What is the Toys “R” Us Toy Guide for Differently-Abled Kids? As a ...

FAQsWhat is the Toys “R” Us Toy Guide for Differently-Abled Kids?As a company committed to all kids and families, Toys “R” Us has published the latest edition of Toys “R” UsToy Guide for Differently-Abled Kids, an easy-to-use toy selection resource featuring specially-selected toysthat aid in the development of children with physical or cognitive disabilities.This year, Toys “R” Us is honored to have Maria Shriver—longtime disabilities advocate, mother of four, journalist,author and First Lady of California—support the Guide by appearing on the cover.This complimentary, one-of-a-kind toy guide speaks to a child’s individual needs and offers qualified toy recommendationsbased on research from the National Lekotek Center, an independent, non-profit organizationthat hand-picks and tests all of the toys featured in the Guide.What does “differently-abled” mean?We use the term “differently-abled” to stress that all children have unique skills and abilities.Why was it created?Over a decade ago, Toys “R” Us founder Charles Lazarus heard from customers and store associates about thechallenges of finding appropriate toys for the special needs children in their lives. As a result, Lazarus spearheadedthe creation of the Toys “R” Us Toy Guide for Differently-Abled Kids. Since then, Toys “R” Us has publishedthe Guide every year, distributing it in stores and, since 2006, making a digital copy available online atwww.Toysrus.com/DifferentlyAbled.Who uses the Guide?Anyone who knows and loves a special needs child will find the Guide to be a valuable resource. Since itsinception, thousands of parents, relatives, friends and professionals have relied on the Guide to help themdetermine which toys are suitable for a child’s particular abilities.The Guide also offers the National Lekotek Center’s “Top 10 Tips for Buying Toys” for differently-abled kids,which encourages relatives and caregivers to ask pertinent questions before purchasing a toy such as, “Will thetoy provide a challenge without frustration?” and “Can play be open-ended with no definite right or wrongway?”What are all the symbols for?Because all kids are unique regardless of ability, toys are not rated by disability or disorder. Instead, symbolsare assigned to each toy so parents can find toys that promote different skills—such as auditory, language,social skills, creativity and more. In this way, the Guide helps parents of all children choose toys that help buildor reinforce a variety of skills. All toys in the Guide have been designated with at least two or more symbols.

New for this edition, we have introduced an easy-to-use skill-builder toy finder index that lists toys accordingto the skills they help develop. Now, parents can quickly find exactly which toys are most beneficial to theirchild’s development and learning.How are toys selected?Toys “R” Us works with the National Lekotek Center, which evaluates approximately200 toys based on specific criteria during therapeutic play sessions to determine thetoys that best contribute to the development of children with physical and cognitive disabilities.The National Lekotek Center carefully evaluates all the products, selects thosewith exceptional qualities and writes descriptive copy highlighting the special featuresthat make the items suitable for children with special needs.Over the last 26 years, the National Lekotek Center has provided therapeutic play services to thousands of childrenin 37 centers across the U.S. As a result of this expertise, the National Lekotek Center has become theleader in determining appropriate toys for children with disabilities.You can learn more about the National Lekotek Center and their expertise in toy evaluation by visitingwww.Lekotek.org.Where can I buy the toys in the Guide?All the toys in the Guide are available at Toys “R” Us stores nationwide and online atwww.Toysrus.com/DifferentlyAbled. Toys featured in the Guide are everyday toys suitable for children of allskills and abilities.Where can I get a copy of the Guide?Copies of the Guide are available at all Toys “R” Us locations nationwide. A digital version can also be foundonline at www.Toysrus.com/DifferentlyAbled.How can I get on the mailing list to receive the Guide next year?The 2008 Guide will be available in September 2008. If you would like next year’s Guide delivered to yourhome, click HERE [LINK TO MAILING LIST SIGN-UP]. If you represent a special needs organization or area special needs educator or therapist in need of bulk copies of the Guide, please emailDifferentlyAbled@toysrus.com.