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A Lending Library of Toys for children with disabilities
a special collection of the
Mercer County Public Library
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A Lending Library of Toys for children with disabilities a special collection of the Mercer County Public Library |
The Mercer County Public Library is pleased to offer Joy's Toys, a program designed to foster learning through play for children with developmental disabilities. Traditionally, youngsters with extensive mental and/or physical disabilities have not been able to play independently. For them, toys have been adapted with ability switches that enable the child to enjoy play without adult help after an initial introduction. The easily operated switches respond to the slightest movement or pressure from an arm, head, foot or even vocal sounds. |
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How the program works: |
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| If a
child in your family would profit by this program, please come to the Mercer County Public
Library and complete an application. If you know of any developmentally disabled
children, please acquaint their caregivers with this program. The toys have been donated or purchased off the shelf. Most require the help of parents, other caregivers, therapists or school professionals to assist and encourage the child. Each toy has a simple instruction sheet with it. The toys may be borrowed for three (3) week time periods, and up to three (3) items may be borrowed at one time. Parents, other family members, and individuals from schools or service agencies are eligible. Library staff will assist in choosing the right toys for the child's disability and age. |
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| The Theory of Play: Children learn how to interact with their surroundings, learn about cause and effect and develop positive feelings about themselves from play experiences. The child's motivation to learn and to act is aroused. The mental stimulation can lead to increased alertness and responsiveness. | ||
| Play with toys can enhance: |  mobility |
 speech
evolution |
| memory
development |
 problem
solving |
sound
identification |
 attention
span |
tactile
sensibility |
eye-hand
coordination |
This lending program was developed by the Board of Trustees of the Mercer County Public Library to recognize Jane Brown's contribution to the library upon her retirement as Director. It is named in memory of her very special granddaughter, Joy Savannah Winner, who was born with Down's syndrome and multiple heart defects.
