Accessible toys, play and learning

Toys for children with physical or learning disabilities need to be safe and suitable for their needs.

For example, if your child is likely to put the toy in their mouth, make sure it doesn't have any small parts that they could swallow.

Be careful not to leave button batteries around. They can be harmful if a child swallows them.

Read more toy safety advice from the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents.

Choosing suitable toys

There are many specialist toys designed for children with different disabilities, including children with sight, hearing, and mobility issues.

You may be able to get advice on choosing toys from a professional who works with your child, such as a paediatric occupational therapist. Your GP or Plymouth City Council can help you contact a local paediatric occupational therapist.

Other parents and informal support groups can be good sources of recommendations, as they may have direct experience using the toys.

You may also find that some disability organisations either sell recommended toys and games through their websites or provide links to recommended specialist toy companies.

How to cut the cost of specialist toys

Specialist toys can be expensive, but you can cut costs by borrowing them. This is also a good way to ensure a toy is suitable for your child before buying it. Some areas have a local toy library, and this may have play equipment that you can borrow, sometimes for a small fee.

You can also reduce the cost by making your own toys or by using household objects. For example, you can make your own bubble-blowing liquid using baby shampoo.

If your child has very particular needs and you can't find anything suitable, the charity Remap may be able to help. Remap has volunteers who can design and produce tailor-made items for people with disabilities.

Organisations that can help you

• Sense: play toolkits for parents of children with complex needs
• Living Made Easy for Children: toys games and equipment for sensory stimulation
• RNIB: books, products and accessible learning
• National Portage Association: offers home-visiting services for families of children with additional needs, and can help with play and learning
• GOV.UK: help if you have a disabled child

Plymouth's Local Offer is organised into four main categories covering the following age ranges:

• Early years (0 to 5 years old)
• Primary (5 to 11 years old)
• Secondary (11 to 18 years old)
• Preparing for adulthood

 Plymouth Local Offer homepage

Is the information correct?

Let us know if the information on this page is wrong and needs to be updated.