Competition: Design For Children With Sensory Disorders

Easter Seals Southwest Florida is inviting designers worldwide to DEVELOP A TOY OR SENSORY AID to assist children in their ability to process their sensory environment. The toy or aid may focus on developing one sense or multiple senses.

We are focusing on the age group of birth to twelve years old, due to the critical nature of early identification of these processing issues. There is a need for more effective toys and aids to help these children as they learn to play and to integrate those skills into productivity in their later years.

Sensory tools help with Activities of Daily Living: feeding, dressing, sleeping, bathing, brushing teeth/grooming, and transitioning between activities. These tools will not only help the child be happier and more independent, they will assist the whole family during their day. This is a significant area of need.

To see examples of sensory toys/aids, please feel free to refer to the websites of four companies that produce such toys and aids specific to sensory needs:

Affordable Therapy Solutions,  Flaghouse,  Abilitations, Beyond Play

The winner of the challenge will receive a $1,000 cash prize and admission to the American Specialty Toy Retailing Association (ASTRA) Marketplace and Academy in Baltimore, Maryland June 10 – June 13. The winner will be announced out our annual Design & Wine event, where their design will be on display.