FAQ

What is an adapted toy?

Most toys have very small buttons that require fine tuned movements of arms, hands, and fingers. For kiddos who don’t have these fine motor skills, adapted toys can open up a world of access and fun. Adapted toys are off-the-shelf battery operated toys that have been rewired to connect to a switch, a larger button that is easier for the child to interact with. Many children with limited fine and gross motor skills cannot play with regular battery-operated toys.

What is a switch?

Switches are devices that enable people with motor limitations to use electronics. Computers, phones, environmental technology like fans and lights, and of course— toys!— can all be switch adapted. The type of switch an individual will benefit from depends on their unique abilities. A person may activate a switch with their hand, chin, or other body part. Some switches are activated by eye gaze & puffs or air!

Who needs adapted toys?

Many kids who enjoy switch-adapted toys have a condition called cerebral palsy (CP). CP is a group of disorders that affect a person’s ability to move and maintain balance and posture. CP is the most common motor disability in children, with ~1 in 345 children having a diagnosis of CP. However, children with other disabilities may benefit from adapted toys as well.

What exactly is an adaptive toy library?

Adaptive toy libraries are our way of ensuring that even a small collection of toys will benefit a large number of children. Our definition of a toy library is simply a variety of switch-adapted toys that many children can use over time. Our toy libraries typically thrive in schools, clinics, and other facilities serving children with disabilities. Toys can be used within facilities (e.g. in the classroom or clinic) or loaned to families for use at home.

I’m a teacher/clinician hoping to receive a toy library. Will I have to return the toys to FairPlay?

No! The toys will belong to your school or clinic.

Is a switch/button included in my donated toy library?

No. Currently, our toy libraries do not include switches. If you are looking for more information on switches, we recommend reaching out to your school or clinic’s occupational therapist, speech-language pathologist, or assistive technology specialist.

How many toys will I receive?

You will receive a minimum of three switch-adaptive toys. A variety of factors including geographical location, population size, and other needs are factored into the library size.

Who adapts the toys that I will receive?

Our toys are hand-adapted by FairPlay volunteers including engineers, speech-language pathologists, and university students.

How do I get a toy library in my school/clinic/community?

What do I need to participate in a workshop?

We offer a few different types of workshops. If you are attending an in-person workshop, you do not need to bring any materials. If you are attending a virtual workshop, you may need some or all of the following tools: power drill & bits, a variety of screwdriver heads, a hot glue gun, wire strippers. Specific tool lists are posted with each workshop.

Is it hard to adapt a toy?

Once you're familiar with the tools and steps, adapting a toy is fairly simple and quick. However, some toys are easier to adapt than others. If you're interested in adapting a toy, we recommend choosing a toy from our recommended toy list. Attend one of our workshops to learn from a professional.

FAQ