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Toys for the Differently - Abled Kids Not at Toys R Us

by Marcie

Not long ago I wrote about the new Toys R Us launch for the Differntly-Abled Kids and recently Julie over at Play Library wrote about it. Obviously, I am not a big fan. Why?

1. Anyone who knows and loves a special needs child will find the Guide to be a valuable resource. Since its inception, thousands of parents, relatives, friends and professionals have relied on the Guide to help them determine which toys are suitable for a child’s particular abilities. I, as a parent of a special needs child, find that the toys in the Guide don’t meet the needs of my child or most of the children I know with special needs.

Examples: The auditory and visual categories include toys that ONLY stimulate a child’s auditory and visual senses. They don’t offer toys that calm the child using visual and auditory senses. Toys (products) that do that are
Sensory Earmuffs , Conair Infant Sound Machine, and International Playthings Turn ‘n Tumble Rainstick. Rope lights, stacking blocks, lava lamps, and light brights, all work great for calming toys or products.

2. “Can play be open-ended with no definite right or wrong way?” The toys featured on the site are not open-ended toys. Have you ever tried using a Disney/Pixar Cars Shake & Go Racers - McQueen as an Ice Cream Truck? Or have you tried throwing a Vtech - Move & Crawl Ball? It just does not work. But, try using the Plan Toys Dollhouse in pretend play and use your imagination. Create stories, imagine Christmas morning or an afternoon in the nursery.

3. I’m surprised that Autism Speaks has partnered up with Toy’s R Us to help sponsor this…but then again, Toys R Us is a major chain and they are big enough to bring in money and publicity, just like Jenny McCarthy is big enough to bring in money to TACA Now.

4. I LOVE the fact that you can narrow your search by character brand. What a great program (insert sarcasm). How about narrowing the search by sensory integration function or by pretend play, educational play, or tools?

5. Is it a toy that will help the child with disabilities feel like “any other kid”?
Does it tie in with other activities like books and art sets that promote other forms of play?

Is it just me or does this above statement contradict the statement below? It is the criteria for choosing the toys.

Does the toy allow for creativity, uniqueness and making choices?
Will it give the child experience with a variety of media?

At any rate…here is my list of great holiday toys.

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Posted in Books and Toy Reviews, Sensory Systems, Speech on November 7th, 2007

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3 Responses to “Toys for the Differently - Abled Kids Not at Toys R Us”

  1. mommy~dearest Says:
    November 7th, 2007 at 1:57 pm

    Awesome post! I am in total agreement.

  2. Amy Says:
    November 7th, 2007 at 9:26 pm

    I’ve been thinking much like you these days. I’ve even given lists and websites of places (The Therapy Shoppe is one) to relatives so they can get holiday and birthday gifts for Jack.

    Regular toy stores don’t cut it for kids with sensory needs. Toys R Us doesn’t have ANYTHING on SuperDuperInc.

  3. Maddy Says:
    November 8th, 2007 at 3:18 pm

    I know what you mean. I think it’s especially helpful for people who don’t know your child to well, especially relatives abroad as it helps give them some insight.
    Best wishes

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