Adaptive Play and Assistive Technology
On this Page
Play is often talked about as if it were a relief from serious learning. But for children, play is serious learning. Play
is really the work of childhood.
- Fred Rogers
- Fred Rogers
This page will describe adaptive play and different types of adaptive play
in different settings.
What is Adaptive Play?
Adaptive play lets a child with limited function in abilities such as
movement, speech, eyesight, hearing, comprehension, or communication play more
fully. It may involve customizing toys, using adaptive equipment, accessing
assistive technologies, making new ways to play, and using the setting. Play can be
adapted for your child at home, in the community, or while in the hospital.
Adaptive Play at Home
Many children with special health care needs find a great comfort at home,
and being able to play and be themselves feels great. Some ideas for improving the
fun are:
Add a Switch
Modifying a favorite toy, such as one that talks or lights up, with a
switch is a common way to allow a child with motor skill challenges to start the
toy easily. Instead of pushing small buttons on the toy, which calls for fine
motor skill, the switch is linked with a large, hand-sized button to the toy.
Add Some Stick
Some children might have the skills to play with a toy, but their
gross motor skills make their arms push too hard, which causes the toy to slide
away. Buying a roll of no-slip drawer liner and cutting it to fit the bottom of
the toy, to make it stick, can sometimes do the trick.
Hi-Tech
Communication devices, such as an iPad or tablet, can be used at home
to communicate the child’s needs and wants. If you are teaching your child to
use the device and you need a reward system, you can reward them with a special
app that they love (a music app, fireworks app, or a stream of their favorite
show, and so on).
Adaptive Play in the Community
Whether your child likes sports, dance, or art, there are many local and
state programs for children with special health care needs.
Sports
Many states have groups with adaptive sports for children and adults
with disabilities. Special Olympics, Paralympics, adaptive baseball, basketball,
swimming, and soccer are just a few. The best way to find these programs is to
do a web search for them in your state.
Playgrounds
All over the country, cities and counties are now seeing the need to
offer adaptive equipment in playgrounds like wheelchair swings, supportive
swings, and wheelchair-friendly splash pads. Check with your county parks and
see what they have to offer. If there is nothing in your county, you can reach
out to the county board, let them know this is a need, and talk about what it
would take to make your parks accessible.
The Arts
Children of all ages and abilities love the arts. Each state has
accessible art programs that use adaptations and creative solutions that allow
children to take part in dance, music, painting, and more. Also see Fine Arts programs by state.
Adaptive Play in the Hospital
Photo Courtesy of Tina Persels
Child Life Teams
Children’s hospitals (and sometimes adult hospitals) have Child Life
teams that visit with children and their families, ask about their hobbies, and
give them activities that involve playing with toys, listening to music, making
art, and playing games. Some hospitals also have a stock of adaptive toys for
children who are not able to play with regular toys. If your child is inpatient,
ask your nurse if the Child Life team has adaptive toys and activities for your
child. See page Child Life Services.
Whatever the setting may be, children are usually ready to play. Some are
just waiting for the chance to do so. Get out your duct tape, search how to adapt
toys, find a website that sells them, call your local assistive technology center .
. . whatever it is you need to do will be well worth it when your child lights up
because they can play.
Resources
Information & Support
For Parents and Patients
Fine Arts programs by state
The Kennedy Center's Very Special Arts affiliate states.
National Lekotek Center
An organization promoting play and toys for children with special healthcare needs. These centers offer a toy lending library,
computer play, family play, and other programs.
Specialneedstoys.com
A great source for adapted toys, including sensory toys for every occasion, and specials on certain items.
Services for Patients & Families in Nevada (NV)
| Service Categories | # of providers* in: | NV | NW | Other states (4) (show) | | NM | OH | RI | UT |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rehabilitation / Habilitation Services | 11 | 3 | 7 | 3 | 4 | 21 | |||
For services not listed above, browse our Services categories or search our database.
* number of provider listings may vary by how states categorize services, whether providers are listed by organization or individual, how services are organized in the state, and other factors; Nationwide (NW) providers are generally limited to web-based services, provider locator services, and organizations that serve children from across the nation.