Thank goodness for toy reviews, especially when the holidays or birthdays roll around. How else would parents get the real scoop on how to create the WOW factor when kids open their presents and how to KEEP it after the party decorations have long since disappeared?
“Parents want toys that have real value,” states Ellen Metrick, Chief Toy Evaluator at AblePlay, a website sponsored by the National Lekotek Center that researches, rates and reviews toys for children with disabilities. “Real value can mean a whole lot of different things to different people, but it is worth asking yourself a few value-oriented questions before you shell out your dollars. Plus there are toy review sites, like AblePlay, that ask those questions and many more to give you different information than the toy packaging states. That way you know what to expect and can gauge the WOW factor based on this additional input and knowing your child’s interests.”
Before purchasing, parents often check out various sites. Metrick recommends that they might want to include those that utilize experts in the field. “The advantage of getting an expert who knows the industry is that they are giving this product a rating based on a larger universe of options. A parent sure knows their child’s personal experiences with a toy or game, but may not be aware of other similar products out there that may be more suitable for their child.”
Metrick should know because she not only oversees the AblePlay toy site for children with disabilities, but also works with top toy manufacturers and retailers in evaluating their products for the special needs markets. “Forward-thinking toy industry players are waking up to the number of kids in the special needs market. Connected to them are parents, family and friends who want to buy toys that are both appropriate and appreciated by the child.”
Here are some questions to keep in mind when checking on toy review sites:
1.
Does this rating tell me what benefits the toy has?
2. Does the rating system take into consideration more than just chronological age levels?
3. Is there a way to determine the cognitive demands of this toy through the rating?
4. Do I get information on how this toy is activated so I can determine if my child can operate it?
5. Does this rating system give me information on the sensory input this toy has so I can determine if it helps or hinders my child?
6. Can I find creative ways to use this toy through this rating site beyond the recommended ways?
7. Was this rating written by someone who understands the needs of a child with a disability?
A recent survey released November, 2011 by the U.S. Census Bureau revealed that about 5 percent of school-age children in the United States have a disability. Metrick adds, “That means that 1 in every 20 kids has a disability and it’s hard to ignore the importance of that market. That also means that 5 percent of the parents out there could use a toy rating resource for their child with special needs.”
AblePlay is a website at www.ableplay.org that researches, rates and reviews current toys for children with special needs. AblePlay is part of the nonprofit National Lekotek Center, the leading authority on play for children with disabilities www.lekotek.org.
This Song is dedicated to all the kids with disabilities and special needs around the world just a small gift to show how much we love them , care about them , treasure them and thank them for being a beautiful part of our lives. We need you as much as you need us Thank U for being who you are ,,, you don’t need to change at all , it is us who should change and treat you as equals . to my brother ,,, I LOVE you now and forever The Special Child Author Unknown You weren’t like other children, And God was well aware, You’d need a caring family, With love enough to share. And so He sent you to us, And much to our surprise, You haven’t been a challenge, But a blessing in disguise. Your winning smiles and laughter, The pleasures you impart, Far outweigh your special needs, And melt the coldest heart. We’re proud that we’ve been chosen, To help you learn and grow, The job that you have brought us, Is more than you can know. A precious gift from Heaven, A treasure from above, A child who’s taught us many things, But most of all- “Real Love” and for more poems go to .. www.the-special-needs-child.com
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