Enhancing Play Therapy: A Year of Progress at Elizabeth Seton Children’s Center

Thanks to a $24,000 grant from The Toy Foundation (TTF), Elizabeth Seton Children’s Center has made significant strides this year in offering an inclusive, innovative and engaging therapeutic environment for children and young adults with complex medical needs.

This new funding allowed the purchase of convertible play tables with three tabletop options: an art easel, sensory bowl and desk, as well as adaptable goose-neck switches which offer easier movement solutions for children and young adults of all ages. These tools been instrumental in transforming play experiences, helping residents engage more meaningfully in activities and creative play modalities. Thanks to TTF’s generosity, Elizabeth Seton Children’s now has a table on each of its neighborhoods so that everyone can reap the benefits.

These adaptable tables have allowed children of varying physical and cognitive abilities to participate in activities alongside their peers. James Maxson, Director of Creative Arts Therapies, shared, “The tables’ flexibility has allowed us to not only support various materials and activities but to also facilitate independent exploration. This adaptability is central to fostering curiosity, engagement and fun in a way that aligns with each child’s unique developmental needs.” Children who use wheelchairs, standers or those who sit in typical chairs are now joining group activities without additional accommodations, making play therapy more seamless and equitable and promoting a truly inclusive environment.

For one children’s center resident, Carina, who uses a lower-than-typical wheelchair, the tables have allowed her to explore a new leisure interest: water play! Carina loves tactical experiences like vibration, music and lights, but water play has engaged her in a more impactful way. “Carina is drawn to the tactile input of water play. We can adjust the temperature to meet her preference that day, and using different water toys and adjusting the flow thicker or thinner completely engages her. She loves to splash with our team members!” Said Megan Fava, Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist.

Team members at the children’s center also love the tables because of their portability. Whether a child is in school, their neighborhood great room or within their own room in a wheelchair or in bed, the tables can be adjusted to meet them in their most comfortable environment and position to do the activities they love most!