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Toys and EquipmentSelectionSensory Offaly

Offaly Libraries is delighted to present our Sensory OffalyToys and Equipment Collection, comprising toys, equipment,and assistive technology available to help children, youngadults and adults with additional needs. This collection isalso available to families, teachers, and caregivers for peoplewith additional needs and may be used by anyone who lives,works, or attends school in Offaly. The toys and equipment collection is based at Tullamore,Birr and Edenderry libraries, but collection from other branchlibraries can be arranged. Each of our eight branches canprovide a sensory backpack for use within the library.The toys and equipment can be borrowed free of charge byanyone registered for a Sensory Offaly library card, whichcan be arranged via any branch of Offaly Libraries. Terms and conditions of use apply. Items may differ slightlyfrom the catalogue. General queries may be directed toTullamore Library at TullamoreLibrary@offalycoco.ie or 057 934 6832.

Accessing the Collection..........................................Sensory Offaly Toy and Equipment Collection........ Gross Motor Skills.............................................. Fine Motor Skills................................................. Play & Life Skills.................................................. Sensory & Tactile...............................................Contact our libraries................................................1459152024Contents

Toys and equipment may be borrowed by Offaly Libraries'adult patrons who have registered for a Sensory Offaly librarycard. Teachers and SNAs may also obtain a card.Three items may be borrowed at a time for three weeks.Items may be renewed twice, unless requested by anotherpatron. It is the responsibility of borrowers to inspect items before useand to use them safely and as intended for health and safetyreasons.Toys and equipment should be used on the advice of aqualified professional Borrowers should ensure that toys and equipment areappropriate for the age and ability of the person using them,and that care is taken with small parts and magnets. The Sensory Offaly Toys and Equipment Collection has beencreated to support and assist people with additional needs inOffaly, and their families, educators, and carers. Accessing the Collection1

We ask all patrons to take care of the items in the SensoryOffaly collection to ensure they remain available to otherpatrons and, when returning items, to notify staff of anyissues or damages. Items are stored at Tullamore Library, Birr Library andEdenderry Library but may be collected from other OffalyLibraries branches with sufficient notice. Items in the collection have been selected by Offaly Librariesstaff to support in the development of a range of skills andabilities, from fine and gross motor skills to life skills andcommunication skills. All of the items have been purchasedfrom reputable suppliers, based on recommendations fromother library authorities who have undertaken similarprojects.Offaly Libraries staff are delighted to assist in using thecollection, but cannot make expert recommendations. 2

Sensory Offaly patrons are responsible for any items fromthe Sensory Offaly collection in their possession. It is the responsibility of borrowers to inspect itemsbefore use and to use them safely and as intended. Borrowers must ensure that toys and equipment areappropriate for the age and ability of the person usingthem, and that care is taken with small parts andmagnets. Items should be used on the advice of a qualifiedprofessional.Library staff can assist patrons in accessing thiscollection, but cannot make recommendations regardingequipment. Items in this catalogue are current at time of publication(April 2022).Items from the toys and equipment collection will becleaned on return and stored safely.Please Note3

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Gross Motor Skills are physical skills that use thewhole body, particularly the largest muscles of thebody, to perform everyday tasks like standing,sitting up straight, and walking. Core strength,balance, using both sides of the body in acoordinated way and body awareness areessential for gross motor movements. Thesemovements, which include walking, jumping,running, and throwing, are also required foreveryday tasks like climbing stairs, putting ontrousers, and getting into a car. Gross Motor Skills can be developed andimproved through practice and repetition, and ourcollection includes various toys and equipmentthat can help in this process. Gross Motor Skills5

Wooden Balance BoardThis multi-use balancing board can be used inexercise to improve flexibility, stamina, strengthand coordination. It is also an open-ended toythat can be a see-saw, a bridge, a tunnel, aseat, etc. Suitable up to 100 kg.Promotes:ProprioceptionFlexibilityCoordinationBiliboRotation Board Sit or stand and rotate the board. Suitable for ages 3+ and up to 40kg.Promotes:BalanceCoordinationThe bilibo is an open-ended toy that can be aseat, a bowl or a hat! It can be used for rocking and spinning. MaxLoad?PopperboardThis balancing toy is suitable for standing, sitting,rocking and wobbling. It makes satisfying poppingnoises and supports the development of grossmotor skills and balance. Max load?Promotes:Core StrengthBalanceCoordinationPromotes:BalanceCore StabilitySensory ProcessingGross Motor Skills6

Sit N' GymThis gym ball has a gently spikey surface toprovide a tactile experience. Green - 65cm.*Faster Blaster Pump also available.Promotes: Sensory Stimulation Core Strengthening BalanceLarge therapy ball. Yellow - 45cm. *Faster Blaster Pump also available.Promotes:FlexibilityCore StrengtheningBalanceCoordinationPeanut RollPeanut shaped Physio Ball Available in Red: 40cmAlso available in Blue: 70c *Faster Blaster Pump also available.Promotes:FlexibilityCore StrengtheningBalancePromotes:Core stabilityBalancePhysio ball with little feet to help balance. Yellow - 45 cmRed - 55cm *Faster Blaster Pump also available.Gym BallTactile Massage BallGross Motor Skills7

Thera-bandForever Up and DownDisc O' SitMovin' Sit Junior These latex free Thera-Bands are for resistance exercises, used for improving strength and flexibility. Yellow - Thin Resistance; Red - Medium Resistance. Suitable for ages 3 +Promotes:FlexibilityCore StrengtheningBalanceCarefully twist and turn the toy to move the ballround and around in its track.Promotes: Visual Perception Spatial Skills ConcentrationPromotes:BalanceCore Strengthening Self-regulation ConcentrationThis cushion allows for 'active sitting',reducing the need to fidget and improvingcomfort and concentration.This wedge allows for 'active sitting', reducingthe need to fidget, and improving comfort,posture and concentration. Promotes: Sensory StimulationCore Strengthening Self-regulation ConcentrationGross Motor Skills8

Reaction BallNeon Exercise BallWePlay SeesawRed ball with bumpy surface, which moves inunpredictable directions when bounced against a wallor floor. The reaction ball puts your reflexes and hand-eye coordination to the test, as its shape makesmovements unpredictable.Promotes:Gross Motor SkillsFlexibilityHand-eyeCoordination100cm diameter elastic exercise ball.The different colours of this gymnastics ball willbe fascinating for children of all ages. The mattesurface is made out of robust elastic band, whichis perfect for inside and outside playing.Promotes:BalanceProprioception Promotes:BalanceCore Strengthening Gross Motor SkillsThis dual function device is a combination ofa seesaw and a balance board. Players needto keep the ball rolling along the track whilekeeping balance.Gross Motor Skills9Promotes:BalanceCore Strengthening This rocking toy offers endless freeplayopportunities whether upright or on its side -rocking, climbing, and sitting.. Suitable forages 2+ and best used on a hard surface.Rocker Car

Fine Motor Skills are physical skills that use themuscles of the hands (or sometimes feet!) toperform everyday activities like drawing, doing upbuttons, and using building blocks. They areparticularly important for independence, as theyallow children to dress themselves and feedthemselves. Fine Motor Skills can be developed and improvedthrough practice and repetition, and our collectionincludes various toys and equipment that can helpin this process.Fine Motor Skills10

Zippedeedo-upLatches BoardBear Skills BoardDoorbell HousePractice your closures! This frame holds six common clothing closures on which to practise.Promotes: Fine Motor Skills Life SkillsUndo the latch and open the door tosee the picture beneath. Promotes: Fine Motor SkillsColour & Number RecognitionCounting Life SkillsBasic Problem SolvingPromotes: Fine Motor SkillsLife SkillsDress bear using common clothing closures.Practice buttons, zips, velcro, laces, andbuckles.This wooden house has four locks withmatching keys, four doorbells and four dollswith which to practice fine motor skills.Promotes: Fine Motor Skills Bilateral Integration Life Skills Fine Motor Skills11

Grippies -ShakersLollipop Jungle Sensory BallA sensory and magnetic construction toy. This auditory STEM building set is suitable forages 18 months+ Promotes:Develops Tactile Senses Sensory Stimulation Concentration Fine & Gross Motor SkillsThe lollipop jungle is great practise for holding and releasing, gripping and moving. The stalks offer sensory input and the itemsthreaded on them can be moved up anddown, teaching cause and effect.This soft Sensory Ball has 6 smaller balls around it,each with a different colour, texture and pattern. Then ball offers visual and tactile sensorystimulation.Promotes: Sensory Stimulation Fine Motor Skills Promotes: Fine Motor Skills,Hand-Eye Co-ordination Fine Motor Skills12Promotes: Fine Motor Skills HandwritingStepping Into Handwriting Stepping into handwriting plus letter building kitThe program touches on key aspects ofhandwriting, giving pre-service teacherssufficient preparation with both handwritingstrategies and challenges faced in the classroom

Pattern Blocks & BoardsLacing AppleLacing ShoePromotes: Fine Motor Skills, Matching & Sorting SkillsColour & Shape RecognitionConcentration Match the colourful shaped blocks to thetemplates provided or create your owndesigns.A wooden apple with holes through which thecaterpillar on a string can be threaded. Promotes: Visual perception skills Hand-eye coordinationConcentrationFine Motor Skills This wooden shoe is a great way to practiceshoe-lacing and shoelace-tying skills.Promotes: Fine Motor Skills Bilateral Integration Life Skills Fine Motor Skills13

Jumbo Tweezers Helping Hands ToolsWriting SlopeThese colorful tweezers are just the right sizefor little hands. Each features ergonomic depressions to guidea proper pincer–grasp grip. Promotes: Fine Motor SkillsLife Skills Hand-EyeCoordinationPromotes: Fine Motor Skills Sensory IntegrationLife Skills Help children develop fine-motor and pre-scissorskills and get ready for writing, cutting, and more. Includes: Gator Grabber Tweezers, Handy Scoopers,Twisty Droppers, Squeezy Tweezers This sloped surface makes handwriting easier. Promotes: Literacy Skills Handwriting Skills Coordination Fine Motor Skills 5 wooden animal panels and colourful lacesto practise lacing and tracing skills.Promotes:Visual Perception SkillsHand-eye coordination Concentration Fine Motor Skills Wooden Lacing Farm Animals Fine Motor Skills14

Junior Engineers Workshop MotorbikeMini construction kit with metal and plasticparts. The various pieces screw together usingthe tools in the box. Promotes: Fine Motor SkillsLife SkillsPromotes: Fine Motor SkillsLife Skills This magnetic board has letters and can beused with magnets of all sorts.Promotes:Literacy SkillsFine Motor Skills Magnetic board with mini magnetic lettersJunior Engineers Workshop Racing CarJunior Engineers Workshop AeroplaneMini construction kit with metal and plasticparts. The various pieces screw together usingthe tools in the box. Mini construction kit with metal and plasticparts. The various pieces screw together usingthe tools in the box. Promotes: Fine Motor SkillsLife Skills Fine Motor Skills15

PlaystixMagne SticksPromotes: Fine Motor SkillsHand-eye CoordinationConcentration 105-piece translucent set. Playstix is aconstruction set with plastic rods colour-coded by length. Suitable for ages 4+ Promotes: Fine Motor SkillsHand-eye CoordinationConcentrationPromotes: Fine Motor SkillsLife Skills Wooden Activity BoardA sturdy wooden activity board, whichencourages the use of fine motor skills.Features a variety of mechanisms, such aslaces, zips, clasps and wheels.Children can build so many things, which willgive them hours of fun and help them usetheir imagination. The various surfacestructures promote sensory development,including hand-eye coordination, fine motorskills and hours of play.Fine Motor Skills16Promotes: Fine Motor SkillsHand-eye CoordinationConcentration Finding a Parking SpaceA magnetic-pen game that encourages logicalthinking while developing fine motor skills.Move the cars around the parking lot - withpattern cars to focus on colours.

Play and Life Skills are skills such as effectivecommunication, awareness of others' feelings,turn-taking, self-expression, and buildingrelationships. These skills can be learned and improved, likeother skills, and our collection includes varioustoys and equipment that can help in this process.Play & Life Skills17

Emotion PuppetsEmotional Faces SmallEmotion CubesSet of 6 inflatable balls, each with a faceshowing a different emotion.A set of 6 puppets expressing different emotions: joy, sadness, fear, anger, surprise, and no emotion. Promotes: Language & Communication Skills Understanding Feelings Non-verbal CommunicationSet of 4 cubes which help children learn torecognise and discuss different emotions usingphotographs and words. Photo cards depicting a wide range ofemotions without labels. Promotes:Recognition ofEmotionsLife SkillsPhoto Feelings Fun DeckPromotes:Recognition ofEmotionsLife SkillsPromotes:Recognition ofEmotionsLife SkillsPlay & Life Skills18

Time to Talk GameBox Full of FeelingsColorcards - How Are They Feeling?A set built around four basic feelings: joy, sadness, fear, and anger. Suitable for ages 2-7. This game supports language and social skills for children aged 4-7. Promotes: ListeningTurn-taking Non-verbal Communication Understanding FeelingsPicture cards with different activities andexpressions, allowing users to guess how thepeople in the pictures are feeling. Promotes: Reading Faces & Contexts Communication Skills Understanding FeelingsNon-verbal Communication Promotes: Reading Faces & Contexts Communication Skills Understanding FeelingsNon-verbal Communication Play & Life Skills19Promotes:Social SkillsLanguage &Communication Skills Self Awareness Activities - Talkabout Cards This pack has 20 group games with visual cues toencourage self awareness and effective socialskills.

Socially SpeakingPromotes:Language &Communication SkillsSocial Skills Promotes:Language &Communication SkillsSocial Skills This game practises social interactionsand supports language developmentand problem solving. This card pack supports the development of communication skills in children and young adults. Let's Talk - Social SkillsPlay & Life Skills20Promotes:Life Skills SeeSaw BalanceThis balancing board is used todemonstrate equilibrium and weightdifferences. There are 10 weightcubes included.This collection of four colours of differentshaped blocks can be used to teach basicconcepts like shapes and three-dimensionalobjects, and sequencing.. Ages 10months +. Promotes:SequencingShapes and ColoursHand-eye Coordination Stepping Shapes

Snakes and Ladders Promotes: Communication SkillsTurn-taking Pyramid PuzzleTraditional Snakes and Ladders boardgame for 2-4 people. Players take turns toroll the dice and advance up the board,climbing up ladders and sliding downsnakes.Play & Life Skills21Sand Timers: Set of 5 Promotes: Starting & Finishing TasksTime ManagementConcentrationColour coded sand timers to measurespecific period of time.Promotes:Life SkillsMultiplication & Division DiceThese dice make learning arithmetic into a game!Practise multiplication and division in a fun way. Promotes: Spatial AwarenessProblem-solving Hand-eye Coordination Interlocking puzzle pieces that challengethe brain to create something new!Supports problem-solving, spatialawareness, and hand-eye coordination.Ages 3+

Play & Life Skills22 Promotes: Starting & Finishing TasksTime ManagementConcentrationColour coded sand timer to measurespecific period of time.30 Minute Sand Timer15 Minute Sand TimerColour coded sand timer to measurespecific period of time. Promotes: Starting & Finishing TasksTime ManagementConcentrationBee BotPlastic prgrammable robot. Bee-Bot featuresinclude: Sounds and flashing eyes confirm yourinstructions - Memory of up to 200 steps -Robust and small design - Fantastic cross-curricular resources also available Promotes: Directional LanguageProgramming

Sensory processing difficulties can be an issue formany people, particularly those with autism. Sensoryplay and experiences can be both enjoyable andbeneficial for people with sensory issues. It stimulatesthe brain, often has a calming effect, and can helppeople self-regulate. Sensory play can also help withcoordination.Sensory toys and equipment are designed tostimulate one or more senses. People may also usesensory toys as part of stimming, a sensory-seekingtechnique used to calm themselves and relieve stress.No two people have the same sensory needs, and thesensory and tactile toys and equipment in ourcollection should be introduced gently.Sensory & Tactile23

Bear HugLizard Lap Weight - 2kgFidget Mat - 900gWeighted Scarf - 800gThe Weighted Lizard is for use on the lap, offeringcomforting pressure to support focus, self regulation,and concentration. Suitable for ages 3+, use shouldbe limited to 15-20 minutes due to its weight. Promotes:CalmingConcentrationSelf-regulation This adjustable deep pressure vest helps to calmchildren with high sensitivity and decrease hyper-responsiveness. Small: 8″ x 26″ Torso Wrap with 20″ shoulderstrap. A weighted lap mat that providesreassuring pressure in a seated position. It also has a a fidget octopus. Promotes: Sensory Stimulation Self-regulation CalmingThe weighted scarf helps focus, calm, andconcentration through improved proprioceptionand is suited to those with sensory processingissues. Weighted items are best used underguidance from a professional.Promotes:Self-regulationCalmingProprioception Promotes:CalmingConcentrationSelf-regulation Sensory & Tactile24

Weighty Snakey - 3kg Lap Weight - 1kg Kids' Weighted Blanket - 3kgThis large weighted blanket offers comfortingpressure. 100% cotton. Weighted items are best used under guidancefrom a professional. Weighted Blanket - 6kgLap weights offer reassuring pressure in a seatedposition. They support self-regulation, concentration, andcalming. Promotes:CalmingConcentrationProprioception This tactile snake is a weighted toy that helpsfocus, calm and concentration throughimproved proprioception and is suited tothose with sensory processing issues. Weighted items are best used underguidance from a professional.This weighted blanket is deisgned forchildren, offering comforting pressure. Weighted items are best used underguidance from a professional. Promotes: Self-regulation CalmingProprioceptionPromotes:Self-regulationCalmingProprioception Promotes:CalmingConcentrationSelf-regulation Sensory & Tactile25

Shake and Roll Set Tactile DiscsSensory BackpackA colourful set of 5 different tactile structures, these discs challenge the sense of touch on both hands and feet. Promotes:CalmingSensory Stimulation This set includes a mini rainbow maker and anocean drum, offering a visual and audiosensory experience that is calming and fun.Suitable for ages 1+.Promotes:Tactile Integration Regulation Matching & Counting Promotes:CalmingSensory Stimulation Each library has a sensory backpack for use inthe library. These contain ear defenders,fidget toys, and other sensory items. Sensory & Tactile26

Ear DefendersFidget PacksA box containing a variety ofsensory objects to stimulate andcalm. Promotes:CalmingConcentrationSelf-Regulation Similar in design to over-the-hear earphones,ear defenders muffle loud or distractingnoises, decreasing over-stimulation andsupporting concentration. Noise attenuationof 26dB. Suitable for ages 6 months - 16 yearsPromotes:CalmingSensory Stimulation Sensory & Tactile27Promotes:CalmingSensory Stimulation The space galaxy projector creates a galaxy onyour ceiling! The projector can be adjusted to anyangle and lights up a room with blue lights andtwinkling green lights. This soothing experience isbest used in very dark spaces.Space Galaxy Projector

28Fibre Optic Sensory LampPromotes:CalmingSensory Stimulation A Fibre Optic colour-changing sensory lampwith glitter base. Switches smoothly andautomatically between colours, offering asoothing light sensory experience along withthe pleasant feeling of the fibre optic strands.Sensory & TactileBitty BottomSmall sitting cushion containing marbles.This is helpful for children who need tofidget and move. Promotes: Sensory & Tactile StimulationCore StrengtheningSensory Lighting SpereMulti-colour LED lighting sphere. Suitable for indoor and outdoor use- 5m power cable included. Promotes:CalmingSensory Stimulation

AUTISM Banagher LibraryT: 057 9151471 E: BanagherLibrary@offalycoco.ieBirr LibraryT: 057 9124950E: BirrLibrary@offalycoco.ieClara LibraryT: 057 9331389E: ClaraLibrary@offalycoco.ieDaingean LibraryT: 057 9353005E: DaingeanLibrary@offalycoco.ieEdenderry LibraryT: 046 973 1028E: EdenderryLibrary@offalycoco.ieFerbane libraryT: 090 6454259E: FerbaneLibrary@offalycoco.ieKilcormac LibraryT: 057 9135086E: KilcormacLibrary@offalycoco.ieTullamore LibraryT: 057 9346832E: TullamoreLibrary@offalycoco.ie Contact our Libraries29

Offaly Libraries@OffalyLibraries@Offaly_LibrariesOffaly Libraries