Development of the UDP Tool

The UDP tool was developed with the input of many individuals interested in better toy design. Focus groups of families with children with and without disabilities provided information on features they most frequently look for in toys. Also included was the opinions of toys buyers; individuals who purchased toys for children with a range of abilities (e.g. teachers, therapists, program administrators). Toy designers added information from a design perspective. As the tool was developed a group of play and disability experts reviewed the various features and correlated like features into groups. Several versions of the tool were tested by various groups; this information was used to further refine the tool.

In 2005, the tool was tested by 100 family members and toy buyers in Illinois, NY and PA with three sets of toys. The data analysis showed that the tool was reliable in discriminating toys with UD features from those without.