Choosing Toys for Children with Low Vision
Choosing toys for children with low vision follows similar principle as choosing toys for kids with good vision: you pick toys that are age, stage and interest appropriate. All children have different likes, dislikes and abilities. When picking toys, it’s about identifying what they are and choosing toys which meet these requirements.
There are some unique considerations to be aware of when selecting toys for children with low vision:
- Tactile – look for toys which have a variety of textures and made with different materials.
- Colour – depending on the child’s specific vision difficulties, select toys of specific colours they are most likely to see. Also, the size and quantity of colour the toy has is important to be aware of too.
- Noise – toys that make a noise are easier to identify, catch and even find for a child with low vision.
- Size – larger toys are more easily seen than smaller ones. The size of individual components of the toy also needs to be taken into consideration.
Sometimes a toy can be adapted to make it easier for a vision impaired child to play with, so keep this in mind too.
Toy Ideas for Kids with Low Vision
A good toy needs to help a child develop one or more developmental skills such as motor, memory, problem solving, social, self-confidence and vocabulary. Accessible toys for vision impaired children also need to provide the same opportunities. Our suggestions of toys for children with low vision include:
- Musical instruments – from drums to maracas, tambourines to xylophones, musical instruments are always popular toys.
- Wooden puzzles – shaped puzzles, layered puzzles and sensory puzzles are lovely choices. With individual parts easily identifiable and made up of bright colours, many puzzles also have cut out bases for individual pieces to be placed in.
- Sensory toys – here we’re thinking about cuddly soft toys made with different materials as well as pop it sensory toys. Both can make sounds and encourage little fingers to manipulate the toy.
- Interactive toys – often battery operated, interactive toys give a response when the child plays with it.
- Puppets – puppets make fabulous toys and can be played with in so many ways. Our ranges of hand and finger puppets are great for storytelling and role play. Very tactile, different characters are easily identified by touch too.
Our online toy shop is bursting with exciting and educational toys for Kiwi kids. Head over and explore it, and if you need any personal assistance, we’re here to help.
