They then find toys or programs which aid with that development. Dooley comments to Berridge. Discovering what toys are best for your child and including them into the family and community is only half of what Lekotek provides for families. The other half is the valuable source of information it provides. Parents are able to learn about the latest methods of adapting toys or computers for their children.
Support groups are also available to give parents a chance to share information and resources.
Lekotek leaders are on the cutting edge of technology and spend time with various toy companies to learn what's available for children with special needs. Hours are spent in toy stores looking for new interactive toys. Toys 'R' Us provides Lekotek parents with a ''Toy Guide For Differently Abled Kids,'' with a key to pinpointing which toys work toward developing creativity, social skills, gross and fine motors skills, and which build language or self-esteem and require thinking. There are also plans for Lekotek to offer a class that teaches parents how to use the computers and various software. We are totally dependent upon community support, whether volunteer involvement or financial,'' Prokesch says.