The
Season is Upon Us
by Jennifer Mundl, MS
Whether you celebrate
Christmas, Hanukkah or Kwanzaa, the holiday season is here. Children’s
eyes twinkle at the shiny decorations, holiday cheer and scrumptious
food. Children are the center of attention. The holidays are for
everyone, whether five months or 105 years of age.
Presents are a part of the festivities along with the traditions,
stories, and beliefs. Squeals of joy resound throughout the walls
as gifts with bright colorful wrapping paper are opened. Children
with disabilities are equally enchanted by this season. The realization
of new toys and leisure perpetuate through many products by specialized
vendors, service providers and online adapted equipment stores.
Ages 1 through 5
Switch
adapters by AbleNet
Many toys for the youngest
children are battery-operated. The switch adapter is placed between
the battery and battery case holder making the toy switch operable.
Stuffed animals with movement or musical objects simply go on and
off by hitting the attached switch.
Ages 6 through 10
Adapted Racing
Cars by Enabling Devices
Remote controlled cars are
all the rage. Enabling Devices developed an easy-to-use remote car
for children with disabilities. The enlarged joystick enables many
to race their car against other siblings and friends.
Mason Exer-Rider® by
Mason Corp.
Children with poor trunk control
and weak lower extremities can experience the fun and benefits of
movement with the Exer-Rider®.
By moving the handlebars from side to side, children enjoy independent
play. Upturned handlebars encourage trunk extension.
Ages 11 through 14
PlayStation
Adapter for Special Needs by Enabling Devices or K. Y. Enterprises
What
child doesn’t enjoy competing with the PlayStation?
The controller is operational by switches, pressing a circular
disk, or sip and puff. Imagine your child playing such games as
Skateboard independently. The smile on his or her face will be
priceless.
Super Bubble Blower
by Crestwood
This device spews colorful
bubbles into the air. The bubble blower is good stimulation for sensory
deficits as well as for those with low cognition. Turn the device
on and watch it create lots of big bubbles for you.
Ages 15 through 19
Cell Phones
from ETI Engineering
Have you walked down the high
school hall recently after school? Students talking on cell phones
are everywhere and text messaging is extremely popular. There are
large button cell phones, voice-activated, voice output, and many
other varieties.
Switch Adapted
CD Player Boom
box from Dragonfly Toys
Music is part of being a teenager. There are new CDs produced every
day with more downloadable through Itunes over the Internet. Teenagers
enjoy making their own CDs and listening to them with friends.
This adapted CD player and boom box is an excellent option providing
independence for individuals with limited physical abilities. Simply
attach a switch to this device, then let the music rip.
Older Children
Peter Pan said
he would never grow up and many adults feel the same way. Just
as the saying goes ... you are only as old as you think you are.
There are many adapted games available for older children. Cardholders,
Braille cards, large print games, and card shufflers are a few
examples of gift ideas for the fun-minded individual. Computer games
are available both online and as loadable software. Several online
versions allow the homebound individual to play backgammon or hearts
with people around the world. Real Arcade is a Web site with thousands
of games which can be played for free in the limited version or purchased
for around 9-15 dollars each. Some games even work well with voice
recognition.
The Art of Surprise
This is a small sampling of adapted toys and devices available today.
Search the Internet or browse through adapting catalogs for additional
ideas. Before purchasing, you should consider the likes and dislikes
of the user, their capabilities, and age appropriateness.
The unique and special
surprise you give will surely cause the recipient to shout for
joy. Your heart will be full, and no doubt, tears will come to
your eyes, as you witness the recipient’s fulfillment
and exuberation at your gift choice(s).
