Every child belongs: The lasting impact of funding local toy libraries
- Lou Bell
- 3 days ago
- 2 min read
Direct funding to 30 local toy libraries helped create more welcoming, flexible and inclusive services for children with disability and developmental difference. Although the grant program has ended, the changes it supported are continuing in communities across Australia.
Every child should have the chance to play, learn and feel that they belong.
For many families, their local toy library is an important part of making that possible.
With funding from the Australian Government Department of Social Services, 30 toy library locations were able to strengthen the way they welcome and support children with disability and developmental delay. Through the 3D (Disability and Developmental Delay) Additional Sessions Grant, funding during the 2025-2026 financial year, went directly to local toy libraries, giving them the flexibility to respond to the needs of families in their own communities.
The result was much more than extra opening hours. Toy libraries listened to families, adapted their services and found practical ways to make them more welcoming and accessible.
One of the biggest lessons was that many families didn't want separate services. They wanted their local toy library to be welcoming, flexible and able to meet their child's needs. Many libraries introduced quieter borrowing times, flexible borrowing, accessible resources and more personalised support. These changes made toy libraries easier to use not only for children with disability and developmental difference, but also for families experiencing sensory overload, anxiety or the everyday challenges of raising young children.
The grant also strengthened the confidence and capability of toy library staff and volunteers. They learned more about disability, inclusion and child-safe practice, built stronger relationships with allied health and early years professionals, and found new ways to support families.
The clearest measure of success came from the families who used the additional funded services at their local toy libraries. Almost every family surveyed said borrowing toys saved them money.
88% experienced more joy playing with their child
84% felt more confident supporting their child's development
80% felt more connected to their local community.
Families borrowing for children with disability or developmental difference consistently reported the greatest benefits.
One parent shared: "Thank you for being inclusive and doing a little bit to help the world be a kinder place towards children with disabilities... It is so accessible and important."
Although this funding has now finished, the need has not. Families continue to tell us that toy libraries help them feel supported, connected and understood. Encouragingly, many of the toy libraries involved in the 3D Grant will continue building on this work through our new Pathways to Inclusion and Belonging Grants, funded for the 2026–2027 financial year.
The knowledge, partnerships and inclusive practices developed through the program are now embedded in the way many toy libraries support children with developmental difference and their families.
Toy Libraries Australia remains committed to helping local toy libraries create welcoming communities where all children and families can participate, connect and thrive.
The 3D Grant may have come to an end, but its legacy lives on in stronger toy libraries, more connected communities and brighter futures for children and families across Australia.
Want to learn more?
Read the full 3D (Disability and Developmental Delay) Grant report to explore the stories, outcomes and lessons from the program.
