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Play is what children do; it is how they grow and learn. The importance of play in a young child's life cannot be over-stated; it is their primary occupation, impacting all areas of development. We must f ind ways of increasing the number of activities in which all children, including those with disabilities, can playfully interact. Since toys are the child’s tools for play, finding toys that are designed to be used by all children is a critical part of this effort.
This guide is intended to assist parents with young children with and without disabilities, in identifying toys that are designed with features that make them appealing, usable and fun- “universal design” elements of play for all children.
In order to identify these universal features in toys, the Universal Design for Play (UDP) project developed a measurement tool to rate toys according to their number and quality of UD features. This UDP tool was used by play experts to identify toys included in this guide. All of the toys presented have received a high UD rating.
Toys in this guide are organized by various play stages. Remember, a flexible, useable, adjustable toy can be played with in more than one stage; this is part of what makes it UD!
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