Limb different toys matter – here’s why

Blue background with a lighter blue circle and white text that says, “limb different toys matter - here’s why” and a pink teddy bear with a limb different arm and @ontheotherhandtherapy

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

Pink background with two photos, one of a child sitting with a doll whose hand matches the child’s and the other of a large white bird with a shortened wing and @ontheotherhandtherapy
Pink background with three photos, two of the Mayana and friends animal stuffies (an alligator and monkey with limb differences) and a Vermont Teddy Bear doll with a partial arm @ontheotherhandtherapy

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
Pink background with two photos of dolls, one of Kikilishop’s Congenital Amputation Doll with a partial leg and the other of A Button And A Stitch’s Special Needs Rag Doll with a partial arm and @ontheotherhandtherapy
Pink background with two photos of dolls, one of A Step Ahead Prosthetics’ customized American Girl Doll with a partial arm and the other of Target’s Our Generation Suzee doll wih prosthetic leg and @ontheotherhandtherapy

Who makes limb difference toys?

  • 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.

© 2024. Laura Faye Clubok, MS, OTR/L, On The Other Hand Therapy