GIVING TOYS A MAKEOVER

That’s where Enabling Devices comes in, modifying mainstream toys by adding motors, lights and sounds, and connecting cords and switches so that physically limited and wheelchair-confined children can use the products.

Lekotek recently partnered with Rokenbok and Crane Industries to create 1,000 Rokenbok sets specially designed for disabled children.

But further efforts aren’t underway because resources are scarce. Rokenbok CEO Paul Aiken believed in the project, Nielander said. “Unless somebody is behind it with such a passion, you can’t get it off the ground financially.”

Though it hopes to advise toymakers on making better products for all children, Lekotek developed the AblePlay rating system to help guide parents of children with disabilities toward appropriate choices.

Parents might also be comforted to know that addressing special needs is sometimes as much about attitude as it is about the kind of toy. Dolls and books by Possibility Thinker and Kids With Possibilities, for instance, respectively teach children about being themselves and discovering their strengths through new activities.

“As an educator who has worked with children of varying abilities and challenges,” Kids With Possibilities Founder Laurie DesRosier said, “I have learned never to underestimate a child’s potential.”

See developmental and special needs-related toys below:
POSSIBILITIES TOYSHOW

Possibility Thinker P.T. Character Doll (Red) by POSSIBILITY THINKER INC.

This unique character doll allows individuals to communicate through interchangeable heart messages such as “I love you,” “I miss you” and “You are special and unique; there's no one else just like you.” Inspired by company founder Marlene Balbach’s long-term positive battle with multiple sclerosis, P.T. is 22” long and features a soft corduroy body, a head that turns, an embroidered face and an embroidered red heart on the chest. P.T. comes dressed in a soft fleece hooded sweatshirt, a removable matching headband, blue jeans, and blue and white sneakers. “There are 35 messages to choose from…so you’re sure to find just the right message for your P.T. to bring to that special someone,” Balbach told TDmonthly. Launch date: October 2006. 2/19/2007 (Price: $42.95; Age: All Ages)

P.T.'s Big Surprise by POSSIBILITY THINKER INC.

Written by Marlene Balbach and illustrated by Laura Glusha, this story tells how P.T. makes a new friend by looking past the outside and getting to know the person for what's on the inside. He extends friendship to someone who’s a little different than everyone else, and enjoys a fun-filled day at the zoo. Launch date: December 2007.
— While struggling with multiple sclerosis, Marlene Balbach founded Possibility Thinker to encourage others to express their feelings and see their purpose. The company produces P.T. dolls and a book that demonstrate acceptance and show the good in being unique. “P.T.’s message is ‘Just be you; no one can be you better than you,’” she told TDmonthly. 11/30/2007 (Price: $15.99; Age: 3 to 10)