Transformative Grant from The Toy Foundation Provides Opportunity for Expanded Activities Through Multi-use, Convertible Play Tables

Thanks to a $24,000 grant from The Toy Foundation, Elizabeth Seton Children’s has purchased convertible play tables with three tabletop options: an art easel, sensory bowl and work desk, as well as adaptable goose-neck switches which offer easier movement solutions for children and young adults of all ages.

The Toy Foundation is an organization dedicated to the collective philanthropy of the toy industry for the benefit of all children in need, and with this gift they are providing a multitude of play opportunities for residents at Elizabeth Seton Children’s Center. With these new tables and equipment, Elizabeth Seton Children’s will enhance its efforts to provide fully-inclusive, fully-adaptive learning and play experiences for their 169 young residents to enjoy more creative, impactful play opportunities that promote fun, skill development and joy. In routine, day-to-day use, these tables facilitate creative play, hands-on learning and fun therapeutic activities. This includes drawing, painting, water play, learning games, fine motor activities and more.

The water play feature, a favorite of many residents, provides an immersive experience that improves sensory integration and increases fine motor skills through the practice of pouring water or grasping water toys, and the height adjustability means children can work on physical skills by using the equipment sitting on a bench or standing on their feet. Locking and unlocking the wheels on the feet of the tables also provides increased opportunity to practice shifting weight, working on balance and taking steps. Thanks to all of these features, residents of all ages and abilities are finding opportunities to combine fun while making strides in a therapeutic setting.

“I think the tables and equipment are great additions to each neighborhood. It's wonderful having a quality table that has the ability to have swappable tops depending on the need. Walking around the center I've seen a number of neighborhoods using them for programming, groups, leisure activities and meals. They have quickly become a staple and valuable resource to our neighborhoods and residents,” said James Maxon, Director of Creative Arts Therapies and Innovative Technologies.