Limb different toys matter – here’s why
I never had a toy with a limb difference like mine – until just recently. Growing up with a partial hand, I tried so hard to adapt to the limb typical world that it didn’t occur to me that toys with limb differences like mine could be possible. I can only imagine how much my 5 year old self would have loved one of these dolls!
But of course they’re not only possible – there now are so many incredible options available! Here are the dolls and toys I know about; please message me through social media so that I can add them to the resources page.
For children with limb differences, these toys can …
These toys can ALSO …
For children with typical limbs, these toys can …
Where do these toys belong?
How can people who are raising or work with “limb typical” children be allies?
Who makes limb difference toys?
At what age can children benefit from playing with inclusive dolls?
Transparency
Links
For children with limb differences, these toys can:
- boost self-esteem – encourage them to embrace their differences
- offer belonging, comfort, & connection – remind them they aren’t alone
- provide representation – help them see themselves positively
These toys can ALSO:
- foster imaginative play that includes their differences
- offer opportunities to practice responding to questions about their limb difference
- open conversations with peers & siblings
For children with typical limbs, these toys can:
- normalize disabilities & differences in body shapes/sizes
- promote acceptance, empathy, & understanding of differences
- serve as powerful tools for inclusion
Where do these toys belong?
Wherever children live, learn, play, & visit, such as:
- daycares
- extracurricular activities
- homes of peers & loved ones
- public libraries, recreational & after care centers
- schools & educational facilities
- summer camps
How can people who are raising or work with “limb typical” children be allies?
- promote inclusive toys with educators, librarians, & program staff
- encourage children to role play asking kind questions
Who makes limb difference toys?
- Plush dolls & stuffies
- A Button and a Stitch
- A Doll Like Me
- Budsies
- Crochet-ABLEs
- Kikilishop: personalized rag doll, designed specifically for children with limb loss, congenital amputation, or limb difference
- Mayana & Friends: animal plushies with upper and lower limb differences
- Reindeer in Here: Blizz has one smaller antler
- Vermont Teddy Bear: in collaboration with Amputee Coalition
- 18″ “realistic” dolls:
- Customized American Girl dolls by A Step Ahead Prosthetics
- “My Life” as a gymnast with prosthetic leg by Walmart
- “Our Generation” with prosthetic leg by Target
- Action Figures
- Lego®: Autumn has a partial arm
At what age can children benefit from playing with inclusive dolls?
- the younger the better!
- it’s never too early to make the world kinder & more inclusive
Transparency
I do not do not receive any commissions or kick backs for toy recommendations. Occasionally companies like Mayana & Friends send me free products to try. When I “met” Anna through her social media @hellomayana, I learned about her cute and whimsical plush animal stuffies, all of which have different limb differences. Reading about her “mission to celebrate and normalize differences” after having a child with a limb difference made me 😭 – it’s so beautiful how she channels her creativity into making a more inclusive world with beautiful toys that represent not only her child but also children with other kinds of limb differences! 🩷 And I love the doll she sent me – the “Dougie” doll.
Links
- Links for all of the toys and dolls are on the resources page.
- See this post on Instagram.
- See this post in the “H2L Innovation Station” column in the Hands to Love newsletter.
© 2024. Laura Faye Clubok, MS, OTR/L, On The Other Hand Therapy