Welcome to our DAIS program project sites!

Image description: Baby in orange overalls looking up at a list of toy library logos surprised in front of a green cloud shape. Blue and Green title reads "Welcome to our DAIS program project sites!"

Please join us in our excitement announcing the nine toy libraries who have been chosen for the Disability Access, Inclusion, and Support Program (DAIS) projects as part of the Information Linkages and Capacity building (ILC) program funded by the Department of Social Services.

After creating an expression of interest process for the three projects offered the TLA DAIS program reviewed and assessed against specific grant criteria all 19 applications to decide on the nine toy library sites across Australia. 

Through this process toy libraries identified their preferred project from a choice of three options:

1. Spaces and Faces: Making toy libraries more welcoming and accessible through physical and experiential improvements.  

2. Banking and Bartering: Creating flexible membership options to reduce barriers and make participation easier for all families.  

3. Words and Pictures: Enhancing communication to ensure every family feels informed and included. 

To discuss the projects and their fit to deliver the project the DAIS team met with them over video conference (as well as via email as this was the preference of a couple of toy libraries and is in line with us ensuring we made the process accessible to all). The toy libraries were asked a number of questions to assist with the shortlisting and decision-making process.

Toy Library Australia would like to announce our successful pilot sites for this program. 

Project Sites

Over the past five months, we’ve worked closely with families, caregivers, and early childhood professionals, to better understand the needs of our communities. 

Congratulations to the following toy libraries who will be piloting the Spaces and Faces project:  

• Cubby House – NSW 

• Tuart Forest – WA 

• Kalamunda – WA

• Campbelltown – SA 

• Grovedale – Vic 

• Kingston – Vic 

Congratulations to the following toy libraries who will be piloting the Banking and Bartering  project:  

• Wyndham Little Buddies – Vic 

Congratulations to the following toy libraries who will be piloting the Words and Pictures project:  

• Sunraysia – Vic 

• Knox - Vic 

The TLA team has already begun preparing for the first set up and planning meeting with resource development, planning support documents, and even a game! 

The projects will run for up to 12 months after which the TLA DAIS team will be sharing a suite of guides, videos, and training for all toy libraries across Australia to run one (or more) of these project.

For more information about this program of work or to be added to our contact list for updates along the journey, please email daisteam@toylibraries.org.au.