Toy) 4.Make Adaptations & Modifications (Materials) 5.PLAY!!!!

STEP 1: Child’s Abilities  Cognitive  Sensory Hearing Vision Integration Motor Gross Fine  Communication Comprehension Production  Social-Emotional

STEP 2: Target Play Behavior What is the next developmental play step? What category of play you would like to target?

STEP 2: Target Play Behavior (cont’d) Developmental Sequence of Play Behavior (handout) Categories of Play –Exploratory-sensory toys –Functional- telephone, pots n’ pans –Constructive- blocks –Dramatic or Symbolic- using a shoe for a phone –Games-with-rules- board games, tag, etc. –Rough-and-tumble- wrestling Transdisciplinary Play Based Assessment (Linder, 1993)

STEP 3: Select the Toy Developmentally appropriate Multi-sensory appeal Method of activation Opportunities for success Self-expression Adjustability Safety and durability Potential for interaction The National Lekotek Center

STEP 4: Make Adaptations MATERIALS TO USE Velcro (there’s a variety!) Tongue depressors Dycem Fabric Dowel Rods Wooden handles Switches Magnets Felt Dots Battery Interrupter Rubber Bands Pipe insulation/hair curlers PVC pipe Suction cups IMAGINATION!!!

STEP 5: Play!! Techniques for Facilitating Play Parallel play- playing along side child Imitation- copying child’s activity Modeling- demonstrating how to play Expansion – building upon play skills

ACTIVITY 1.Get in groups/teams of … 2.Pick a toy from the bin 3.Describe child’s abilities (Child) 4.Target play behavior (Play Skill) 5.Select the Toy. Tell why you selected that toy. (Toy) 6.How will you adapt the toy or activity? (Materials)

Questions?

What we covered Why children need to play Resources for identifying play skills Examined materials to adapt toys Created our own, unique adaptations! What did you learn that was useful? How will you apply it?

Review: Steps to Adapting Toys 1.Assess the Child’s Abilities (Child) 2.Target Play Behavior (Play Skill) 3.Select Toy (Toy) 4.Make Adaptations & Modifications (Materials) 5. PLAY!!!!

Useful Websites Lekotek –Great resource for accessible play ideas – Patty King-Debaun –Alternative communication strategies and resources –

Useful Websites Let ’ s Play Project –Toy adaptations, communication and play –cosmos.buffalo.edu/letsplay/AT/at. html cosmos.buffalo.edu/letsplay/AT/at. html Simplified Technology –Assistive technology and early childhood –

Other Resources PVC Book –Great ideas for the early childhood –How to make inexpensive toys & seating out of PVC pipe. –Created by our own Diane Brians

NOW GO HAVE SOME FUN!!