Toy Selection

By: Carmen Willings
teachingvisuallyimpaired.com
Updated June 18, 2025

Children with visual impairments often need guidance on how to explore and engage with toys meaningfully. This begins with informed selections that match their sensory and developmental needs.

Choose with Intention

Learn what engages them: Observe what attracts the child—bright colors, metallic surfaces, bold tactile patterns, or specific textures.
Balance developmental goals: Select toys that support fine motor skills, language, social interaction, and cognitive growth.

Key Features by Visual Ability

For Low Vision

High-contrast visuals: Choose toys in bold, distinct colors (e.g., neon or primary hues).
Illumination: Light-up features can hold attention but avoid flashing lights for photosensitivity.
Simplicity: Select uncluttered designs; too much visual detail can be distracting.

For Little or No Vision

Tactile richness: Prioritize toys with varied textures (e.g., rubber bumps, wood grain, cloth fabrics).
Auditory cues: Toys that produce clear sounds—preferably gentle or controllable via volume knobs.
Interactive innovation: Seek toys with different points of activation—buttons, sliders, dials, string-pulls—to encourage fine motor use and dual-hand coordination.

Incorporate Real Objects

Use real-world items (e.g., kitchen utensils, tools, recyclable materials) to build meaningful play opportunities that are age-appropriate and sensory rich. The dollar store often offers varied, tactile possibilities at low cost.

Prioritize Safety & Hygiene

Choking & hygiene: Ensure parts are large enough, detachable pieces are secure, and materials are easy to clean.
Durable & washable: Look for sturdy, washable materials to withstand regular use in inclusive settings.

Recommended Vendors & Resources

Abilitations: Adapted toys designed for physical and sensory engagement
Able Net: Assistive tech and educational solutions
Beyond Play: products for young children of all abilities
Brio & Lakeshore Learning: Durable and engaging wooden/preschool toys.
Code Jumper & Quorum Kits: STEM and coding with tactile, audio feedback.
Constructive Playthings: materials, learning toys, playground equipment and more.
Discount School Supplies: therapy, exercise, and special education products
Discovery Toys: Montessori-inspired, sensory-rich materials
Dragonfly Toys: Inclusive and sensory toys
Enabling Devices: Adapted switch toys and sensory tools
Exceptional Teaching Aids: Braille blocks, raised-line coloring kits
Flaghouse and S&S Worldwide: Physical education equipment for special populations
Learning Resources: High-contrast educational kits
Montessori sensory bins: Provide varied textures and weighted, real-world objects—perfect for exploration.
TFH (Toys for Hands): Sensory and tactile goods.

Additional Suggestions & Resources

DIY opportunities: Create your own toys!
Assistive tech switches: Add simple switch activations to everyday toys.
Sensory experiences: Include scent samples (e.g., herbs, spices) if appropriate and safe.
STEAM tools: Consider tools like Perkins Quorum, LEGO Braille Bricks, or Code Jumper to encourage tactile and logical learning.

Final Checklist

Match toy features to perception and learning goals.
Ensure durability, safety, and cleanability.
Mix commercial and DIY tactics for diverse exploration.
Enhance with sensory, tech, and STEAM resources.

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