Building Inclusive Play at Saint Francis University: The SWITCHED Adapted Toys Initiative
Saint Francis University is proud to highlight the inspiring work of the SWITCHED Adapted Toys Chapter, an interdisciplinary initiative launched this fall through a collaboration between the Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT) program and the Education Department. Led by Dr. Jen Misiura (MOT) and Dr. Cassie Grassmyer (Education), the program is supported by a generous donation from the Dorothy Day Center and a grant from the UPMC Altoona Foundation.
At its core, the SWITCHED initiative brings MOT and Education students together to adapt mainstream toys using accessible, easy-to-operate switches. By modifying toys so they can be activated with large, user-friendly interfaces, students are making play more inclusive for children with motor and other disabilities, opening the door to meaningful, developmentally rich play experiences that might otherwise be out of reach.
Impact on Children and Families
The adapted toys created by the SWITCHED team will soon be distributed to local families through a parent application system, ensuring each child receives a developmentally appropriate, personalized toy. These switch-adapted toys offer:
- Expanded Access to Play: Children with disabilities gain the ability to independently explore cause-and-effect through toy play, an important foundation for learning.
- Skill Development: Adapted toys can support motor skills, hand-eye coordination, cognitive growth, and social engagement.
- Inclusion and Confidence: Children can interact with the same toys as their peers, fostering inclusion and strengthening social relationships.
- Therapeutic and Educational Support: These toys can be used by therapists and educators to enhance engagement, reinforce key concepts, and help children participate more fully in both clinical and classroom environments.
A Valuable Learning Experience for Students
The SWITCHED initiative offers MOT and Education students a unique, hands-on opportunity to practice real-world interdisciplinary collaboration.
Occupational Therapy students gain experience in:
- Activity analysis, adaptation, and assistive technology
- Applying foundational OT skills directly in community-focused projects
- Working alongside future educators to solve problems and create meaningful tools for children
Education and Special Education students strengthen their skills by:
- Learning how therapeutic strategies and adaptations can be incorporated into classroom instruction and IEPs
- Developing more inclusive teaching practices and understanding diverse learner needs
- Collaborating with allied health professionals in ways that mirror future school-based teamwork
A Model of Community-Focused Collaboration
By combining expertise across disciplines, Saint Francis University is creating a powerful model of how collaboration can drive meaningful change. The SWITCHED Adapted Toys Chapter not only supports local children and families but also prepares future occupational therapists and educators to advocate for inclusivity throughout their careers.
This initiative reflects the very best of SFU’s mission, service, innovation, compassion, and community partnership, all wrapped into one transformative project.