Assistive Technology

Team Appreciate created our Assistive Technology initiative in 2020 with the mission to provide modified toys to enhance learning for children with learning disabilities. Assistive Technology are toys that are adapted to use Disability Adapted Switches to allow for better interactions between the toy and the individual with disabilities. However, Assistive Technology toys often cost 3 times more than their non-modified counterparts, making them inaccessible for many. That is why we set out to provide quality Assistive Technology to children who are unable to experience the benefits of these toys.

The process of converting a regular toy into an Assistive Technology toy starts with the disassembly of the standard switch. An appropriate Disability Adapted Switch is then selected to replace the standard switch. Disability Adapted Switches are special input and output devices that allow individuals with disabilities to control electronic devices such as toys with greater ease. After the switch has been chosen, optimal wires are carefully selected for the circuit to be rewired with the appropriate wires and switch. When the Disability Adapted Switch is fully functional to the capacity of the standard switch, the toy has been successfully switch adapted. Assistive Technology toys allow individuals with disabilities to interact with toys on an unprecedented level.

We have modified 9 Assistive Technology toys so far, and we hope to continue partnering with our local school district to provide Assistive Technology toys for Special Education children within the district. Going forward, we hope to address more children and further our goal of providing Assistive Technology toys to children with disabilities. We’ve had 2 events in the past 3 years, attracting over 400 attendees.

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