Give your toys

Many of the toys provided by Kairo’s Kids are switch adapted. This means the toy is re-wired so that it can be activated by using a large button that is connected to the toy. There are a wide variety of adaptive switches in accordance with each user’s needs. Unfortunately, our organization has been unable to provide switches along with most of our switch adapted toys because of the price gouging seen in the “adaptive” market. It is our hope that, with the support of our community, we can begin providing switches to every child in need that receives toys from our organization. 

When switch adapting toys, this is the wiring we add in that allows an external switch to be connected. 

Many times, toys with suction cups are useful to our organization because they can be suctioned on wheelchair or activity chair trays, allowing the child to play with the toy without it rolling away or being knocked off the tray. They are also useful other places, such as the bathtub or on hospital or safety beds. 

We go through batteries quick! Since we utilize pre-owned toys, we like to always start with a fresh set. Our most commonly used types are AA and AAA, but donations all typea are accepted and appreciated. 

This is where it all started! The Fisher Price Linkimals are a favorite of Kairo’s. Unfortunately, due to the size and location of many of the Linkimal buttons, he was unable to activate most of them independently. That is, until his mom began switch adapting them for him. We love the Linkimals because it’s like getting multiple toys at once. See, all of the Linkimal toys pair with one another. So if a child has one switch adapted Linkimal, they now have access to the entire Linkimals line, even if the others aren’t adapted. 

Many of the toys we obtain are musical, light up, cause effect toys targeted toward younger children. We would love to provide more accessible toys for older kids and adolescents. Some examples may include: battery operated dart guns, Furbies or battery operated ‘pets’, and battery operated activities such as paint spinners or pottery wheels. 

We find that some toys are more accessible to kids with physical disabilities, even without being adapted. Often times, these are toys that only require a light touch to activate, toys that respond to movement, or toys that are activated by sound. (This includes instruments or tactile toys for sensory play!)