Toys and me

It is probably one of my biggest weaknesses, I love to play with toys and games despite my ripe old age. My friends often refer to me as their big kid and this is just fine with me. In short, I am constantly promoting the fact that blind kids can enjoy toys and games in much the same way as their sighted counterparts.

Blind kids dream of the same types of toys as sighted kids. They dream of dolls and tea sets, cars and soldiers! No different so far but here comes technology to throw a bit of a challenge into things. Blind kids are more exposed today to mainstream toys than they were in my day. What toy developers need to think of is this! For every toy or game that has visual components, a corresponding audio component needs to be developed as well.

Blind kids have more opportunity today to listen to story books online. They have a greater opportunity to participate in mainstream games and play with mainstream toys. It is definitely getting better but there is certainly room for improvement. Would the day ever come when equal access to toys could be a reality? I certainly dream of that glorious day but only time will tell.

I’m Donna J. Jodhan, your friendly accessibility advocate, wishing you a terrific day and urging you to go out there and share my thoughts with others. Come by any time and visit me at www.sterlingcreations.ca.