Believe it or not, some assistive technology products are cleverly disguised as toys. These products teach kids with disabilities and let them have fun too! Thousands of these types of products exist and I’ve chosen a few to share with you. Enjoy!
Photo Puzzles These puzzles are great resources for children with autism. Kids find the puzzle pieces to match the facial expression of a photo included in the box. The game will increase visual discriminations skill and is a tool for talking about feelings. Key Education‘s puzzle includes 5 facial expression game board and 30 facial game cards. The cards are laminated for durability and cleanliness.
The Smart Princess This unique storybook collection takes child readers into fantasies, dreams and disappointments of young people who are Deaf. For example, in one tale, a princess runs away with her aunt who does not allow her to sign. Another tale details an experience of a Deaf child at a hearing school. The Smart Princess is authored and illustrated by winner of the Ladder Awards, a national competition organized by the Canadian Cultural Society for the Deaf. The book is published by Second Story Press.
Back Pocket Monsters This game is used for students who attend speech and language therapy. In the game, students each get a pocket that little monsters live in. Each time a students get the answer correct, they earn another monster for their pocket. Content for the questions include basic inferencing skills about articulation and language. Another version of Back Pocket Monsters is available and it focused on the pronunciation of irregular plurals. This game can be downloaded for free.
Rubik’s Cube for the Blind This toy transforms the traditional came into a black and white touch-based puzzle. In place of the colors the Rubik’s Cube has Braille symbols that represent green, blue, red, yellow, white and pink. This product is designed by Yanko Design.
YouTube Videos of Signed Songs This “toy” isn’t a traditional “child’s play thing.” However entertaining and helpful for students with disabilities. You can watch Miley Cyrus’ Party in the USA, Queen’s Bohemian Rhapsody, One Republic’s Secrets and many more! Just type ASL and the song you want to watch in the search bar and you’ll most likely find a video to watch!
