Switch-adapted toys mean the world to four-year-old Laurence.
“She would not be able to play without them,” says her father, David.
When Laurence had turned two, she was diagnosed with Rett Syndrome, a genetic neurological disorder that saw her lose the ability to walk and talk.
While she can’t use her hands to play with a toy, she can use her feet and head to activate switches to play with switch-adapted toys.
Through our #HackingForTheHolidays (new window) campaign, Laurence received a switch-adapted toy cat, as well as a variety of switches she could use. Laurence especially loves that the toy cat has two switches and she can decide whether to make it walk or meow.
“It helps with her communication skills, because we can interact with her with the toys, which is nice,” says her mother, Mélissa. “And she gets to play with her sister.
“At school too, with the switches, she gets to participate in different activities now,” she continues. “It really opens a new world to children like Laurence.”
While Laurence had played with switch toys before, this was one of the first she could call her own.
“When we started to look for [commercial] adapted toys around Christmas time, toys were between $80 and $200,” Mélissa explains. “As a family with a child with Rett syndrome, we have a lot of expenses, so having toys that are accessible for her makes a huge difference for us, and it gives her an opportunity to play.”
Laurence also received a Spinning Light Wand, when David — a teacher — had his classroom participate in a Makers Making Change toy hacking event. David and Mélissa, inspired by the experience, have also begun adapting their own toys, including some Linkimals toys.
Her parents wanted to express their gratitude to everyone who has supported our #HackingForTheHoldiays campaign, from volunteers to donors.
“We’re just amazed by the generosity and them being so kind with their time and money, there’s no words,” shares David.
“It truly does make a difference for someone like Laurence,” says Mélissa. “When she lost the ability of her hands, one of our worries was that she wouldn’t be able to play anymore, but adapted toys opened a whole other door for her. She got to play again with toys. Thank you to everybody that helps.”
Help us keep #HackingForTheHolidays! This year, we are aiming to build 2,000 toys, switches, and video game joysticks to deliver to children with disabilities across Canada. A donation of $50 can purchase one toy and provide the parts to make one switch, giving a child everything they need to play with a new toy this year.
