Toy Libraries Australia launches Toys Without Barriers pilot to support inclusive play
- Zoe Houstein
- Dec 8, 2025
- 5 min read
Updated: 4 days ago
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.
Exciting update: Toys Without Barriers expands delivery across Melbourne (click here to jump to update)
Quick links:
Toy libraries participating in the program
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
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.
Update: Tuesday 24th March 2026
Toys Without Barriers expands across Melbourne
We’re excited to share an important update to the Toys Without Barriers pilot.
After launching with a focus on Melbourne’s South-East, we’ve been listening closely to feedback from families, allied health professionals and toy libraries. As a result, the program is now expanding to reach more of Melbourne.
Courier delivery and returns of specialist toys borrowed from the Toys Without Barriers service will now be available free of charge across all Melbourne suburbs, including Metro, Eastern, Southern, Western and Northern areas.
This expansion means more families can access the toys they need, without the barriers of travel, time or cost.
Who can access the program?
Toys Without Barriers is available to:
Families of children with disability or developmental delay
Allied health professionals and organisations supporting children
The broader toy library community
If you’re an allied health professional based in Melbourne, toys can be delivered directly to your home or workplace during the pilot.
If you or someone you support could benefit from the program, we encourage you to get in touch with your nearest participating toy library to learn more.
Important information
While toy libraries are pleased to lend modified and switch-adapted accessible toys, we are not qualified to provide clinical advice regarding their use. Each child’s needs are unique, and the most appropriate way to use these toys can vary widely. For this reason, we strongly encourage families to seek guidance from their child’s therapist, such as an occupational therapist, speech pathologist, or physiotherapist, before introducing or using any adapted equipment. Our role is to provide access to the toys; your therapy team can help ensure they are used safely and in a way that best supports your child’s goals.
