The Role of Music in Auditory Learning

Auditory development is the ability to identify speeches and sounds within continuous sound input. This development starts at birth and is refined throughout childhood. Spoken language — both using and understanding words — grows out of this experience.

Auditory learning is critical, especially for children and adults with functional needs (commonly referred to as special needs). Individuals with conditions like Auditory Processing Disorder (APD), hearing dyslexia and hearing impairment often have difficulties recognizing and interpreting sounds.

Music is a tool that parents and teachers can use to encourage auditory learning for people of all actual and developmental ages. Auditory music toys, tools and activities can help users recognize and understand sounds as well as carry these skills into other areas of their lives.

Understanding Auditory Learning Disabilities

APD impacts a person’s ability to process and understand sounds. They may be able to hear a sound but have trouble understanding or identifying it. APD can cause challenges with:

Processing sounds: Those with APD may have limited phonemic awareness that makes it difficult to process sounds.
Social and emotional experiences: Since individuals with APD have difficulty understanding others, they may experience feelings of isolation or anxiety in social situations. They may feel embarrassed when talking with others and not want to participate in group activities. These experiences can impact their sense of self-worth and self-esteem.
Attention and focus: Since it takes more effort for people with APD to process auditory information, they can feel mentally exhausted. This can create challenges with paying attention and staying engaged, especially during verbal activities.
Reading and writing: Children and adults with APD can find it challenging to recognize sounds in words, so they have difficulties recognizing and understanding words. This can lead to reading fluency and comprehension challenges.

Neuroplasticity — the brain’s ability to change in response to stimuli — is the key when it comes to APD. For example, since a child’s brain is still developing, auditory learning helps them learn how to process sounds and language. As a result, music is one of the most effective ways to develop auditory processing skills for children with functional needs.

How Auditory Music Learning Works

Music is an effective tool for improving cognitive, physical and auditory skill development. Many elements of music directly connect to development — for example, singing can improve speech, and rhythm develops fine and gross motor skills.

Listening to music can help children and adults with APD do the following:

Identify patterns: Music encourages the brain to look for patterns. Songs have different tones and speeds and play multiple sounds at once. Children and adults can process these sounds to identify the melody.
Sort layered sounds: Listening to music helps individuals sort meaningful musical sounds from other sounds, like background noise. This skill can help students develop music appreciation and process language.
Improve memory: Music changes the physical structure of a child’s brain by strengthening the connections between hemispheres. This development improves memory and executive function.
Enhance attention and focus: Music strengthens the connection between the brain’s auditory and language centers. This ability helps children filter out auditory distractions like background noise, so they can direct their attention and focus on what matters.

Benefits of Music for Children and Adults With Functional Needs

Integrating music into your child or student’s routine can help them understand and recognize sounds in the world around them. As their brains learn how to process noise by listening to music, a neural framework is created, supporting growth and development in other areas.

Music can help individuals with auditory processing needs:

Enhance gross and fine motor skills: Playing instruments, tapping out a rhythm and moving with the music improves motor coordination and motor skill development.
Develop cognitive skills: Music stimulates various areas of the brain, improving problem-solving, attention and memory skills. These cognitive skills can help individuals learn and think critically about the world around them.
Improve language and communication skills: Music stimulates neural connections in the brain that lay the foundation for language development.
Express and regulate emotions: Some people with functional needs have difficulty verbally expressing their emotions. Music is a way for children and adults to express their feelings without talking to support their overall emotional well-being.
Develop social skills: Group music sessions encourage students to communicate, interact and work together. These activities provide opportunities to practice listening to others, cooperating and sharing their thoughts with their classmates or teacher.

Strategies for Incorporating Music Therapy at School and Home

Music therapy uses music to achieve a goal. For children and adults with functional needs, music therapy can help them acquire and develop auditory processing skills. The following are some strategies for encouraging auditory learning through music:

Adaptive instruments: Adaptive music instruments are designed so individuals with functional needs can play them in a way suited to their abilities.
Multisensory activities: Make music therapy a multisensory experience by combining visual, kinesthetic and auditory learning. This approach reinforces auditory skills, enhances comprehension and keeps students engaged.
Visual cues: Use visual aids like pictures or diagrams to cue your students. This visual support in music therapy can help individuals comprehend what they are learning and be more independent.
Tailored activities: When considering how to bring music therapy into your classroom or home, think about your student or family member’s abilities and tailor the activity to suit their unique needs and interests.

Products and Toys That Enhance Auditory Learning

Enabling Devices has a wide range of toys for auditory development. These toys use music and sound to encourage exploration and play during music therapy sessions. Many of our toys are activated with an adaptive switch, so users of all actual and development ages can play.

Our selection of auditory development toys includes:

Musical instruments: Our musical instruments are adaptive, so anyone of any ability can play and make music. Tap out a beat on a Drum, play notes on a Musical Snail or get a band together with the Adapted Music Kit.
Music boxes and speakers: Play recorded tunes to improve listening skills and teach music appreciation. The Music Box plays four tunes and flashes lights. Activated through an external capability switch, our Music Master plays notes to make a unique song.
Switch-adapted stuffed animals: We have many adorable stuffed animals that talk, sing songs or dance via an external switch. These toys improve auditory attention and development. Dance along with Let Loose Lenny or make Tabby Kitten meow.

Shop Auditory Toys and Devices at Enabling Devices Today

Enabling Devices has auditory learning toys, products and assistive technology to help children and adults with APD identify and understand sounds. We are passionate about helping individuals with functional needs live fulfilling lives by sparking joy and unlocking potential.

Shop our online store for auditory development toys. Learn more about auditory music learning by reading our blog or contacting our team today.

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June 13, 2025June 13, 2025

Play-Based Language Development for Special Needs

Play is an important part of a child’s early life. Besides getting active and having fun, playtime is critical for developing speech and language skills. Language development is how children understand and communicate using language. Some children with functional needs (commonly referred to as special needs) or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) need more support to develop their vocabulary as well as encouragement to express themselves through language.

Combining play and development in play-based learning helps support children with special needs when it comes to language development. Play-based learning is built on children’s innate desire to play. Parents and teachers provide materials and suggest goals, and children initiate the play, using their creativity and curiosity to learn and develop.

Play provides a fun, stress-free environment that helps children with functional needs acquire and use language. Language development toys and activities are helpful tools to enhance language acquisition.

How Play Is Connected to Speech and Language Development

While playing seems like a break from learning, playtime significantly impacts a child’s physical, emotional, social and cognitive development. Since playtime isn’t structured, children with functional needs can learn naturally, discovering new things at their own pace based on their interests.

Playing gives children an opportunity to understand the world through hands-on experience as well as practice their communication skills by:

Expressing thoughts and ideas: Conversations during playtime teach children how to articulate and share their thoughts with their peers and teacher. They will also have practice understanding others’ thoughts and ideas.
Listening and responding to others: Interactive play requires communication. Children can practice their listening skills and taking turns when speaking. For games with structured rules, following instructions has several language development opportunities.
Cooperating in groups: Playing with others teaches children how to cooperate with their peers by working together and taking turns with toys.
Increasing vocabulary: Playing with other students, parents and teachers introduces children to new words. They can learn these words and use them when expressing their thoughts.
Building sentences: During conversations, children can understand grammar rules, like how to form sentences.
Storytelling and narration: Pretend play usually involves telling a story, so children can use their imagination to think of a narrative and practice communication skills to share the play scenario.

Playtime offers many opportunities for children with functional needs to talk to and work with their teacher and other students, developing social skills in the process.

Types of Play for Speech Development

The following types of play provide ample opportunities for children with special needs to develop their language and speech skills:

Pretend play: Imaginative play is effective for oral language development because it is a fun way to practice speech. This type of play encourages children to use their imaginations to create pretend scenarios and act out a role. As kids act out the scene, they use communication to explain the scenario and interact with others.
Independent play: Independent play allows children to play on their own with their parent or teacher nearby for support and safety. This type of play gives children the freedom to explore and express themselves.
Open-ended play: Open-ended play provides children with toys that can be used in various ways, so they can use their imagination to explore and learn. Toys like art supplies, balls and building blocks encourage open-ended play.
Rule-based play: Examples of rule-based play are games and activities that require children to follow instructions. This type of play strengthens language comprehension and cooperation with peers, like working on puzzles or sorting objects together.

Toys That Enhance Language Skills Through Play

Games, activities and lessons designed around playtime create impactful ASD language development opportunities for children of all actual and development ages. Some toys that build speech and language skills include:

Play food: Play food increases vocabulary as kids learn the names of various foods. Children can also practice action words and following directions by acting out making a recipe.
Building blocks: Building blocks encourage kids to use their imagination and be creative. They can practice short phrases and learn to take turns when building structures with other children.
Dolls and action figures: Children can use dolls to play out activities of daily living and practice using short phrases, actions and emotions.

Practical Tips for Parents and Educators to Support Their Child’s Language Development

Parents, caregivers and teachers can incorporate play-based language activities into daily routines to encourage language development using these strategies:

Model language use: When playing with your child, model language and give them an opportunity to respond. Describe actions or have them describe their experience.
Adapt the activity as needed: Every student learns at a different pace and displays different levels of development during play. Adapting playtime to meet your students’ needs aids their language skill development progress.
Ask open-ended questions: Ask your child about the toy or game to promote thinking.
Read together: Read books aloud to your child to help them recognize words and promote language development. Choose a story your child will find interesting and ask for predictions about what will happen.

No matter how you incorporate oral language development into your child’s daily routine, it’s important to:

Provide positive feedback and encouragement: Encourage your child to communicate and celebrate their efforts, so they feel supported and use their language skills in everyday life.
Be patient: Give your child the time they need to process their thoughts and respond.

Language Development Toys at Enabling Devices

Enabling Devices has a wide selection of toys to support communication and encourage interaction. These toys engage children during play, encouraging them to explore, have fun and develop their language skills. These games are also adapted, so children of any actual and development age and ability can play.

Examples of these toys include:

Adapted Pie Face: Adapted Pie Face is a fun and delicious game where you score points every time you activate the switch without getting whipped cream on your face.
Tic Tac Toe: Tic Tac Toe uses an external capability switch to set X’s and O’s in a line. Children can interact with each other while following directions and taking turns.
Bingo: Bingo includes a switch-activated bingo cage, so everyone can play this classic game.
Hi Ho Cherry-O: Hi Ho Cherry-O is a fruitful game where kids can pick cherries to practice counting and basic math skills while playing together.

Improve Your Child’s Speech and Language Development With Enabling Devices

Enabling Devices designs language development toys and assistive technology to help children with functional needs practice and improve their communication skills. Our devices, toys and tools help build more joyful, fulfilling lives for people with disabilities.

Browse our online store for speech and communication toys. Learn more about oral language development tips by exploring our blog or contacting our team.

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June 13, 2025June 13, 2025

Your Guide to Sensory Awareness Activities for Special Needs

Sensory input allows us to experience the world through our emotions — it’s why we cry during a sad scene in a movie or like smelling our sheets fresh out of the dryer. These responses exhibit sensory awareness, or the ability to receive sensory input from your environment, process it and respond accordingly.

Some individuals with sensory processing disorders, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) or functional needs (commonly referred to as special needs) have challenges with processing and responding to sensory input. While some are hypersensitive to noises and smells, others have a dampened response to sensory input and seek stimulation elsewhere.

ASD awareness sensory activities and toys support different sensory skills, aligning with specific skill developments and mannerisms, so your child, student or family member can get the sensory input they need to feel stimulated or calm.

Understanding Sensory Processing

We experience the world and get sensory input from these seven senses:

Visual: The sense of sight
Auditory: The sense of hearing
Tactile: The sense of touch
Olfactory: The sense of smell
Gustatory: The sense of taste
Vestibular: The sense of balance to detect motion and understand the body’s movements
Proprioceptive: The sense of body awareness to understand the body position, like knowing where body parts are and recognizing your strength

Sensory awareness is crucial for development. As children and adults experience and respond to different stimuli, they:

Learn cause and effect relationships.
Develop their senses.
Explore creativity and imagination.

Individuals with sensory processing disorders have challenges organizing and integrating sensory input, making it more difficult to filter and respond to sensory stimuli. Sensory processing challenges can lead to:

Sensory seeking: Sensory-seeking behavior is when people need sensory stimulation. For example, they may like lots of hugs or wearing tight clothing.
Sensory avoiding: Sensory avoiding is when people avoid sensory stimulation. Children or adults with functional needs who don’t like handshakes are displaying sensory-avoidant behavior.

Sensory Awareness Activities and Toys by Sensory Skill

These activities, grouped by sense, can help your child or student feel in control of their body. You can set up these activities in your home or classroom for regular exposure or as needed if they are feeling bored or overwhelmed.

Visual Sensory Activities

Visual sensory toys are designed for children and adults with visual processing disorders. These devices engage the sense of sight, supporting the development of:

Visual tracking
Color recognition
Visual discrimination

Some activities to stimulate visual input include:

Translucent objects: Play with translucent objects during light table play to help them discern between the toy and the tabletop.
Color-changing lights: Toys with lights that change colors like a Disco Ball or LED Light Illuminators encourage visual attention and tracking.

Auditory Sensory Activities

Auditory sensory activities engage the sense of hearing to support:

Auditory development
Sound localization
Auditory discrimination
Auditory processing

Some ways to stimulate the sense of hearing include:

Playing musical instruments: Create sound effects, melodies and rhythms with the Adapted Music Kit. Instruments like Drums and Lighted Musical Tambourines engage the auditory sense.
Listening to white noise: Listening to a sound machine with various sound options or the hum of an LED Fan can help your child, student or family member feel calm and relaxed.

Tactile Sensory Activities

Individuals with special needs seeking tactile stimulation may obsessively touch objects or pick at their bodies. Tactile sensory toys allow them to:

Recognize textures.
Discern differences between textures.
Increase awareness of tactile stimulation.
Manage tactile defensiveness.
Practice touch tolerance for tactile hypersensitivity.

Try these tactile sensory activities with your child, family member or student:

Sensory bin: Set up a sensory bin with various tactile materials, so anyone can play with different textures. You can include squishy materials like play dough and smooth textures like a Textured Marble Fidget Board.
Textured balls: Encourage them to explore new textures with a variety of textured balls or fabrics. A Therapeutic Balls Kit can include balls of various levels of firmness, textures and sizes to provide different tactile experiences.

Olfactory Sensory Activities

Olfactory sensory activities engage the sense of smell to develop olfactory discrimination and sensory regulation. Stimulate the olfactory sense with these activities:

Scent exploration: Gather various essential oils and spices and have them smell each to recognize and experience different scents.
Scented markers: Coloring and drawing become olfactory-engaging activities with scented markers.
Aromatherapy dough: Aromatherapy products like dough have fragrances that calm or stimulate.

Gustatory Sensory Activities

Gustatory input stimulates the sense of taste, and toys designed for this sensory input support oral motor skills and taste exploration. Some activities you can do together include:

Taste testing foods: Have them taste foods with different textures and flavors, so they can experience different taste sensations, like sour and sweet. Keep safety precautions and allergy considerations in mind.
Making smoothies: Blend different fruits and vegetables into delicious smoothies. Create flavor combinations by using flavor-infused straws.

Vestibular Sensory Activities

Children and adults with vestibular challenges may exhibit behaviors like tilting their head frequently or avoiding movement. Any type of movement will stimulate the vestibular receptors, including jumping, running and spinning. Vestibular sensory toys provide information on:

Balance
Coordination
Spatial awareness
Movement
Positioning

Some ways you can stimulate the vestibular sense include:

Swinging on a therapeutic swing: Swinging, rocking and spinning on a therapeutic swing or a Calming & Fun Sensory Rocker allows individuals to experience movement and understand spatial awareness. Be sure to supervise your child when swinging.
Rolling on a therapy ball: Weighted Balance Balls and Ball Chairs engage the mind and body. As they move around, they’ll build strength and develop balance skills.

Proprioceptive Sensory Activities

Individuals with proprioceptive challenges may play roughly with their peers or use too much force when picking up objects. If your child or student bumps into things or wants hand squeezes frequently, they’re seeking proprioceptive input. Proprioceptive sensory activities involve pulling, pushing and lifting for:

Body awareness
Motor planning
Sensory regulation

Here are some activity ideas for proprioceptive input:

Activities involving exercise: Your child or student can get proprioceptive stimulation from activities like pushing a cart or carrying books.
Weighted blankets: Individuals who want proprioceptive input enjoy weighted products that deliver deep pressure and a calming experience, like a Weighted Blanket or Weighted Lap Pad.
Obstacle course: Use chairs, furniture, boxes and soft play cushions to build an obstacle course. Moving, lifting, jumping and running will help them understand their body’s position in space.

Tips for Selecting Toys for ASD Awareness Sensory Activities

When deciding which sensory toy to get for your child, family member or student, consider their:

Skill development needs: Certain sensory toys support specific developmental milestones. For example, stacking toys allow kids and adults to practice fine motor skills.
Mannerisms: Individuals with specific mannerisms may enjoy toys designed for the stimulation they seek, like chewable jewelry for oral input.
Preferences: Every person has unique preferences for toys they like. For instance, those with sensory-seeking behaviors prefer intense sensory experiences, while individuals with sensory-avoiding behaviors may be sensitive to specific inputs.

Shop Sensory Products at Enabling Devices Today

Sensory awareness activities help children and adults with functional needs regulate their sensory input while promoting cognitive and physical development. Enabling Devices has a wide range of sensory products available — explore our different options to find what works best. Shop our sensory toys, or contact us to learn more.

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June 13, 2025June 13, 2025

The Connection of Sensory Activities and Fine Motor Skills

Fine motor skills are the coordination of small muscle movements — usually those made by the fingers and hands — with the eyes. These skills are necessary for activities like buttoning a shirt and holding a pencil. Children develop these skills through play activities, and their abilities increase over time. Some children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Cerebral Palsy, or fine motor skills disabilities have difficulty doing things that require these skills, like holding objects or stacking toys.

Stimulating sensory activities can enhance the development of fine motor skills in children by increasing their engagement in play and providing opportunities for practice. Fine motor skills toys that provide sensory experiences can also help develop these skills.

The Sensory-Motor Connection

The primary senses are vision, auditory, tactile, olfactory and gustatory. Sensory stimulation happens when these senses are aroused or invigorated. Sensory play is activities that engage these senses, offering numerous benefits, including the development of fine motor skills.

Sensory activities also stimulate the following two sensory systems:

Proprioceptive system: The awareness of your body to know where body parts are and how much force to use when manipulating objects.
Vestibular system: Maintain balance while engaging in activities.

Sensory activities encourage different motions like mixing, pouring and building. These actions build new nerve connections in the brain, and this brain development allows children to complete complex tasks and learn about their environment.

How to Improve Fine Motor Skills Through Sensory Activities

Sensory play is one of the many ways children with ASD or fine motor skills disabilities can develop their fine motor skills:

Mobility and stability pattern: Activities like pouring and mixing encourage them to use their dominant and nondominant hands.
Grasp patterns: Sensory activities allow kids to use hand patterns like lateral grasp, three-jaw chuck, pincer grasps, grasp and palmar.
Hand awareness: Children can explore textures and learn the differences between oily, grainy, slimy and fluffy surfaces. As children feel these textures, their hand and finger muscles develop.
Proprioception: Children can learn how much pressure is needed to manipulate objects and get feedback about the pressure they’re applying to an object.
Visual-motor coordination: Actions like mixing, pouring and dipping help children make the connection between their body movements and sense of vision.

As children play with fine motor skills toys, they learn how to use small muscle groups and coordinate movements. This development during playtime carries over to activities of daily life, so kids can become more independent and have confidence doing things like:

Zipping a coat
Buttoning and unbuttoning a shirt
Writing with a pencil
Coloring a picture
Brushing their hair
Picking up food and bringing it to the mouth
Holding a book and turning the pages

Keeping Kids Engaged for Skill Development

Engagement and concentration are critical in helping your child or student learn fine motor skills. They need support and time to practice and learn these skills. Sensory activities capture your child’s attention by stimulating the senses and encouraging play. Being engaged for longer periods increases their learning and development, helping them increase their fine motor abilities. The variety and stimulation of sensory play also reduces boredom and frustration and encourages your child to succeed.

Examples of Sensory Activities for Fine Motor Skills Development

Parents and teachers can use a variety of sensory activities to develop fine motor skills at home or in the classroom. Some ideas include:

Playing with playdough or clay: Your child or student will have fun squeezing and sculpting playdough. As they play, they’re developing strength in their hands and fingers.
Fingerpainting: Fingerpainting is a fun sensory experience that allows children to feel the texture of paint and express themselves through art.
Water play: Splashing and playing with water in a bowl or during bath time stimulates the sense of touch. Bubbles can also increase visual tracking and encourage grasp patterns as they poke and pinch them.
Stringing beads: Feeding string through beads requires children to use both hands to hold the string and place the beads. This activity improves visual-motor coordination.
Peeling and placing stickers: Peeling a sticker helps children develop their pincer grasp and use visual-motor coordination to place the sticker on a surface.
Sensory bins: Fill a container with objects of various textures, like pom poms, cotton balls and buttons, so your child can explore different textures.

Tips for Adding Fine Motor Skills Sensory Activities to Your Routine

Children with fine motor skills disabilities can practice grasping, eye-hand coordination and other skills during activities of daily living as well as playtime. Here are some tips for building fine motor skills through sensory activities:

Add more senses to playtime: Amplify your child’s sensory experiences — and fine motor skills development — by engaging as many senses as you can when playing. For example, they can sit on a pillow to engage their vestibular system while playing with blocks, which is helping them practice grasping and movement.
Keep sensory experiences engaging: Mix up your typical activities to stimulate different senses. Give them different toys with unique textures and introduce them to a range of sensory experiences to keep sensory play interesting.
Participate with your child: When you create a supportive and encouraging environment for your child or student, they can develop more than their fine motor skills. Sensory play with a parent or teacher improves communication and helps them practice taking turns.

Fine Motor Skills Toys for Playtime

Enabling Devices has a wide selection of toys designed to develop fine motor skills. These sensory toys have various activities, colors and textures to engage children in play. Actions like moving beads, pulling levers and fitting shapes into cutouts help them practice different fine motor skills, so kids can develop these abilities while playing.

Some of our sensory toys that enhance fine motor skills include:

Therapeutic Balls Kit: The Therapeutic Balls Kit includes several balls with different textures to provide a tactile sensory experience while strengthening hands and fingers.
Activity Wall Panels: The Activity Wall Panels have a variety of activities, like an abacus, maze, cog system and geometric shapes to improve motor skills while engaging kids in play.
Sensory LED Bubble Tubes: The Sensory LED Bubble Tubes have floating bubbles and several color and lighting options. This sensory toy stimulates the senses while encouraging reaching and pointing.

Shop Enabling Devices for Toys, Adaptive Products and More

Since 1978, Enabling Devices has created sensory products and adaptive devices for people with disabilities. Browse our online store for sensory toys that help develop fine motor skills. You can also learn more about activities for fine motor skills and ask questions about our products by contacting our team today.

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May 14, 2025May 14, 2025

‘Deaf President Now!’ Documentary Premieres May 16

Most people outside the deaf and hard-of-hearing communities have never heard of the Deaf President Now movement.

But, thanks to a new documentary by the same name, many more will know about it soon. “Deaf President Now!” premieres May 16 on Apple TV.

In 1988, students at Gallaudet University in Washington D.C.—the only university on the planet that serves deaf and hard-of-hearing students—were shocked and outraged to learn that the school’s board had chosen to hire a hearing president over several equally qualified deaf candidates. They sprang into action. What followed was eight days of rallies, boycotts and protests that ultimately led to the termination of the new hire and the hiring of Dr. I. King Jordan, the university’s first deaf president.

According to Apple TV, the Deaf President Now movement is the “story of the greatest civil rights movement most people have never heard of.”

“The protests marked a pivotal moment in civil rights history, with an impact that extended well beyond the Gallaudet campus and paved the way for the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA),” says Apple’s announcement of the documentary.

The film is the latest widely distributed full-length documentary to focus on social justice movements that changed the course of history for disabled Americans. “Crip Camp” (2020) and “Change Not Charity” (2025), both directed by Jim LeBrecht, also explore groundbreaking actions that eventually led to the passing of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Co-directed by screenwriter, producer and novelist Davis Guggenheim and Gallaudet alumni, actor and deaf activist Nyle DiMarco, the film uses archival footage, scripted elements and interviews with members of the so-called “Gallaudet Four”—then students Jerry Covell, Bridgetta Bourne-Firl, Tim Rarus and Greg Hlibok—and the former university president I. King Jordan, to tell the movement’s story.

In order to provide hearing viewers with a sense of what it’s like to be deaf, the film uses a technique known as Deaf Point of View, which uses “impressionistic visual photography and intricate sound design” to simulate the Deaf experience.

“Deaf President Now!” premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in Utah in January of this year. The film won “festival favorite” at the South by Southwest Film & TV Festival.

In an interview with Disability Scoop, DiMarco said he hopes the film “inspires people to see Deaf people not as something to fix, but as something to celebrate, value and fight for.”

Photo: The Gallaudet Four at a screening held at the university in April 2025.

February 4, 2025February 4, 2025

Great Reads for Children

It’s Schneider Family Book Awards season again! Last week, the American Library Association announced the competition’s three awardees along with its six honorees.

Established in 2003, the Schneider Awards honor “an author or illustrator for a book that embodies an artistic expression of the disability experience for child and adolescent audiences.”

Awards are given annually in three categories: younger readers ages 4-8; middle grade ages 9-13; and young adults ages 14-18. Here’s a rundown of this year’s winners and honorees.

Younger Readers Winner

“A Little Like Magic”

Written and illustrated by Sarah Kurpiel

Rocky Pond Books

The young protagonist in Kurpiel’s new picture book is a wheelchair user who dislikes cold weather and winter clothing. But she must brave all of this to attend an ice sculpting festival with her mother. As she views the ice sculptures on display, she realizes how magical they are, and comes to treasure her memories of the experience. The book teaches children how going outside of one’s comfort zone can really pay off.

Younger Readers Honorees

“Monster Hands”

Written by Karen Kane and Jonaz McMillan

Nancy Paulsen Books

Best friends Milon and Mel, use rhyming ASL to cope with their fear that a monster is under Milo’s bed. This is a sweet story about the importance of friendship.

“You’re SO Amazing!”

By James Catchpole and Lucy Catchpole

Little Brown Books for Young Readers

Joe, a boy with limb differences is tired of everyone telling him he’s amazing just because he can do the same things that other kids can do.

Middle Grade Readers Winner

“Popcorn”

By Rob Harrel

Dial Books

It’s picture day at school, and Andrew if hoping to take a photo that his mother will love. At the same time, he’s plagued by all kinds of anxieties, chief among them, that he may have a panic attack in front of all his classmates. “Popcorn” is a poignant story about a boy who lives with obsessive compulsive disorder and anxiety.

Middle School Readers Honorees

“Louder Than Hunger”

By John Schu

Candlewick

Based on a fictionalized account of the author’s experience with an eating disorder, this book is written in verse. It’s a story of healing and triumphing over our critical inner voices.

“Shark Teeth”

By Sherri Winston

Bloomsbury Children’s Books)

Winston’s new book chronicles a young girl’s efforts to keep her family together despite its many difficulties.

Young Adult Readers Winner

“Chronically Delores”

By Maya Van Wagenen

Dutton Books for Young Readers

After being diagnosed with a chronic bladder condition, Dolores feels like her world is ending. A friendship with a beautiful and talented girl on the autism spectrum changes everything.

Young Adult Readers Honorees

“Light Enough to Float”

By Lauren Seal

Rocky Pond Books

Another selection that deals with the topic of eating disorders, “Light Enough to Float” chronicles Evie’s stay in a residential treatment program and her eventual hard-won recovery.

“On the Bright Side”

By Anna Sortino

G.P. Putnam’s Sons Books for Young Readers

September 5, 2024

Ultra-Accommodating Hotel Coming to San Antonio, Texas

In 2005, successful builder Gary Hartman and his wife Maggie founded the Gordon Hartman Family Foundation, a 501(c)(3) committed to supporting people with disabilities.

In line with the foundation’s goals, they developed Morgan’s Wonderland, a fully accessible theme park in San Antonio, Texas, in 2010. The park was named for the Hartmans’ daughter Morgan, who was born with physical and cognitive disabilities. Since it was built, the park and Gordon Hartman’s goals have expanded exponentially.

In 2017, Hartman added Morgan’s Inspiration Island, a fully accessible splash park; and in 2021, Morgan’s Wonderland Sports, an inclusive sports facility, and Megan’s Wonderland Camp, an inclusive summer camp debuted. That same year, Hartman opened the Multi-Assistance Center at Morgan’s Wonderland, a $45 million one-stop shop where individuals with disabilities and their families receive comprehensive medical care, social services and even beauty treatments!

According to Disability Scoop, Hartman founded the nonprofit Morgan’s Inclusion Initiative to “coordinate planning, fundraising and communications among the entire Morgan’s Wonderland ‘family’ of ventures.”

Beginning in 2026, visitors to any of Morgan’s Wonderland facilities will have the opportunity to stay in what’s being called an “ultra-accommodating” hotel. According to morgans.org, the hotel will “far exceed Americans with Disabilities Act standards and be easily accessible to everyone, regardless of age or ability.”

The innovative hotel will feature “wider doorways and wheelchair-accessible furnishings, audio cues for guests with visual impairments, and even sensory-calming elements. …Specialized services will include staff trained in disability etiquette, assistance with mobility devices, and accommodations such as hearing aid loops and sensory-sensitive colors and lighting.”

Hartman says he is committed to making the hotel affordable so that all families can enjoy the hotel’s many amenities.

Proceeds from the hotel will be used for initiatives that benefit the disability community. Currently, hotel chains such as Marriot, Hilton and Hyatt are competing to have the hotel under their umbrellas.

“I am confident that this new hotel concept will remove barriers and tremendously enhance the lodging experience for everyone,” said Gordon Hartman. “This will certainly be a hotel for everyone including those with disabilities who, going forward, will feel more included, valued and fulfilled.”

While Hartman’s hotel will be the first ultra-accommodating hotel it is not expected to be the last. “Morgan’s Hotel™ will do for the hospitality industry what our other venues have done — create spaces where everyone feels welcome and included,” said Hartman.

August 20, 2024

Wheelchair Accessories for People With Disabilities

We offer specialized mounting devices and mounting systems for people with disabilities. Choose from a selection of wheelchair mounting systems and attachments to hold adaptive switches, iPads, communicators and more.

For those living with disabilities that affect mobility and grip, tabletops and wheelchairs can be important for holding items. When it comes to accessing anything from an e-reader to a book, a mount can be a useful way to hang onto the item hands-free — and Enabling Devices has a range of options to choose from!

What Are Wheelchair Mounts?

Wheelchair accessories unlock more possibilities by helping those with disabilities hang onto items like:

Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) devices
Reading materials
iPads and other tablets
Phones
Switches
Notepaper
Cups
Bottles

Wheelchair mounts are an extra set of hands for individuals with mobility issues and other disabilities that can affect grip and movement. Some mounts are designed to hold multiple items and heavy devices to prevent discomfort and fatigue, while others are engineered to provide a secure grip on lighter and more delicate items like iPads. Wheelchair mounts and similar accessories can be secured to most surfaces, such as:

Tabletops
Chairs
Wheelchairs
Floor stand
Bedrails

By securing the mount to one of these locations on a tabletop or chair, everything needed can be close at hand!

Types of Wheelchair Mounts and Accessories

There are a range of wheelchair mounts and attachments to meet different needs. This diversity allows the user to focus on using the wheelchair and their device without holding on to it. Some mounts also have adjustable arms.

Arms

As their name suggests, extendable arm systems are flexible solutions that bring items close to the user without them having to move forward. Arms can help place phones near your face for calls or a cup at your lips for a drink. They can position items and hold them steady, making them useful for people with paraplegia, ALS and other conditions that mean moving the body to accommodate a device may not be simple.

Attachments

Wheelchair attachments are useful for helping users grip specific items. Some examples of wheelchair attachments and accessories include:

Gooseneck tubing
Easy Flex mounts
Clamps
Mounting trays
Tray adapters
Mounted switches
Mountable communicators
Attendant call systems

These attachments allow you to convert mounts and mounting systems based on individual needs. For example, you can use a gooseneck tubing attachment to position a switch on your wheelchair.

Clamps

Sturdy clamps are vital for mounts because they attach them to a desired surface. Clamps are also important for ensuring your mount can handle the weight of the item. Heavy-duty clamps are ideal for customizing mounts and other wheelchair accessories to a user’s unique needs.

For example, clip clamps let you see devices, photos and reading materials at eye level. They easily attach to a wide range of surfaces like wheelchair trays, bedrails and tabletops.

Mounting Plates

Mounting plates are accessories that hold the item you wish to mount. They are often used for AAC devices or iPads, but they can also hold photos, phones, tablets, e-readers, papers and cards. Mounting plates position and set these items at eye level or another comfortable angle. They can even be used for Eye Talks or icons to help those with speech impairment communicate easily.

Mounts and Mounting Systems

While you can purchase arms, attachments, clamps and plates separately, mounting systems offer everything you need in one package. Mounting systems are engineered to work well together as a unit and attach devices and items to a wheelchair, so you never have to second guess whether you’re buying the right parts. Some wheelchair mounting systems and attachments will let users hold multiple items at once, allowing for virtually hands-free operation.

Individuals can also use one plate for a switch to operate the wheelchair and another to hold their phone, for example. Some systems are even designed to hold a specific item, such as an iPad, to ensure it fits perfectly and sits at the correct angle.

How Do Wheelchair Mounts Help With Special Needs?

Wheelchair mounts offer a second set of hands for those living with disabilities or functional needs (commonly referred to as special needs). The many benefits of wheelchair mounts include:

Hold items steady
Prevent damage or breakage to delicate devices
Foster independence by keeping essential items within reach
Reduce user discomfort, strain and fatigue
Provide multiple arms for holding items, allowing the user to focus on operating their wheelchair
Enhance communication by allowing users to make use of Eye Talks and other communicators
Help improve positioning and sitting posture

Wheelchair accessories, grips and holders can customize a wheelchair for maximum functionality, providing the user with more comfort by keeping items right where they can see them.

Considerations for Finding the Right Wheelchair Mount

Selecting the right wheelchair mount or accessory is important for maximum comfort and accessibility. Whether you’re looking for wheelchair mounts for yourself or someone else, consider what items need to be mounted and how the user will access the device. For instance, will they specifically need an AAC wheelchair mount for communication, or an iPad for leisure and drawing? The right mount and accessories keep items secured while providing enough flexibility to move them out of place when not in use.

Shop Enabling Devices Today

Browse the full selection at Enabling Devices to see what would be most useful for your wheelchair. You’re also welcome to contact us if you’d like personalized help.

August 7, 2024

What are Adaptive Devices for Individuals With Disabilities?

Children and adults with disabilities can use adaptive technologies to complete tasks, relax and engage in their hobbies by removing barriers to access. For example, individuals with a cognitive or physical impairment might use adaptive devices or electronics to supplement their progression in learning or help them interact with the world in a new way.

Choose from a variety of switch-adapted Boom Boxes, CD Players, MP3 Players, Remote Controls and Computer accessories. These options allow people with disabilities to control and enjoy their music, TV and computers independently.

Frequently Asked Questions About Adapted Electronics

Adapted electronics can enable many different tasks and activities like communication, entertainment and exploratory play. Here are some FAQs about adapted electronics and how they can benefit a variety of users.

1. What Are Adapted Electronics?

Adapted electronics are electronic devices that have been modified to make existing technology or products accessible to individuals with disabilities. While many devices, toys and products can be adapted for a variety of needs, examples of adapted electronics are:

Computers
Televisions
Radios
Speakers
Mobile devices
Appliances
Game consoles

Adaptive electronics, like other adaptive devices, are specifically designed to assist individuals with a disability by tailoring the product to their needs. For example, electronic braille readers, large monitors and keyboard modifications allow users to interact with these technologies.

2. What Are the Types of Adapted Electronics?

Today, customers have more choices than ever before when it comes to adaptive electronics, with options such as:

CD Players and Boom Boxes

Adaptive technologies for boom boxes and CD players allow users to listen to their favorite tunes with switch-adapted functions like:

Turning the music on and off
Fast forwarding
Changing radio stations
Skipping tracks

These devices often have switches to allow users with visual impairment, limited mobility and other conditions to enjoy music. Some switch-adapted boom boxes and CD players work with an AC adapter, while others run on batteries. In both cases, they can help users build listening skills, foster an appreciation for music and enjoy independence.

Computer Aids

Computer accessibility is essential for individuals of all actual and development ages for learning and play, as well as enhancing communication and independence. Adaptive computer aids like mice and mouse interfaces allow computer users with limited mobility or vision impairment to surf the internet and use computer programs.

These devices have a larger-than-standard size and feature a T-handle and joystick ball to make it easier for people with limited motor control to use them. These adapted electronics work by mimicking cursor movements, key strokes and mouse clicks. There are also interactive mice that can be used with a caregiver or teacher. The teacher moves the mouse, and the user activates a switch at the appropriate moment to make a selection.

Some wireless mouse interface electronics also come with software where specific buttons can be configured to a mouse click or keystroke.

iPad Accessories

iPads already have features that allow users to increase text size and more. Adaptive technologies for iPads allow users to take photos by activating a switch from a distance and allow them to dock their iPad easily on a mounting system. There are also devices to help users listen to music through Bluetooth and switch interfaces to access compatible apps through their iPads.

Remote Controls

Remote controls for televisions already offer accessibility for those with reduced mobility. Adapted remotes for people with reduced fine motor skills or impaired fine motor coordination provide further support by holding traditional remote controls in place, allowing TV watchers to access the buttons more easily. Adaptive remote controls for people with limited mobility are oversized and clearly labeled with words and symbols for various actions. These remotes offer larger strike surfaces so that individuals can easily:

Flip to their favorite program
Adjust the volume
Turn the TV on and off
Change channels

Speakers

Switch-adapted speakers allow users to enjoy listening to music independently. Adapted speakers feature large, clearly labelled buttons to perform the following functions:

Turning the speaker on and off
Adjusting the volume
Changing tracks
Playing or pausing the music

Some speakers are specifically for use with Bluetooth players.

3. How Do Adapted Electronics Help With Special Needs?

For people with disabilities, adaptive electronics offer independence through switch-adapted controls and other features. These devices make electronics truly accessible to more users and can be operated in conjunction with the accessibility features found with many electronic devices.

The internet, music, TV and other technologies offer many opportunities. They allow for relaxation and give viewers and listeners a way to connect with the world and stay up to date. Computers allow people to communicate and even work from home. For people with functional needs, commonly referred to as special needs, adapted electronics can promote improved self-care, inclusion and participation.

By making communication, education and entertainment more accessible, adapted electronics empower those living with a disability to enjoy many other benefits, such as:

Access information through the news, the internet and communication channels
Complete work and homework assignments online
Listen to music to relax
Pursue music as a hobby
Learn cause and effect
Watch their favorite movies and TV shows
Play games or browse the internet independently
Connect with others online
Use guided mice to work with a teacher or caregiver

4. Who Benefits From Adaptive Electronics?

Individuals of any actual and developmental age can enjoy adaptive electronics. Like any adaptive device, these electronics are intentionally designed to help children and adults with disabilities unlock their potential to learn, play, interact and engage with the world.

For years, music and television have provided us with inspiration, education, joy and connection. The internet has enabled us to work, study and communicate with others. Thanks to adaptive devices, those living with mobility issues, vision impairment and other conditions get to enjoy these benefits of electronics too.

Browse Our Adaptive Devices and Products Today

Enabling Devices offers exceptional products that allow children and adults to enjoy music, television and computers independently through external capability switches. If your family member or student is living with a disability or medical condition that prevents them from using electronic devices, browse our selection to find solutions engineered for their unique needs.

With more than 40 years of experience helping people with a range of conditions, Enabling Devices is dedicated to empowering and offering independence to people all over the country. If you’d like a free consultation to discuss our products, contact us today.

August 5, 2024

What Are Adaptive iPad Accessories?

Whether you’re thinking of upgrading an existing iPad or gifting a new one, adaptive iPad accessories enable exciting possibilities. Choose from our Wireless iPad Ability Switches, iPad Mounting Systems and five different iPad Styluses.

iPad Accessories for People With Disabilities

iPads are designed to help users complete tasks, communicate, learn, create and play. These versatile tablets combine the power of a computer with the convenience of a mobile device. iPads also offer various accessibility features and customization options, such as AssistiveTouch and Guided Access, to create an inclusive experience for all users.

At the same time, accessing apps and navigating the touchscreen can be challenging for children and adults with limited mobility or visual impairment. Adaptive devices and accessories from Enabling Devices can help.

Our iPad accessories have been adapted to enable accessibility and ease of use by addressing the needs and abilities of individuals with movement limitations or poor extremity control.

What Are Adaptive iPad Accessories?

Adaptive iPad accessories include a variety of products that enable maximum flexibility and reach, supporting users with mobility or visual impairment. For example, a mounting system secures the iPad to different surfaces, such as a wheelchair armrest or tabletop. Adaptive switches allow users to activate and navigate apps on the tablet. Adaptive styluses provide writing and touch utensils so users can write and draw on their iPads.

These accessories are specifically designed and engineered to improve iPad accessibility for people with limited mobility or functional needs (commonly referred to as special needs).

Types of iPad Accessories for People With Special Needs

Limited mobility or functionality can impact a user’s ability to hold or use an iPad. Fortunately, adaptive accessories allow users to take full advantage of the iPad for greater independence.

iPad Mounting Devices

An iPad mount can attach the device to a tabletop or wheelchair to keep it firmly in place. This is an ideal solution for anyone who has limited use of their arms or hands. Some mounts also have arms that can move the iPad around, so users can access it easily from different angles. This feature can also be useful in helping users see the screen easily in either portrait or landscape view. Some mounts may be dedicated for iPads only, while others can be used with e-readers, tablets or other devices.

iPad Switches

Adaptive wireless switches can help adults and children with limited motor skills to navigate the small icons on a touchscreen. Switches activate compatible apps, so users can:

Scroll through screens
Activate music
Increase volume
Use apps

Our iPad switches use Bluetooth, a popular technology used in wireless accessories like headphones, making them compatible with a variety of mobile devices.

iPad Styluses

Adaptive iPad styluses allow users to access a tablet using their mouths, hands or heads. Adaptive styluses enable the user to operate, draw on and write on the touchscreen with the parts of their body they can move most easily. Replaceable stylus tips are also available as needed and are compatible with other adaptive styluses.

How to Use Assistive Technology for the iPad

iPads open up a world of possibilities by allowing users to communicate, write, draw and play. With accessories from Enabling Devices, iPads can be even more accessible for those with limited mobility, allowing more users to access all the features possible.

As a parent, caregiver, therapist or teacher, you can help users navigate the assistive technology on the iPad for an enhanced experience. iPads come with a range of features to support different mobility, vision, hearing and learning needs, including:

Voice control
Live captions
Closed captions
Personalized audio
Audio descriptions
Headphone accommodations
Sensory alerts
Background sounds
Spoken content
Personal voice
Live speech
Magnifier
Point and speak
Customizable display settings
Reduced motion

Popular features like AssistiveTouch enable users to adjust the touchscreen to their dexterity capacity by changing the gesture controls. Guided Access helps users stay focused by keeping the device on one app at a time.

How Do Adaptive iPad Accessories Help People With Disabilities?

Adaptive accessories can place an iPad and all it can do within reach. With this technology, users can contact others, work, learn and play. These accessories also enable iPad users to:

Gain independence
Pursue creative projects
Focus on apps and using their iPad
Learn new information from the internet
Express themselves by making art or music with an iPad app
Communicate with others
Avoid discomfort caused by using an iPad that’s not properly adapted
Activate compatible apps
Adjust their device to meet their needs

If you have a student, patient or family member with a disability that impacts their ability to interact with an iPad and its features, adaptive accessories are a great option.

Unlock the Inclusive Power of Technology With Enabling Devices

iPads and other tablets are excellent devices for users with a wide range of abilities. With adaptive iPad accessories, individuals with mobility limitations can enjoy maximum accessibility and functionality when using their tablet.

At Enabling Devices, we specialize in exceptional products that enable children and adults with disabilities to play, learn and interact. Our adaptive devices include extensive categories to meet each individual’s needs, including iPad accessories, electronics, toys and games, communicators and sensory products.

Browse our selection at Enabling Devices to see what’s possible, or contact us with any questions.

June 21, 2024

23 Best Toys for Children With Hearing Impairment

23 Best Toys for Children With Hearing Impairment

Approximately 2-3 out of every 1,000 children born in the U.S. have a detectable level of hearing loss in one or both ears. Children with hearing impairment, hearing loss or auditory processing disorder (APD) can enjoy playing with auditory and multi-sensory toys and devices that enable them to explore their world.

Whether at home with a caregiver or working with an SLP at school, children with hearing impairment can practice expressing themselves by playing with auditory and multi-sensory toys. Auditory toys are great for individuals who have speech difficulties or need support recognizing and differentiating sounds.

These devices can encourage vocal interaction, such as singing with the toy, repeating what they have heard, answering a question or imitating a sound. Multi-sensory toys add more layers to the experience using visual cues, tactile elements, vibrotactile feedback and movement. They can also help with the development of motor skills, visual attention, eye-tracking and language.

With these benefits in mind, we’ve compiled a list of fun and educational toys for children who are deaf or hard of hearing.

Best Toys for Children Who Are Deaf or Hard of Hearing

It’s important for children with hearing impairment to engage their senses with a variety of sounds, textures and lights. Students who are working on spoken language or sign language can benefit from auditory toys that help them learn about different sounds and words.

Whether your child or student enjoys music, race cars, animals or satisfying textures, the following switch-adapted and switch-activated toys will provide endless fun and stimulating sensory input.

1. Somatosensory Tubes

Children can develop grasping skills with these brightly colored tubes that provide instant rewards when the tube is kept upright. These somatosensory tubes provide vibrotactile feedback by emitting soothing vibrations, glowing lights and music, depending on the style you choose. This toy is perfect for teaching cause and effect, eye-hand coordination and visual attention. Users can also learn to localize sound with this fun toy.

2. Gel Pad Activity Center

Help your student or child improve their tactile awareness with the Gel Pad Activity Center. This brightly colored toy features three gel pad switches that offer different sensory experiences that teach cause and effect:

The green gel pad switch makes music play and turns on a fan.
The red gel pad switch activates a spinning light and silly music.
The yellow gel pad switch makes music play, turns on vibrations and makes glitter swirl in a dome.

This activity center provides plenty of exploration opportunities. The gel pad textures are appealing and satisfying to the touch, allowing children to enjoy visual, tactile and auditory stimulation.

3. Mini Dome Sensory Toy

Like a party for the senses, the Mini Dome Activity Center is a wonderful sensory toy that can help increase auditory development, visual attention and tactile awareness. When a user presses any part of the dome or its plate, they can watch it come alive with catchy music, soothing vibrations and colorful confetti. This musical burst of activity features volume control to adjust to your child’s auditory stimulation needs.

4. Five Function Activity Center

For a fun multi-feature toy, try the Five Function Activity Center. This exciting five-in-one toy features various colors, textures, lights and sounds to engage children with hearing impairment for endless fun. Users can interact with each component for a new sensory awareness experience each time:

The yellow plate turns on the built-in radio.
The red plate produces a soothing vibration.
The orange plate turns on the light.
The wooden roller plays a buzzing sound.
The pull ball activates the music box.

This activity center is perfect for exploration, language development, cause and effect and eye-hand coordination.

5. Visually and Hearing Impaired Activity Center

Children with visual or hearing impairment can experience the joy of play with this activity center, specifically designed to increase tactile awareness and sensory stimulation. The Visually and Hearing Impaired Activity Center features a fan, a vibrating plate and a soft spinning cloth to introduce a range of textures, colors and sensations. This toy is ideal for children who are deaf or hard of hearing, as they can interact with a variety of texture and touch sensations.

6. Magical Light Show

This switch-adapted visual toy will attract a child’s attention with its enchanting lights, stimulating vibration and lively music. Magical Light Show features a built-in yellow switch plate to provide an accessible target area that activates the mesmerizing colors and vibrations. This toy can help increase sensory awareness, improve listening skills and enhance visual attention. Your student or child will feel like they’re at their very own VIP rock concert!

7. Let Loose Lenny

Children will be excited to dance along with the talented Lenny, the lion toy who belts the song “Shout” while he boogies away. Users can activate Let Loose Lenny by pressing his foot or using an external capability switch. This lion toy features a wild mane that children can touch, pet or comb for additional sensory input. Musical animal toys can help teach cause and effect, improve auditory development and increase visual attention in individuals with hearing impairment.

8. Smooth Moves Sloth

Smooth Moves Sloth combines teaching and sensory experiences in an amusing dancing toy! Young people can interact with this versatile toy at home, in therapy or in the classroom. This cute sloth toy is ideal for appealing to auditory and visual sensory needs. The product’s features include:

85 educational phrases and groovy songs to teach counting and colors
Colorful pulsing lights for visual stimulation
Head-bobbing, clapping and dancing movements for entertainment
Two external jacks for a pair of capability switches for those who need an external switch

9. Boppin’ Beaver

Support your child or student’s learning with the Boppin’ Beaver toy. This animal toy features over 25 songs, sounds and phrases that help those with hearing impairment learn:

Shapes
Colors
Numbers 1-10

When the user presses Boppin’ Beaver’s head or uses an external capability switch, the toy will light up, sing and swish his tail while introducing new words. Each touch or press will change his song, keeping children engaged in play and developing their cognitive skills, auditory development and visual attention.

10. Cool Beats Penguin

Children will love learning with the Cool Beats Penguin toy. This penguin features over 80 10-second songs and phrases that teach:

Letters
Numbers
Colors
Opposites

By pushing both of his feet or using two external capability switches, Cool Beats Penguin sings, flaps his flippers, lights up and moves back and forth for an exciting sensory experience. This adorable animal toy is perfect for teaching cause and effect, improving letter and number recognition and helping children learn through play.

11. Vibrating Animals

Children with unique sensory needs can find comfort in Vibrating Animal toys. These are some of the best toys for children who are deaf or hard of hearing because they can help them relax and provide somatosensory stimulation through gentle vibrations. Users can also learn tactile awareness by continuously squeezing the soft toys to produce vibrations. These cuddly plush animals can also help keep children and students engaged during circle time or therapy.

Choose your child’s favorite animal:

Basset hound
Rabbit
Tuxedo kitten
Golden retriever puppy
Seal
Piglet

12. Flying Under the Clouds

Is your student fascinated by the sounds and vibrations of a jet flying high above in the sky? This Flying Under the Clouds toy is the perfect visualization of a jet flying inside a covered dome. This device can help enhance visual tracking as the miniature jet plane flies around and around inside the dome. Children can also learn cause and effect by hearing the sounds of the jet engines and music when they activate the toy’s switch.

13. Racing Around

Children who love to play with toy cars will enjoy this exciting race car toy. The Racing Around toy features three colorful, removable race cars that you can switch out with your child’s own favorite cars. By activating the switch, the cars bounce and spin on springs while race car sounds and music play. This captivating toy is perfect for enhancing visual attention and teaching cause and effect.

14. Spinning Symphony

Students with hearing impairment can participate in the joy of playing music with the Spinning Symphony. This device is perfect for enhancing musical interest, featuring six brightly colored switches on a spinning plate that each represent a different instrument:

Piano
Harp
French horn
Flute
Violin
Orchestra

When a user presses any of the switches, they will hear a different Mozart composition that can encourage listening skills and music appreciation. Children can layer the sounds by pressing more than one at a time to create a unique composition of their own.

15. Harbor Breeze

The Harbor Breeze toy offers lights, vibration and sound for multi-sensory appeal. This colorful lighthouse toy engages users and provides sensory stimulation with the sounds of seagulls, rotating windmill sails, a cool breeze and red light. When a user presses and sustains the integrated switch, they will delight in the action and sounds that teach cause and effect and listening skills. The Harbor Breeze toy can also encourage imaginative play and storytelling.

16. Band Jam

This five-in-one switch-activated toy is perfect for increasing auditory development in children with hearing impairment. With Band Jam, users can press any of the five large buttons at the toy’s base to hear a variety of musical instruments, including:

Drums
Cymbals
Maracas
Tambourines
Triangle

Your child or student can feel like a rock star as they learn how to create exciting sounds. Band Jam can enhance sensory input with its multicolored LED lights and provide auditory stimulation.

17. Textured Carousel Busy Box

The Textured Carousel Busy Box is a cause-and-effect teaching toy for children with hearing impairment. Users can engage their senses with this brightly colored toy that helps with:

Color recognition
Auditory development
Tactile awareness
Visual attention

This fun toy features six textured pads that vibrate, light up, pop and play music on a spinning Lazy Susan base. The possibilities are endless as users activate each pad to experience:

Rainbow lights
Buzzers
Melodies
Popcorn balls
Vibrations

Pressing each pad in different orders will provide unique combinations that create a spectacular show.

18. Wheelie

Children with hearing impairment who have unique language and communication needs can learn through play with the Wheelie toy. This plush toy bus encourages users to sing and build language skills. When the switch-adapted toy activates, Wheelie lights up, dances and sings “Wheels on the Bus,” providing a fun sensory experience that can help teach children cause and effect and improve their auditory development.

19. Musical Twister Light Toy

Watch your child become fascinated by this exciting Musical Twister Light Toy. When activated, children will get to watch multicolored glitter swirling in a twister as enchanting music plays along. The interior light illuminates the dazzling glitter and base, making this toy perfect for calming spaces. This toy can help improve listening and visual attention skills and focus hearing.

20. Misty the Whale

Toys with different sounds and melodies can help children engage their senses and improve visual attention. The Misty the Whale toy is a plush blue whale that lights up and emits soothing ocean sounds. Users press her left fin to activate the four-minute melody or her right fin to adjust the volume. This toy is also perfect for cuddling and hugging, helping your child relax while teaching them new sounds.

21. Ring Around Bells

This bright musical toy enables those with hearing impairment to make and enjoy music. Ring Around the Bells is excellent for increasing auditory development, listening skills, grasping, eye-hand coordination, music appreciation and cause and effect.

Users simply press the attached yellow switch and watch as the colorful bells spin around and play a musical scale. They can also exercise their motor skills by spinning the bells manually in either direction. This toy provides plenty of visual and auditory stimulation by awakening a variety of senses. The bright colors, twirling movements and smooth metallic bells offer dazzling effects.

22. Bongo Drums

A set of drums is an excellent toy for boosting listening and hearing skills for your child. These Bongo Drums can help users discover new sounds and have control over creating different ones. This toy features high-quality drums that produce great sound and can be tuned if necessary. The Bongo Drums are perfect for improving auditory awareness and providing remarkable sensory satisfaction.

23. Music Machine Set

The Music Machine Set is perfect for music lovers! This toy allows users to start a band featuring a maraca, cluster bells, tambourine and drumstick. Once they activate the switch, the machine will beat to a set rhythm at the speed you choose.

Your child can increase their auditory development while experiencing the joy of different sounds and the fun of playing music. The Music Machine Set enables children to engage with four instruments that offer a wide range of benefits, like developing cause and effect and eye-hand coordination.

Encourage Auditory Development With Toys and Tools From Enabling Devices

Some children or students with hearing impairment may experience differences in learning, communication, sound perception and understanding of speech. Auditory development toys can engage their senses and help them learn essential skills through play.

At Enabling Devices, we carry a wide range of sensory, tactile and musical toys for individuals of all abilities, including auditory toys. Explore our product selection or contact us to see how we can meet your child’s needs.

April 16, 2024

Celebrate Earth Day!

April 22 is Earth Day, a day when billions of people around the globe participate in environmentally conscious activities geared toward protecting our planet.

Due to the alarming effects of climate change, protecting the planet has never been more urgent. Though climate change affects all human beings, Sara Minkara, U.S. Special Advisor on International Disability Rights for the Biden Administration, notes that people with disabilities are disproportionately affected by climate-related problems. One reason for this is because some disabled individuals—especially those in developing nations—lack access to education which might raise their awareness about the dangers of climate change. Another reason is that some disabled people are immunocompromised, making them more likely to be affected by environmental problems such as smog and climate-caused infectious diseases. Finally, says Minkara, people with disabilities are often more vulnerable to weather-related disasters since it may be more difficult for them to evacuate to safer locations.

Sometimes, climate change can feel overwhelming, and its challenges can seem insurmountable. But environmental experts tell us that everyone can make a difference. Here are some ways that all of us earthlings can do our part.

1. Support climate and environmental education
If you’re a special educator, make age-appropriate environmental studies part of your curriculum. For example, you can take students on nature walks and bird-watching trips; create an accessible garden or establish a tree-planting event. You can also teach students about recycling and composting.

2. Cut back on plastics use.
According to earthday.org, plastics “harm marine and human health, litter beaches and landscapes, and clog waste streams and landfills.” Earthday.org’s End Plastics campaign educates people about the dangers plastics pose to humans and ecosystems. The campaign’s goal is to reduce plastic use by 60% by 2040. Learn more at earthday.org.

3. Organize a community clean-up.
Earthday.org provides guidance on how to host a successful clean-up. The comprehensive resource offers tips on creating a planning group; choosing ideal sites, dates and times; attracting volunteers; and arranging for waste disposal.

4. Change your diet.
Did you know that the foods you eat can contribute to making the planet a healthier place? Animal-based foods such as meat and dairy products emit greenhouse gases that hurt the environment. The United Nations Climate Action initiative encourages people “where appropriate” to shift to a plant-based diet. For more information, click here.

5. Get involved in the disability-inclusive climate change movement.
There are myriad organizations working to fight climate change and its impacts but not all of them consider the needs of disabled individuals. SustainedAbility “is a disability-led network working with grassroots movements and organisations on disability and climate justice.” For more information, visit sustainedability.org.