Toys & Books

Santa’s Little Hackers

Santa's Little Hackers is a seasonal toy drive to adapt toys. We make simple modifications to the electronics of toys and give them away.

These adaptations make the toys accessible to individuals with disabilities so they can play independently.

Santa's Little Hackers is an annual event put on by MaxMods. MaxMods is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit corporation chartered to 'make the world accessible for all' by identifying adaptations and modifications to make the world work for individuals living with disabilities.

There are opportunities to donate toys, modify toys, and apply to receive modified toys.

Book: I Am Extraordinary

It’s the first day of school for Zoe, a young girl with hearing loss who dreams of playing on her school’s soccer team. But, self-conscious of her hearing aids, Zoe is too nervous to try out. With the help of and perspectives from new friends, what begins as a bumpy, anxiety-filled start for Zoe, soon transitions into an eye-opening experience about what it means to be different—and what it means to be extraordinary. I Am Extraordinary teaches kids how to look inside themselves to find self-acceptance and the confidence to achieve any goal.

Author: Stephen Curry
Illustrator: Geneva Bowers

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Book: Cordelia and Me

This book is about children overcoming disabilities whether visible or invisible and to not judge a book by its cover. Kallyn lost her hearing in her left ear at the age of 13 and received a cochlear implant 6 months later. This book shares her experience and journey of her continuous uphill battle. She is a positive young lady and lives life to the fullest every day.
Kallyn is an advocate for empowerment and inclusivity. She wrote this book to uplift and inspire individuals with disabilities. Through storytelling and empathy, she wants to teach others to embrace their authenticity, stand up against bullying, and find strength in their uniqueness.

Author: Kallyn Long
Editor: Christina Davis
Illustrator: Jaden Streeter

Book: Hands that Speak: A Journey of Listening and Learning

In Hands That Speak, Chrissy, the author, shares her personal journey from the hearing world to the Deaf community, and the culture shock that comes with it. As she learns the ABCs and basic words in American Sign Language, she discovers how much fun it can be to communicate in a new way.

Along the way, Chrissy explores how Deaf people navigate the world, finding many places to connect with others in the Deaf community. Learning about Deaf culture opens up an entirely new world, not just for Chrissy, but for anyone willing to listen and learn.

Author: Christine Pestillo
Illustrator: Emily Jerry

Book: Dinosaur Farm: A patch story that is not about the patch

Brennan is a kid who loves dinosaurs. So you can imagine his surprise when he finds a real, live dinosaur egg on his grandparents' farm. Will it be a meat eating dinosaur or a plant eating dinosaur? Will it be a dinosaur at all?While things may not always be as they seem, Brennan's adventure leads him to a new friend.BRENNAN'S PATCH AND GLASSESBrennan wears glasses and a patch. But his story is NOT about the patch. Tellibooks believes kids should be represented in the books they read, without feeling like their differences need to be explained. In fact, the patch isn't even mentioned in the story. Brennan is just Brennan--patch and all!

Stomp Rocket

The stomp rocket is a fun way to have kids practice standing on one leg. It can also be a great way to encourage longer periods of walking as kiddos chase after the rocket. As the kiddo learns to thread the rocket on the tube prior to launch they are able to work on their motor planning and fine-motor skills.

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Magnetic Blocks

There are a variety of magnetic block and tile toys available. Some are wooden. Some are plastic. Either way, they present a great option for encouraging creativity and working on precision and coordination. These toys can provide an early opportunity for pretend play and scale/early math skills.

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Vibrating Teether

Little kiddos often enjoy gnawing on teethers to help relieve some of the pain caused by their first teeth moving through the jaw and erupting through the skin. However, teethers that have a capacity to vibrate can provide additional soothing support by stimulating the sensory nervous system and providing sensory regulation. These toys can be used well beyond the stage when new teeth are arriving but instead as emotions begin rising and kiddos need to find ways to assist with their self-regulation.

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First Years Stacking Cups

Stacking cups are a toy that can last for many years. Early on they are often shaped in such a way that little hands find them easy to grab and manipulate. Over time, they can be used as part of a beginner cause and effect learning scenario that includes building them up and knocking them down. This can happen during tummy time initially and eventually during sitting practice. Once your kiddo is standing and walking, they can play this same game using their feet to knock or kick the cups over. Many sets have a variety of colors or numbers which can be described as part of early language acquisition. Understanding nesting and stacking are all part of early cognition. Another benefit is that many stacking cups have holes in the bottom so they can be used in the bath but the water drains through easily, mitigating the risk of mold growth, but still allowing the kiddos to start to learn about pouring.

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Squigz

Squigz are a suction-cup toy that adheres to flat surfaces, including the bath. These toys are great for building core strength, fine motor control, and imaginative play. There are a variety of sizes and brands that make similar products.

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Cause and Effect Pop Up Toy

This is one example of a pop-up, cause-and-effect toy. These toys often have high contrast colors and fun animals or images. The toys can be great for engaging kiddos in a variety of ways and in a variety of ways and positions. These toys generally require a variety of ways to manipulate and engage with the toys. Find one that engages your kiddo the most.

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