Disabled children get adapted toys to help with mobility

A charity has developed a range of toys to help disabled children who have physical problems that limit their motor skills.

Abilitynet, a charity that helps disabled people use technology, has teamed up with manufacturer Excitim Ltd to produce a range of toys which it hopes will combat this problem.

According to Abilitynet, many children with special needs are prevented from enjoying the toys and games their peers take for granted because their disabilities prevent them from operating the controls.

David Banes, director of development at the charity, said: “Play is critical to the social, psychological and educational development of our young people, as well as their well-being and self confidence.

“However, for many disabled children, play options are severely limited by their condition.”

Toys include the Dream-Racer, which is an adapted radio-controlled toy racing car, truck or boat. Unlike conventional joysticks it depends on motion-sensing electronics incorporated into a baseball cap.

The toys also include controllers for disabled children who like to play with games consoles. Dream-Gamer is an adapted controller for the Sony Playstation 1, 2 or 3. It can be used either for solo use or alongside able-bodied co-players.

The Dream-Mouse also lets those unable to operate a standard mouse have full control over games, email, documents and their internet activities by using head or other bodily movements.

The toys are available from the Abilitynet website and they range in price from £34 to £200.