Toys2Talk

Play is the biggest cornerstone of communication development in the pre-school years. But for young children with severe physical difficulties, playing with conventional toys is a huge challenge. Many of these children have no speech, and for them the opportunities for enjoyment and communication through play are extremely limited.

Unless these children are enabled at a young age to have control and enjoy themselves at home with their families they are in danger of falling behind their able-bodied peers when they go to school. The earlier a child learns to communicate and play, the more positive their future will be.

Download the Final Project Report (Word, 900Kb)Download the Toys2Talk Leaflet (pdf, 500kb)Download the Communication Matters Presentation (Powerpoint, 600Kb)

Toys2Talk pioneered an inspirational new service from the ACE Centre. Working with families and early years professionals, our specialist Toys2Talk team offered the loan of a box of adapted toys, access devices for early computer play and individually prepared communication resources. We also gave advice as to how the equipment could be used most effectively.

The contents of a typical Toys2Talk box (pictured on the left) included a couple of suitable switches with their mounting equipment, several switch-adapted toys, items of access equipment to allow the switches to be connected to a computer, and communication charts to support the toys. Guidelines on the most effective use of the equipment were also be supplied.

The Toys2Talk service was initially launched and based in Oxfordshire.

Last updated: 19/03/09