Who is this for?
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About MeMy name is Bridget Baker and I am an occupational therapist with over 30 years of pediatric experience. I love to help children who have the most challenging bodies participate in their world, especially through play. I scour local thrift stores to find toys that provide a lot of fun without a lot of hand skills or can be easily (and cheaply) modified for that purpose.
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ADAPTING TOYS
FOR INDEPENDENCE
This section is all about modifying commercially available toys to make them accessible for children who have difficulties using their hands. Modifications include adding grips or handles, stabilizing the toy, increasing the size of the target and changing the way the toys is activated. The pictures below link to specific articles. Hopefully you will learn general ideas to apply to your child's toys as well as specific toys and modifications you may want to do yourself.
PRETEND PLAY-
HIGH ON IMAGINATION, LOW ON FINE MOTOR
Children master cause and effect at a very young age. If your child enjoys watching shows and listening to stories they are ready for pretend play. It's usually we adults who need a reminder of how to play pretend so we can teach and encourage pretending in the child. This section has examples of how to make simple movements from the child have a big impact in their make-believe world.
GREAT FINDS!
MAYBE ADD DUAL LOCK AND THEY ARE PLAY READY
This section is for those toys that have "universal design". They are fun for children with a variety of abilities. They may require securing to the tray or thoughtful positioning but otherwise work as is. Go to the Great Finds page to see all the toys that have made that category. Click on the pictures below to go straight to the latest finds.