Contact: Aga Haupt
For children with disabilities, toys sometimes can bring more frustration than fun. A free July 25 workshop at Mississippi State will help parents, caregivers and others complete simple modifications to make playthings more accessible.
More than 20 spaces remain for the 10 a.m.-2 p.m. class sponsored by the university's T.K. Martin Center for Technology and Disability. Monday [July 2] is the registration deadline.
Titled "Christmas in July," the workshop will demonstrate easy changes to the toys of children with physical, cognitive and psychological disabilities, said rehabilitation engineer Gavin Jenkins.
Jenkins, who helped organize the event, said the workshop grew out of occasional requests for toy modifications made by the parents of children with disabilities. Last year, for example, the Martin Center adapted a battery-powered motorized vehicle to carry a child with cerebral palsy. Staff members also have adapted fishing rods, golf clubs and bicycles.
"We work on little toys and big toys; you name it, we will try to adapt it," he added.
Jenkins said the Martin Center also recently joined a national network that provides free adaptations of toys. The network is funded by Mitsubishi Electronics.
Eight MSU engineering majors have volunteered to work with the project and will be paired with individual families as requests for assistance are received, Jenkins said.
"It's a service to the community," he added. "We are encouraging people to start thinking now, so that the engineering students will have plenty of time to adapt all toys in time for Christmas."
To register for the July 25 workshop, telephone the Martin Center by Monday at (662) 325-1028.
Additional information on the ongoing toy modification program also is available at that same number.