U-Lace: Freedom from tying shoelaces
[1]U-Lace is the world’s first and only modular, quick-change lacing system for sneakers. Sold in 36 countries and making its debut in the U.S., U-Lace (pronounced you-lace) is a modular shoelace that pops in with ease and swaps out in seconds. U-Lace is the only modular lacing system available. The laces are specifically engineered with the perfect amount of stretch to comfortably span a single set of sneaker eyelets.
With 40+ colors and countless lacing combinations, U-Lace gives artistic power to the consumer.
[2]Tim Talley, Founder and CEO of U-Lace. “We didn’t foresee U-Lace as a product specifically for special needs children, but the functionality makes sense and we are proud to be making a positive impact.”
For more information about U-Lace, visit www.U-Lace.com [3]
Water Fun for Everyone
Reviewed by AblePlay
[4]Introducing water play into your child’s life is more than just a formula for fun. It’s a worthwhile sensory exercise and scientific experiment at the same time. As children play in water, they sense the temperature, feel the wetness, hear the splashing and watch the droplets dance.
As budding scientists, they explore concepts such as squirt, splash, soak and scoop and witness the way water moves, finds its lowest point or overflows its banks.
We have two great play products that help kids experience that and more. For outdoor or patio play, the Spiralin’ Seas Waterpark [5] by Little Tikes is a water table with all the bells and whistles. Five colorful balls ride the Ferris wheel, water slide or float like boats.
The unit’s legs can come off allowing you to place it on a table top making it accessible for wheelchairs or tabletop play.
For pool play or days inside, the Fish & Splish toy boat [6] by B. Toys allows kids to turn pool or tub into a waterpark where they can catch fish, pour and play with included stacking cups. The paddle wheel in the back winds up propelling it to distant shores.
Water toys allow kids with disabilities who may be unable to utilize public pools, to enjoy being and getting wet. Parents can enrich the play with warm or cool water, food color, and explorations on what floats and what sinks. Plus water familiarization can help kids transition from known to new. Both products can accompany children to the beach or backyard pools allowing them to feel comfortable and familiar as they explore new ways to let water fill their lives.
For more information, go to www.lekotek.org [7].
Swing Adjustment System
[8]Children love to swing, and the new Swing Adjustment System from Fun and Function lets you raise, lower and swivel any single point suspension swing. Ideal for vestibular therapy and sensory integration, the Swing Adjustment System hangs from a pre-fixed ceiling bolt or suspension device in your home, classroom or clinic. Includes swivel device for free rotation, 2 low-noise carabineers, 10” therapy rope with eye splice, and height adjuster. Ages 3+
Price: $199.99 – $249.99
Yoga Deck for Kids on the Ball™
[10]Kids can literally have a ball with the new yoga deck from Fun and Function, which delivers an innovative twist on an ancient tradition. Yoga Deck for Kids On the Ball™ has 44 colorful yoga poses that each use a ball for dynamic challenges and extra support. The front of each card shows Herbert, the mirthful mascot, in a range of yoga poses with a ball, from “Up, Up and Away” to “Where’s My Shoe?” The back of the card describes the position, the action, and modifications for children of different abilities. The easy-to-follow instructions highlight which poses build Balance, Calm, Strength, Stretch, and Social abilities. The ball provides a tactile surface for proprioceptive input, acting as a dynamic balancing point to challenge and support each pose.The movements can be used for a 1-minute transition time between activities, for a full session, and everything in between.
Ages 3+ Adult supervision required.
Price: $19.99 – $37.75
Jaxx Cocoon Jr.
[12]Foam-filled, the Cocoon Jr. is a 4-foot circular floor pillow that can be used three ways! Lay it flat for a comfortable floor pillow or crash mat for playtime and bedtime. Flip the Cocoon Jr. onto its side for a comfortable, kid-sized nook. Tip it up and the kids can enjoy a retro-style beanbag chair. Enjoy the fun alone or with siblings and friends. The Jaxx Cocoon Jr. adds a cozy feel to reading, napping, sleepovers, or watching movies. Available in six bright colors with protective liner and childproof zipper. Washable cover can be zipped off. Ages 6+
Price: $124.99
www.amazon.com [14]
What’s “APP”ening? Helpful Apps for Children with Special Needs
Brush of Truth
[15]Brush of Truth is an interactive book app for kids 8-12 (third to sixth grade). Kids choose how the action unfolds in this app, written in second person, “your” voice. This app has 65 decision points and 20 different endings, as well as 125 pages of story. It’s $1.99 and available for iPad, iPod touch, iPhone and Android and Windows mobile devices.
Price: $1.99
www.amazon.com [16]
Do you have a product you would like to share with our readers?
Please send us an email describing your product. We are happy to review your product. https://www.parentingspecialneeds.org/submit/product/ [17].
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Shop [18]
Toy Ideas
- 100 + “Mom Approved” Gifts for Kids with Special Needs [19]
- 9 Great Toddler & Preschooler Toys for Kids with Special Needs [20]
You May Also Like
- Toys“R”Us: Safe Play Tips for Children with Special Needs [21]
- The Upside of Making Your Own Educational Toys [22]
- TOY Safety? [23]
- The Taming of the Toys [24]
- Language and Literacy Learning: Success With Technology [25]
- Interactive Technology May Be a Double-Edge Sword for Children [26]
- Digital Safety: An Ongoing Conversation [27]
- Life-Changing Apps for People with Disabilities [28]
This post originally appeared on our May/June 2012 Magazine [29]