Inclusive toy concepts & advocacy for accessible play
As a therapist-led initiative in the research phase, CP Can Play is focused on creating accessible, thoughtfully designed toy concepts for children with cerebral palsy and neurological conditions while removing the need for adaptations or switches.
With optimism at our core, we are guided by the voices of families and fellow therapists-believing that community support and collaboration will lead to meaningful, lasting change!
MISSION STATEMENT
CP Can Play represents the belief that children with cerebral palsy deserve toys intentionally designed for their abilities. The name emphasizes empowerment and inclusion rather than limitation.
What the current research says
"As of today, there is no toy kit available specifically for CP kids which encourages them to do exercises willingly. This study focuses on the need for an interactive kit that helps in the overall development and rehabilitation of children with cerebral palsy"
Esha Navarkar, et al. “Beyond Playthings: Exploring the Therapeutic Potential of Interactive Toys for Rehabilitating Cerebral Palsy Children.” Lecture Notes in Mechanical Engineering, 1 Jan. 2025, pp. 393–403
"Active play during therapeutic intervention in the first 3 years of life is crucial to maximize participation and function, affect positive neuroplasticity, and promote the development of a sense of self."
Fiss, Alyssa LaForme, et al. “Embedding Play to Enrich Physical Therapy.” Behavioral Sciences, vol. 13, no. 6, 24 May 2023, pp. 440–440
Big Victories Begin As Small Achievements
I want to emphasize that my intention is not to replace switches or other adaptations, which are invaluable for many children - I’ve used them myself and understand their importance. Rather, by designing toys that are inherently accessible from the start, we can reduce the extra steps and stress that parents might face when adapting a toy on their own. This approach is about creating products with the child’s abilities and needs in mind from the very beginning, while still valuing the role of adaptations as part of an individual product or broader play toolkit.