Sun. Nov 24th, 2024

Epsom Charity has specially adapted toys for disabled children on sale for Christmas

Epsom design charity MERU now offers a range of toys adapted so that an accessible button or switch will work them, and they’re still available in time for Christmas, but all year round too!

Young children learn how the world works through play – especially cause and effect.A lot of early years’ toys involve squeezing the toy or pushing a button and having something happen.

However, for many disabled children, this can be difficult, as they don’t have fine motor skills or may have other impairments.

These toys are aimed at making learning about cause and effect more accessible.It may seem like a small thing for a child to be able to press a button and make a toy sing or light-up, but the first realisation that ‘if I do this,then something happens’ is a crucial part of development. So, a disabled child that’s introduced to switches or accessible controls via an adapted toy will be gaining the basics of how to go on to control a powered wheelchair.

The fun and exciting adapted toy range includes everything from remote controlled cars and Scalextric sets to the adorable Fisher Price BeatBo and they can all be used with a range of different types of switches or buttons that are easier for children with disabilities to use.

To find out more, or to buy toys specially adapted by MERU visit meru.org.uk/shop

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By Penny McCarthy

Penny McCarthy is a seasoned entrepreneur and co-founder of Parents News UK, a pioneering publication launched in 1993 to serve the needs of busy parents in Southwest London. Alongside her husband, Fergus McCarthy, Penny played a crucial role in the rapid expansion of the printed edition, which grew from a local startup to a widely circulated monthly publication with a reach of 192,000 copies across Kent, South London, and beyond. Under Penny’s leadership, Parents News quickly became a trusted resource for families, providing valuable information on education, entertainment, sports, and family-friendly events. Her vision helped the publication extend its influence with franchises in Northern Ireland and Cornwall, catering to a growing demand for accessible, family-oriented content. In 1997, recognising the importance of digital media, Penny spearheaded the launch of Parents News UK Online. The website initially mirrored the content of the printed editions and has since evolved into a comprehensive online resource for parents, achieving significant popularity with up to 700 daily hits. In 2017, the publication transitioned fully to an online platform, continuing to inform and engage families across the UK. Today, Penny remains deeply involved in the ongoing success of Parents News UK, focusing on innovative advertising opportunities and future growth plans. Her dedication to supporting families through accessible and practical content has made Parents News a cherished name in households across the country.

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