With the holiday season upon us, now is a great time to check out the Toys“R”Us Toy Guide for Differently-Abled Kids. As a company that loves all kids, Toys“R”Us, Inc. has a long history of supporting the special needs community. For nearly 20 years, they have published the annual Toys”R”Us Toy Guide for Differently-Abled Kids as an easy-to-use resource featuring specially selected toys that encourage play for children with physical, cognitive, or developmental disabilities.
The complimentary, one-of-a-kind resource speaks to a child’s individual needs and offers qualified toy recommendations based on research from the National Lekotek Center, a nonprofit organization that evaluates all of the toys featured in the guide.
Why was the guide created?
As a result of hearing from customers and store employees about the challenges of finding appropriate toys for special-needs children, Toys“R”Us founder Charles Lazarus spearheaded the creation of the Toys “R”Us Toy Guide for Differently-Abled Kids back in 1994. Since then, Toys“R”Us, Inc. has published the guide every year, distributing it in stores and, since 2006, making it available online.
Who uses the guide?
Anyone who knows and loves a child with special needs will find the guide to be a valuable resource. Since its inception, thousands of parents, relatives, friends, and professionals have relied on the guide to help them determine which toys are suitable for a child’s particular abilities.
The guide also offers the National Lekotek Center’s “Top Ten Tips for Buying Toys,” which encourages relatives and caregivers to ask pertinent questions before purchasing a toy for differently-abled kids, such as, “Will the toy provide a challenge without frustration?” and “Can play be open-ended with no definite right or wrong way?”
Where can I get a copy of the guide?
Copies of the guide are available at all Toys“R”Us and Babies“R”Us locations nationwide.
Where can I buy the toys in the guide?
All toys featured in the guide are available at Toys“R”Us stores nationwide and online at Toysrus.com/DifferentlyAbled. Additionally, the microsite offers a selection of items that are available only online.