Well, I am finally getting around to posting the rest of my experience. Here goes…
This is what the doll looks like:
First thing was to remove the cover in order to expose the circuitry. The body had several screws in the back. Once removed, the body split in half vertically. At that point - the arms and legs could be removed. Here is a picture:
My Daughter, Hannah has several disabilities with no diagnosis. She is 2 years old and is not able to play with toys like others her age would. Hannah has many therapists who take good care of her early development. They also show us many things to do as she graduates out of certain therapies.
One of the biggest tools used for Hannah’s development are items that incorporate adaptive technology. Adaptive technology is the name for products which help people who cannot use regular versions of products, primarily people with physical disabilities such as blindness, deafness and inability to walk or use arms.
I’m not sure yet, but I may have found a calling. I guess prayer and time will determine that…
Anyway - here is my first attempt at adapting a ‘regular’ toy that you would get straight out of the toy store. My daughter loves this doll she has. The doll will sing - however you have to squeeze either of the doll’s hands for it to do so. If your child can’t operate the toy the way it was originally intended, there is a good chance it can be adapted (one way or another). Hannah can’t squeeze the doll’s hands, which would require someone else to do it for her.
Another tool Hannah uses is called a ‘Big Mac’. A Big Mac is basically a device with a big red button that is made to push/hit when your child wants to communicate in some way. There is a button on the device to record your voice typically saying some phrase - such as ‘more’. So for example, if your child is eating and they can’t tell you whether or not they want more - they can learn to push the button instead. The Big Mac will play the recording when the button is pushed.
An additional feature of the Big Mac is its ability to be used as a switch. A cable (1/8″ male phono plug on each end) comes included with the device that allows you to use the switch with an adapted toy.
Wow, it’s getting late (and I’m very tired). I took several pictures to include with this article - so instead of diving into the how-to: I will wait and finish this tomorrow… Stay tuned…