Misericordia OT Students Adapt Toys for Children with Disabilities

DALLAS, PA - Misericordia University occupational therapy students helped children with disabilities experience greater independence and play this holiday season through a toy adaptation initiative held in 'Santa’s Workshop' on campus, an interactive event designed to match children with switch-adapted toys.

During the event, 15 children trialed a variety of adapted toys, where trained Misericordia “OT Elves” offered guidance to families on selecting the most appropriate toy and identifying the type of accessibility switch the child needed. 

Once a child selected a toy, occupational therapy students began the adaptation process by modifying the toy’s controls so it could be operated through an accessibility switch. These adaptations increased the child’s ability to participate in meaningful play, a key component of both learning and developmental progress. After completing the adaptation, the OT students wrapped the toy and scheduled a family pickup time before the holiday season.

The initiative reinforced Misericordia University’s commitment to service, leadership and hands-on learning in the health professions. Students applied their clinical and technical skills while giving families access to inclusive toys that are often difficult to obtain or cost-prohibitive.

For more information about the Occupational Therapy Program at Misericordia University, click here.