About the Process
AblePlay is a toy rating system and website that provides comprehensive information on toys for children of all abilities. AblePlay was created so parents, special educators, therapists and others can make the best decisions when purchasing products for children in their lives with special needs.
AblePlay was developed by the nonprofit National Lekotek Center, the leading authority on toys and play for children with disabilities. Our mission is to provide research and access to the best toys for children of all abilities. The AblePlay evaluation process is designed to ensure an independent and detailed assessment of each toy or play product.
Research
Parents often look at current toys and wonder, “Is this toy appropriate for my child?” Getting “inside the box,” and understanding the features and benefits of toys as they align with the abilities and skill development goals of a particular child are huge challenges. Even professionals serving children with special needs often lack the time and ability to search for the best toys and play products. AblePlay does the research during the comprehensive product evaluation and relates this information to skill development.
Ratings
AblePlay has designed an easy to understand rating system that focuses on the developmental areas of physical, sensory, communicative, cognitive, and social/emotional skills of a toy or play product. Every toy is rated on a scale of 1-5 and every play product (“Great Finds”) receives checkmarks in these key categories. Visitors can also search by specific skills and disabilities.
Reviews
AblePlay offers a comprehensive product evaluation. The product information on AblePlay.org captures the key benefits of each toy or play product ("Great Find"). Included in this profile are developmental skills that can be promoted, creative play ideas and ways the product can be adapted to broaden its use and play value.