Supported toy library sessions for children with developmental delay and disability

Zoe Houstein
2 days ago
5 min read

Updated: 3 hours ago

Image description: Hands of two young children playing with set of colourful building block ball run. Photo taken from above.

Summary:

Selected toy libraries across Australia now offer supported borrowing sessions for families of children with disability, developmental delay and concerns
The type of support available varies, but may include quiet times, by-appointment visits, or extra support from trained staff
They aim to create safe, inclusive spaces for every child.
Find your nearest supported toy library here

Every child deserves the chance to play, learn, and belong.

Across Australia, dozens of toy libraries are now offering supported toy library borrowing sessions designed especially for children disability or developmental concerns. These are intended to create safer, welcoming spaces where every child can explore, learn, and grow through play.

These supported sessions are part of an emerging grassroots initiative led by Toy Libraries Australia to make play more inclusive and accessible.

What are supported toy library sessions?

Supported sessions are borrowing times where families can take things at their own pace.

They’re often quieter, less crowded, and designed to suit children who may find typical busy sessions overwhelming.

Each toy library runs their sessions a little differently, but they might include:

Quiet hours with reduced noise, lighting, and crowds. With less people, the sessions are more predictable for children making learning the social rules and routines a lot easier.
By-appointment visits, so families can explore at their own pace.

These small adjustments make a big difference, helping families feel supported and confident while discovering the power of play together.

Why supported sessions matter

Every community toy library in Australia has members with disabilities, developmental delays, or other additional needs. Toy libraries give families access to high-quality toys and resources that support children’s learning and development through everyday play at home. Thanks to their local toy library, thousands of children across Australia enjoy child-led play every day.

However, some families find the physical, social, or sensory aspects of a typical toy library session challenging. These children and families deserve the same opportunities to play and connect. Read more about the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child here.

Toy libraries are more than a place to borrow toys. They are inclusive community hubs that nurture both children and their grown-ups. Supported sessions create calm, flexible environments where trained staff and volunteers can welcome families with diverse needs and make borrowing more accessible for everyone.

One parent shared how supported sessions helped their child reconnect with the toy library. During the first few visits, their child was able to explore quietly at their own pace. Over time, they became more comfortable, learning the routine of returning and choosing toys before heading home to play. Before these supported sessions, the same child had found the toy library too overwhelming and had not returned for more than two years. Now, they are confident joining the regular Saturday sessions with their family.

Backed by research

During research undertaken by Toy Libraries Australia in 2024, families expressed the need for more support to make toy libraries accessible for their children with developmental delay and disabilities. This has informed the design of these initiatives that are supported through two programs led by Toy Libraries Australia:

The Disability Access, Inclusion, and Support (DAIS) program works with nine pilot toy libraries across Australia to build accessible and inclusive practices. Read more about the Disability Access, Inclusion and Support (DAIS) Program here.

3D (developmental delay and disability) additional session project: 30 toy libraries receive funding for staffing to open for an additional session a week. These toy libraries have commenced trialling session times and formats to get the best fit for their local families with developmental delay and disability. Read more about this program here.

Together, these programs are helping toy libraries provide extra support where it’s needed most, especially for children with developmental delay or disability.

Supporting development through play

Play is one of the most powerful tools for early learning and therapy.

Through supported sessions, families can:

Learn new ways to use play to support Speech Pathology, Occupational Therapy or Physiotherapy goals.
Borrow toys and play resources that meet their child’s interests and developmental needs, enhancing their everyday fun and learning at home.
Connect with other local families.
Be seen, supported, and included in their local community.

These sessions also help volunteers and staff learn more about accessibility and inclusion, giving our toy library community increased skills and confidence to support members of their local community who have diverse needs.

Find a supported toy library near you

The following toy libraries currently offer supported sessions, including quiet hours, by-appointment visits, or support from trained staff and times for families to visit with their allied health professionals.

If your local toy library isn’t listed below, visit our Find a Toy Library page and get in touch with one near you. They may be able to offer similar support or make accommodations for your family.