Every child deserves the opportunity to learn, play, and engage with the world around them. Through Penfield Children’s Center’s Inclusive Play: Toys for All initiative, children of all abilities gain access to adapted toys that support development, independence, and meaningful play experiences. 

Recently, professionals, therapists, educators, and community members gathered at Marquette University for the Adaptive Toy Training Workshop, a two-day accredited course led by engineer Molly Erickson. During the workshop, participants learned how to adapt toys with switches, making them accessible for children with developmental delays and disabilities.

The hands-on training equips participants with the skills needed to create adapted toys for children in their own communities. Many attendees go on to host Inclusive Play: Toys for All build days or incorporate adapted toys into therapy sessions, classrooms, and other supportive settings. 

The need for adapted toys continues to grow. Adaptive toys can be costly to purchase, creating challenges for families, schools, clinics, and therapists seeking resources for children with disabilities. Research and clinical observations have shown that adapted toys help children develop important skills, including understanding cause and effect, while supporting growth across multiple areas of development. These toys provide opportunities for children to engage more independently in play, learning, and exploration. 

For Vladimir Bjelic, Speech-Language Pathologist at Penfield Children’s Center, the success of the initiative is rooted in collaboration. 

“Due to the high need for adaptive toys, this initiative would not be possible without the collaboration of professionals who are passionate about ensuring that every child, therapist, parent, clinic, and agency has access to a variety of adaptive toys,” said Bjelic. “It has been an amazing and overwhelming experience to see how passionate people are about helping those in need.” 

Through partnerships and community involvement, Penfield’s Inclusive Play: Toys for All initiative continues to expand access to adaptive toys and create more inclusive play opportunities for children and families. 

Those interested in learning more about the Adaptive Toy Training Workshop or future Inclusive Play initiatives are encouraged to contact Penfield Children’s Center. The workshop is held annually and welcomes individuals who are passionate about making play more accessible for every child. For more information, contact Vladimir Bjelic, Speech-Language Pathologist, at vladimirbjelic@penfieldchildren.org or call Penfield Children’s Center and ask to speak with Vladimir.