Accessing Potential Through Assistive Technology
Adapting Toys

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Adapting toys can seem overwhelming, but anyone can adapt a toy to be switch accessible! This lesson will teach you how to solder, how to make switch ports, and how to adapt a toy. If you have any questions about this module or would like to have in-person training for this module please email tasc@ucphuntsville.org 

PART ONE: INTRODUCTION 

This module has been broken down into four sections:

  1. Introduction to Adapting Toys
  2. How to Solder
  3. How to Make Switch Ports
  4. How to Adapt a Toy

If you are interested in learning more about the switches used to control your toy or interested in creating your own switch please visit our All About Switches Module

If you already have a switch port and are comfortable with soldering please skip ahead to part 4. If this is your first time soldering please watch the videos and practice before moving on to step 4! Like any skill, soldering takes practice, patience, and focus so give yourself a few practice runs!

Tools you will need to adapt a switch based toy:

  • Soldering Iron
  • Soldering Iron Stand
  • Wire Strippers
  • Scissors
  • Flux
  • Solder
  • Double Stranded Wire
  • 3.5MM Female Stereo Jack
  • Paper Towel
  • Switch Based Toy (one that has a “Press Here” button and is battery operated works best)
  • Wire Cutters
  • Sewing materials (optional)

PART TWO: HOW TO SOLDER

Please watch the following video on how to solder.

*The fumes from the solder and the flux are not harmful, please wear protective eyewear*

PART THREE: CREATING A SWITCH PORT 

*If you decided you buy your own switch port (watch intro video for more information on buying switch ports) then you can move on to Part Four. *

Please watch the following video on how to create your own switch port

Part Four: Adapting your Toy

If this is your first time adapting a toy please make sure to watch the other videos before continuing on with the last step!

*Please wear protective eyewear *

I will be adapting a My Pal Scout stuffed animal. You can purchase the dolls at Walmart or online

AT for Attention

There are a lot of tools and devices to help those with disabilities focus. Below are a few categories with different tools to help with focusing! This list is always being updated! If you have any resources you would like to share please leave it in the comment section below and we will add it to the list! 

Procrastination Prevention on the Computer 

AT for Focus 

Fidgets

Believe it or not, fidget can actually help those with focus difficulties pay more attention to teachers or presentations! By giving the individual a way to let go of some excess energy they can give more focused attention to what is going on around them!  Below are three stores that sells fidgets for those with attention difficulties. 

Therapy Shoppe Fidgets 

Fun and Function Fidgets

Office Playground Fidgets 

DIY Fidgets

TASC Pinterest Sensory and Behavior Board

Heart of the Classroom DIY Fidget Ideas

 

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