Toys for Children Who are Blind or Visually Impaired

For young children, playing is learning. Sometimes, though, it is difficult to judge what kind of toys are appropriate for a child who has a visual impairment.

Here are a few resources which may be helpful.

Guide to Toys for Children Who Are Blind or Visually Impaired
This directory has been developed by the American Foundation for the Blind in association with the Toy Manufacturers of America. It includes some suggestions in the introduction about types of characteristics a toy may have which will stimulate the visually impaired or blind child to want to play. To obtain a copy, phone AFB at 1-800-232-5463.

Toys 'R' Us Toy Guide for Differently Abled Kids
This covers a wide range of disability areas and was developed in association with the National Parent Network on Disabilities. To obtain a copy, write: Toys Are Us; Guide for Differently Abled Kids; P.O. Box 4422; River Edge, NJ 07661-9894.

APH Products Catalog: Unique Products Designed for People Who Are Visually Impaired or Blind
This covers a wide range of educational materials for people who are blind or visually impaired. To obtain a copy, 1-800-223-1839.

Lekotek Toy Resource Helpline: 1-800-366-7529
National Lekotek Center, 2100 Ridge Ave., Evanston, IL 60201; Lekotek is an organization which helps to assess a child's developmental stage, in addition to the disability, to suggest toys that can be borrowed from a toy lending program. Specially trained persons observe the child at play and help select toys that may be of interest. There is an annual fee to participate in the toy lending program.