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Library Wants More Adaptive Toys
Palm Harbor Library photo
Marshall Roberts, outside a Publix in West Pasco, ringing electronic bells for the Salvation Army that are on loan from the Palm Harbor Library.
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Published: December 22, 2007
PALM HARBOR, Fla. - PALM HARBOR, Fla. - One of the Palm Harbor Library's adaptive toys enabled a Pasco County man in his 20's with cerebral palsy to realize his dream of becoming a Salvation Army bell ringer.
Marshall Roberts wanted to borrow the library's electronic bells so he could help others, said Lois Eannel, assistant library director and head of youth services. The request brought home the real difference adaptive devices can make in the lives of the people with physical challenges such as cerebral palsy.
Roberts is unable to grasp a regular bell handle. The adaptive device enabled him to ring electronic chimes while seated in his wheelchair beside one of the Salvation Army's famed red kettles.
The Palm Harbor Library boasts the largest collection of adaptive toys and devices on loan in the county, she said.
Specially designed toys are expensive, sometimes costing several hundred dollars. The family of a handicapped person usually has trouble affording these pricey toys on their own, she said.
The devices are available at the library throughout the year for physically challenged youngsters and adults to borrow.
These adaptive devices are more than toys, according to Eannel. They enable people with various physical challenges to use their senses, regain muscle strength and hone eye-hand coordination.
During the last six months more than 100 people have checked out adaptive devices. This is a good total for a specialty collection of this sort, Eannel said.
Grants from the Palm Harbor Junior Women's Club, Civic Club and Friends of the Library help purchase some of the items in the collection.
Eannel and her library colleagues would like to add to the adaptive device collection. At this time of year, groups, individuals and businesses looking to spread holiday cheer should consider donating to the library's adaptive toy and device fund, she said.
To donate or for more information contact Eannel by telephone at 727-784-3332 or stop by the Palm Harbor Library, 2330 Nebraska Ave.
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