Toy Selection

By: Carmen Willings
teachingvisuallyimpaired.com
​Updated June 15, 2024

Many students with visual impairments will need to be taught how to interact and participate in activities. You may have to teach the student how to explore toys & materials. As stated in Guiding Principles, students who are blind or visually impaired need many opportunities to play with real objects. That doesn't mean that you will not want to provide the student with toys. In selecting toys, you do need to choose toys that meet the students learning needs. If the student has low vision and is distracted by visual clutter, you will want to select toys that are simple and have bold colors. If the student will only visually attend to a certain characteristic (red, or metallic), obviously you should look for toys with these features. For a student with minimal or no vision, you will want to look for toys that are tactually interesting. As you explore toys in the toy aisles, close your eyes and feel the toys. Does it just feel like a lump of hard plastic or does it have tactually interesting features that will encourage exploration and interest?
Remember that not every toy is right for every student. Determine the type and features of toys that the student prefers. Consider what skills you want to work on as you select toys and ensure the toys are both developmentally appropriate and age appropriate.  Toys and materials that are life-like and vary in weight are more meaningful than an arrangement of plastic toys that all feel the same in texture and weight. 

Toy Features

​Look for toys that talk or imitate real life noises as they attract attention. Consider if the sounds are harmonic or brassy. Some sounds may be abrasive to both the students and adults! Give preference to toys that have volume control. If the student has usable vision, look for toys that have bright colors, high contrast and light-up. Toys with simple contrasting patterns of lines and shapes that are brightly colored or light up during play stimulate children to use their vision to its best potential.  That said, be cautious about using toys that have flickering lights for any student who may have seizures.
Select toys that have many ways to be activated such as dials to turn, switches to push, slide, pinch or flip, strings to pull, buttons to push and other surfaces that are fun to touch and operate encourage students to use their fingers and hands to explore.  These toys also encourage students to use both hands together and develop fine finger control and a variety of arm and finger movements. Choose toys made from a variety of different materials, textures, shapes, sizes and weights that offer tactile variety and encourage exploration.  Some toys also have added scents.

​Real Objects

​Using real materials is a way to make instruction more age appropriate. Real objects are age neutral and more meaningful as they help bridge concepts. Use a wide variety of objects with a variety of textures & shapes. As you introduce topics locate and present  items found around home & community. When you need to purchase items look at the dollar store and low cost items at other stores but ensure safety and durability.

​Toy & Material Safety Tips

​Be cautious of using materials with small pieces as many students in classrooms with students with complex needs may still put non-food items in their mouths. Always check for any broken or sharp edges and be sure that no parts can come loose or pull off. Use materials that can be washed to avoid spreading germs and be sure to wash the materials off with soapy water in between students. 

Toy Companies

The following companies publish catalogs of toys, many of which are appropriate for use with infants and young children who are blind or have low vision. In some cases, you will be able to discover comparable toys in a local discount store at significant savings.
  • ​​Abilitations provides equipment for development and restoration of physical and cognitive abilities through movement.
  • ​Able Net is an international company that provides educational and technical solutions to help children and adults with disabilities lead productive and fulfilled lives.
  • Discount School Supplies provides a collection of therapy, exercise, and special education products for children with special needs.
  • ​American Federation for the Blind's Family Connect site that lists toys that are appropriate for children with visual impairments. Toys are marked in categories of being appropriate for low vision, blind and multiple impairments. A brief description of the toy is included along with the area of development the toy stimulates.
  • ​Beyond Play offers an extensive selection of products for young children of all abilities - from infants through elementary grades.
  • ​Brio specializes in high-quality, brightly colored wooden toys.
  • ​Constructive Playthings specializes in teachers supplies, classroom materials, learning toys, playground equipment and more. 
  • ​Discovery Toys offers products sold by local educational consultants.
  • ​Dragonfly Toys offers products for children with special needs.
  • ​Enabling Devices sells adapted tools, toys, and devices for children and adults with disabilities.
  • ​The Equipment Shop sells special tools and toys for children with special needs.
  • Exceptional Teaching Aids provides innovative products for individuals of all ages having special needs as well as all those who serve this population. They carry the Mangold Dev. Programs for learning braille and math, raised line coloring books, braille blocks, world maps, and other items.
  • ​Flaghouse's Special Populations catalog carries products for education and rehabilitation.
  • ​Hasbro Playskool sells toys and materials for infants and young children.
  • ​Kaplan Toys provides exciting and fun educational toys that focus on helping children develop.
  • ​Kaye Products, Inc. is a mail-order catalog features selected toys and products for children with disabilities.
  • ​Lakeshore Learning Materials catalog features learning materials and furniture for the preschool and early learning classroom.
  • ​The Learning Resources catalog contains materials for kindergarten, primary grades, and special education.
  • ​S&S Worldwide offers Therapy and Rehab supplies in addition to educational supplies.
  • ​An international company TFH carries toys, adapted equipment and sensory stimulation materials for special needs.
  • ​Toys to Grow On sells toys with bright primary colors are in this mail order catalog.
  • ​US Toys - Constructive Playthings sells many toys but not specifically designed for students with special needs.

ECC Instruction

Teaching the ECC
Thematic units
Compensatory Skills
Concept Development Functional Skills
Alternative Communication Emergent Literacy Braille Slate & Stylus
Tactile Graphics Nemeth Braille Code
Access Classes Cranmer Abacus Organization & Study Skills Time Management Listening Skills Instruction 
VI Assistive Technology
Social Skills
Self Determination
Sensory Efficiency
Independent Living
Orientation & Mobility
Recreation & Leisure
Career & Vocational