Local makers and innovators are invited to help deconstruct and rebuild toys to make them more accessible for children with disabilities. Toyvention: An Adapt-A-Toy Workshop will take place on Nov. 12 from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. at The Edney.
"Toys provide a way for children to learn and engage with the physical world while expanding their imagination. Often children with disabilities are unable to play with toys, limiting their ability to benefit from the learning opportunities toys help provide.
For some, turning on a toy can be impossible. Signal Centers is working hard to create a robust lending library of adapted toys for children in our community and we’re inviting all to join in helping their cause," officials said.
“Toys that are already adapted for children with disabilities are much more expensive than unadapted toys, making them beyond the reach of many families,” said Ken Hays, president of The Enterprise Center. "With your help, Toyvention can buy and adapt more toys to enrich the lives of children with disabilities. With a little rewiring and the addition of an easy-to-press button, adapted toys come to life for these children.”
Art/Dev members will be there to teach how to modify particular toys. It can be an opportunity for participants to learn or refine maker skills such as soldering, wiring, sewing, and glue gunning. The event lasts from 9 a.m.-3 p.m., but volunteers are welcome to participate for as long as they are able. You can register to volunteer
here.
Toyvention plans to purchase 225 toys with the community’s help. Even if you are unable to attend the adapt-a-toy event, a donation of $20 will buy one brand new electronic toy for a Chattanooga area boy or girl. Funds will go to purchase toys that will be adapted by volunteer toy-hackers on Saturday, Nov. 12, and donated to the Signal Centers Toy Lending Library. Donations up to $2,500 will be matched by the Community Foundation of Greater Chattanooga. An Indigogo webpage has been set up to accept donations
here.