Toy Libraries Australia launches Toys Without Barriers pilot to support inclusive play

Image description: A smiling young boy using a wheelchair sits beside a woman who is gently holding his hand. Both appear happy and engaged. A circular “Toys Without Barriers Toy Library” logo is placed in the bottom right corner.

Summary:

• A new pilot across three Melbourne toy libraries is expanding access to switch-adapted and inclusive toys for families.

• The service allows families to borrow specialist toys, explore what works for their child and enjoy accessible play at home.

• The pilot supports play for children with diverse needs while offering a budget friendly way to try adaptive toys.

Toy Libraries Australia (TLA) is proud to announce the launch of Toys Without Barriers, an innovative six-month pilot program in the south-east of Melbourne designed to make play accessible for children of all abilities. This initiative introduces a new family-friendly interlibrary borrowing model featuring a specialist catalogue of switch-adapted toys, sensory resources, and inclusive play equipment. The program is delivered through three local toy libraries and aims to improve access to play for families who may struggle to find or afford the right toys for their child. Why Toys Without Barriers? 

Play is essential for every child’s growth and development. For children with disability, developmental delay, or sensory differences, the right toy can support learning, communication, movement, and confidence. However, many families face barriers when trying to access suitable toys. Switch-adapted toys often cost hundreds of dollars, are difficult to trial before purchasing, and are rarely available in typical retail environments. Even when inclusive toys exist, parents and carers may not know what to look for or whether a particular toy will meet their child’s needs. 

TLA’s Toys Without Barriers pilot aims to remove these barriers by offering families and professionals, including allied health practitioners, therapists, and educators, a safe way to explore a wide range of adaptive toys without the financial risk. Families can browse the specialist catalogue, borrow switch-operated and adapted toys, and use them at home to support everyday play, therapy goals, and meaningful connection.  

Key features of the pilot

A specialist catalogue of inclusive toys

The collection includes switch-operated toys, sensory play tools, multi-switch activity devices, and toys designed for children with limited mobility or motor challenges. This makes it easier for families to discover what works best for their child, whether they are exploring cause-and-effect play, building communication, or practising fine motor skills.

Home delivery service

Borrowed items are shipped directly to families and returned via courier at no cost. This ensures families who may find travel difficult, or who are caring for medically fragile or neurodivergent children, can still access the library. Families living in or near Malvern, Mordialloc, Springvale, or surrounding suburbs in Melbourne’s south-east can borrow toys without needing to visit a branch in person.

No volunteer requirement

Families accessing the specialist catalogue are not required to volunteer. This removes a major hurdle for many toy library members, particularly carers of children with disability who may already be juggling therapy appointments, fatigue, and high caregiving demands.

How it works

Families or professional groups simply become members of one of the three participating toy libraries, and then borrow, play, and repeat.

Participating libraries

• Stonnington Toy Library – Malvern 

• Kingston Toy Library – Mordialloc 

• Springvale Toy Library – Springvale 

Each location is an established community hub that offers a welcoming environment for families with young children. Membership gives access to both regular toy collections and the new specialist catalogue, offering a budget-friendly way to try adaptive toys without committing to expensive purchases.

The impact

Toys Without Barriers provides families and professionals with tools to foster inclusive play at home and in community settings. By offering access to high-quality, switch-adapted toys, the pilot supports children with disability to explore the world in their own way, build confidence, and participate in shared play with siblings and friends. It also gives carers, therapists, and educators the opportunity to learn what toys support a child’s needs before investing long term.

"I believe every child has the right to play and explore and that Toy Libraries make play more accessible through borrowing toys. While the idea for 'Toys without Barriers' has grown from meeting and learning about one child's needs, I hope by sharing these accessible play resources with other toy libraries it will give countless children access to play materials that are both accessible and engage them in play."  - Jane O'Connell, Manager, Stonnington Toy Library  

This model demonstrates how toy libraries can reduce financial pressure, minimise waste, and provide meaningful support to families who may otherwise miss out. With Melbourne communities at its core, this pilot is an example of how local toy libraries can create inclusive, flexible, and sustainable play opportunities for children aged 0–8, and beyond.