Your guide to accessible presents this holiday season.
Finding a gift for friends and family can be a challenge but doesn’t have to be.
We’ve taken the guesswork out of Christmas this year and assembled the ultimate list of presents for children, teens and adults with accessibility needs.
So check out our suggestions below and give Santa a run for his money in the present department this Christmas.
Children
iPad
An iPad offers a world of options for people of all ages with accessibility needs. Whether it’s educational apps helping with developmental stages, speech therapy help, videos or games, iPads offer something for everyone.
Paint set
Playing with paint is an excellent way for children to develop their fine motor skills and explore their creativity. The great thing is, paintbrushes and tools aren’t even a necessity as finger painting can also promote tactile development and strengthen hand muscles.
As they grow older, introduce them to CPL’s Access Arts program, which provides high-quality arts programs to people living with disability or disadvantage.
Kinetic sand
Great for improving motor functions, Kinetic sand encourages children to get creative and build one-of-a-kind sand creations. Easy to shape, and also completely dry, soft and not sticky, Kinetic sand is a great way for children to have creative fun while improving their hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills.
Teens
Wireless headphones
A perfect gift for teens and adults of all ages, wireless headphones allow the user to be transported to their own musical world. The headphones provide privacy, entertainment and best of all, no tangled wires.
Microsoft Xbox Adaptive Controller
Have a gamer in the family? Try the Xbox Adaptive Controller, which can be programmed/customised to meet the needs of gamers with limited mobility. The controller can be played on Xbox One consoles and PCs running Windows 10.
Gift Cards
Stuck for what to buy someone? Try a gift card. While you could easily give cash, gift cards often allow the recipient to splurge on themselves a little more. Gift cards are also the go-to present for anyone that is time poor over the Christmas period.
Adults
Smart speakers
Smart speakers such as the Google Home or Amazon Echo could be the gift your searching for. The speakers can play music, answer questions and can control things inside the home such as lights, televisions, gaming consoles and air-conditioning.
Robotic Vacuum
This is the gift that keeps on giving. A robotic vacuum takes all the hard work out of keeping the house clean. Some models also come with a mopping feature! It’s the perfect gift for this year’s Christmas host.
Kindle
Know someone who loves to read but doesn’t have space for all their books? Try a Kindle which boasts a never-ending digital library. Some devices can also stream audiobooks for those who prefer to listen than reading.
Bonus
Toy and Resource Library subscription
Give the gift of choice this Christmas with a subscription to CPL’s Toy and Resource Library. The subscription provides families, therapists and educators across Queensland access to a wide range of toys and resources designed to assist children with a disability.