Lekotek, Swedish for "play library" is an international program to lend Assistive Technology, toys and expertise to disabled children. The first lekotek opened in 1963 in Stockholm, Sweden. From there the concept spread to other Scandinavian countries, Europe and the rest of the world. For example, there are over 50 lekoteks in the US. The first American lekotek opened in Evanston, Illinois in 1980. The first US lekoteks were founded by Sally DeVencentis and Sharon Draznin.
The underlying concept is that early intervention through play with adapted toys and technology can teach disabled children to deal with the "normal" world. Some of theoretical basis for the lekotek movement comes from work done by a British pyschologist, Elizabeth Newson. Her book "Toys and Playthings, " (ISBN 0394428307) discusses the effect of play on child development.
External Links
http://www.lekotek.org National (US) Lekotek Center
Lekotek provides direct services, support and information to children with special needs and their families in resource and play centers that can be found worldwide.
Lekotek is loosely translated as "play library." In the late 1970s, two American special education professionals learned of the Lekotek concept at an educational conference.
Lekotek is expert at the adaptation of commercial toys with special switches and motors to accommodate the needs of the children who have physical disabilities.
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