So fun! A lending library for adapted toys
by Beth
We’re pleased to have Rob DuVall, Director of Marketing and Corporate Relations at Easter Seals Central and Southeast Ohio, as a guest blogger today.
A library full of toys—and smiles
by Rob DuVall
A new library opened here at Easter Seals Central and Southeast Ohio last Saturday, February 22. This library is not filled with books—it’s filled with toys! Easter Seals is very excited to partner with Katelyn’s Krusade, named for 16-month-old Katelyn Bennett, who receives early intervention services here at Easter Seals.
Katelyn’s parents, Heather and Edward Bennett, know first-hand how hard it can be for parents of children with disabilities to find toys adapted for their kids to use. Even if you’re lucky enough to find a retailer who sells adapted toys, they can cost $50 to $200 more than the standard toy. Now, thanks to the Bennetts and some hardworking volunteers from Ohio State University and Hilliard Davidson High School, Katelyn’s Krusade offers a collection of adapted toys that can be borrowed or purchased at nearly the cost of a standard toy.
A story in the Hilliard Northwest News quotes Luke Hoover, one of the students who spent months adapting remote control vehicles and toys with lights, sounds and moving parts for children. Luke said that adapting the toys has been a great experience for him. “It has allowed me hands-on experience,” he said. “And then we get to see people use them.” Another student, Clayton Steele, told the reporter that he is involved in several service organizations, but the work he and his fellow students did adapting toys has been especially meaningful because of the children who will benefit.
The Mission of Katelyn’s Krusade is to provide an indoor recreation facility dedicated to children with special needs and their families, with a goal to provide all children the opportunity to play with developmentally appropriate toys and equipment in an environment which will support their changing needs and embrace their differences. By creating the Adapted Toy Lending Library, Katelyn’s Krusade and Easter Seals hope to make the use of adapted toys and equipment more accessible for families living with disabilities or other special needs. Check out Katelyn’s Krusade website for more information.