Day 4 (A) : Toy Analysis

Assistive technology does not always have to cost big bucks. Remember, as long the technology enhances the performance of an individual with disabilities, it is still considered "assistive tech."   Our first task this week was to analyze the developmental processes a randomly selected toy may encourage a child to use. The features and benefits of the toy were to be noted.  I chose a simple toy that has been around for centuries... the ABACUS! I actually purchased this toy at IKEA on a shopping trip in Edmonton when I was home last summer. I have it displayed in my apartment and it has been used numerous times by my friends' children.  I chose to evaluate this toy from the perspective of a child with visual impairments.

Disability Category:              Rating:  **** or * stars

Physical                                     ***     

Sensory                                     ****

Communicative                          ***

Cognitive                                   ****

Toy Company:                     IKEA

Price:                                     $15     

Box Age Range:                     3 years +

# Pieces:                                one      

Washability:                           surface wipe

Storability:                             folds flat

Directions:                             none

Play Locations:                      indoor

Adjustability:                         none

Levels of Play:                       one level

Batteries:                               not required

Description general:

This abacus comes assembled for ease of use.  It can be folded flat for easy storage and works best indoors. There are no detachable pieces so this toy is great for children age 3 plus.  It wipes clean with a moist cloth and has a simple design that is visually pleasing to the eye. 

APPLICATIONS FOR CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES

Physical          Rating: ***

Description	The simplicity of this one-piece unit makes it safe for even young users.  The wood is sanded and finished with rounded corners.  There are no parts that would create a choking hazard. The easy sliding ability of the round pieces make it an effective counting and play tool that is accessible for many users.
Skills	Gross motor skills are strengthened as children move their hands and arms in a sliding motion to manipulate pieces along the metal bars.  Children may need to shift weight from one side to the other as they complete this task. Balance is practiced as a child maneuvers around the play space they created.
Play Ideas	This toy can be used for counting or comparing quantities. Children could use it when playing "store" or "school."
Adaptation Ideas	This toy may be placed on a desk, table, or wheelchair table in order to provide more accessibility.  A screwdriver could be used to remove the stand portion of the toy in order to mount it to a wall or turn it on its side.

Sensory           Rating: ****

Description	The colorful Waffle abacus is visually stimulating and can attract and hold children’s attention.  The rounded blocks are large, helping to keep both hands busy, which may lessen the opportunity for self-stimulatory behaviors.  All the blocks are uniform in texture – smooth, hard wood and each block is a solid colour.  Children can identify how the blocks move through touch.
Skills	The simple rounded blocks help children develop colour recognition and identification skills. They can use counting skills when manipulating and moving the pieces.  They can also use visual tracking and the slide left/slide right, stop/go, and push/pull action concepts.
Play Ideas	Children can use this toy with little to no vision.  The pieces are ideal for counting and manipulating. They could pretend that the pieces are bugs or cars or other objects from their imagination.  For example, two children could "race" their "cars" to the end of the "track."
Adaptation Ideas	To add sensory appeal, attach self adhesive material such as Velcro or sand paper onto the blocks.

Communicative         Rating: ***

Description	The abacus is a good size and can accommodate multiple children, fostering interaction and communication. Its pieces are visually and tactically stimulating which can attract and hold children’s attention.  This toy offers open-ended play, which is a critical aspect of play.  Play with these blocks does not have a specific duration, enabling children to play at their own pace and as their attention spans permit.
Skills	Receptive and expressive language skills are practiced as children work together to move and play with the blocks.  The abacus can encourage the development of pretend play skills.  Cooperative play as well as social interaction can all be a part of play with this toy. Children can take turns counting and moving blocks.
Play Ideas	Children can set up a restaurant and engage in imaginative conversations such as placing food orders and using the abacus to count items or money.  They could also have races using the different coloured blocks. This can foster social skills, negotiation, turn taking and friendly competition. You could also talk with the child about the colors of the toy, count how many moves the child made, and discuss the child’s accomplishments in specific detail.
Adaptation Ideas	Take several photographs of simple block patterns for children to use as a visual example to follow.  This toy can be used in a calm-down or sensory room to help a child self-regulate his/her behaviour/emotions.

Cognitive        Rating: ****

Description	The abacus offers open-ended play, which is a critical aspect of play.  Play with this toy does not have a specific duration, enabling children to play at their own pace and as their attention spans permit.  There is no right or wrong way to play with this toy which can increase confidence and lessen frustration.
Skills	The rounded blocks help children develop color recognition and identification skills.  Counting and beginning math skills can be targeted as children build and count the number of blocks on each rod.
Play Ideas	Children can sequence colorsand make patterns.. This assists in the development of logic and prediction, pre-math skills.  They can engage in social interaction while playing with others.  Use this play time to teach concepts such as push/pull and stop/go.
Adaptation Ideas	Take several photographs of simple block patterns for children to use as a visual example to follow.  This toy can be used in a calm-down or sensory room to help a child self-regulate his/her behaviour/emotions.

FEATURES AND BENEFITS       

x	Durable
x	High Contrasting Colours
x	Tactilely Stimulating
x	Visually Stimulating
x	Wide Age Range
	Inviting Due to Uniqueness
x	Open-ended
	Innovative
x	High quality
	Detailed
x	Hands on Approach to learning
x	Easy to grasp/hold
x	One-piece unit
x	Upright position for play
	Other:

DEVELOPMENTAL PROCESSES PROMOTED

x	Visual attention
x	Visual tracking
x	Visual processing
x	Memory and recall
x	Cause and effect
x	Action concepts: slide left/slide right, push/pull,  go/stop
x	Fine motor
x	Eye-hand coordination
	Problem solving
x	Finger and hand control and dexterity
x	Physical range of motion