Switch Adapted Toys

What is a Switch Adapted Toy?

A switch adapted toy is a toy which has been modified so a child with a special needs disability is able to press a switch and activate the toy. This is performed instead of turning a standard battery operated toy’s button on and off. Many different types of toys can be altered in order for a child with disabilities to be able to play with it.

Most battery operated toys are adapted by a variety of switches. The child’s abilities determine the type of switch to choose. A child who has difficulty seeing or grasping is able to play with toys with enlarged parts. To prevent the toy from sliding so it will stay within reach of the child, stabilize the bottom. Simplifying the play area and setting up a toy in a manner that holds a child’s interest also aids those who get distracted easily. To improve engagement with a child during playtime, toys with enhancements that appeal to the senses, such as bright colors, textures or bells, are helpful.

All children, disabled or not, can benefit from switch adapted toys. For those with a disability, an added switch allows independent access to the toys and teaches about environmental control. A switch also enables a child to build gross and fine motor skills. For those without a disability, switch adapted toys can motivate learning. For children who are in both groups, adapted toys can level out differences in abilities during playtime.

How Do I Know If a Toy Can Be Adapted?

Basically, if a toy turns on and runs when the power switch is placed at the “on” location, the toy is able to be adapted. If the toy does not run until the power is turned on and a button is pressed on the toy, then it normally cannot be adapted. If a toy can be adapted, a battery device adaptor is needed to be placed between the terminal and the battery. These are also called battery interrupters. A switch will plug into the battery device adaptor. Then, when the switch is held down, the circuit is completed and the toy will run.

One requirement is sustained activation. Some children have difficulty holding down a switch to activate a toy. The switch latch and timer is a great solution for this. This device plugs in between the toy and the switch and changes how the switch controls the toy. In latch mode, pressing the switch once turns on the toy and pressing the switch again turns off the toy. Therefore, no sustained activation is needed. In timed mode, a single switch turns on the toy for a set length of time.

Some switch adapted toys that are available include CD players, vibrating pillows, stuffed animals that move and make sounds, tape recorders, toys that spin, fans, music players, pitching machines, DVD players, and radios.

Hulet Smith, OT
Rehabmart Co-Founder & CEO

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