Toy and Activity Ideas for Remote Assistive Technology Evaluations
by Taryn Alper, MA, CCC-SLP/TSSLD
I started to do remote assistive technology evaluations in 2020. The difference between a remote evaluation versus one in person is that – with coaching – the family is in charge of preparing and presenting activities, modeling language on the device, and following the child’s lead to encourage participation. Sure, I also do a mix of showing videos, using my own items on the screen, and sharing Boom Cards, but nothing beats a toy or activity in a little learners’ environment to spark language.
I compiled a short list of items that work for me during remote evaluations (Amazon affiliate links included for convenience). Before an evaluation, I recommend a couple of these low-cost items to motivate a child:
Rocket balloons with a pump: https://amzn.to/3mEOBEK - How nice it is to have a child run around their home to chase a rocket balloon! Have the child direct you and comment using easily accessible vocabulary on the language apps being trialed.
Crocodile Dentist: https://amzn.to/31WWUUi - If a family doesn’t have this game, I have a child direct me to push down the teeth and to eventually release my finger so we can play over and over again. As an evaluator, be sure to make believable sound effects and model your reactions on a shared screen.
Toilet Trouble: https://www.fivebelow.com/products/toilet-trouble-flushdown-game - At the time this post was published, Five Below had a version for only $5. Needless to say, this game works best only at home right now...
Sensory bottle or glitter wand: https://www.fivebelow.com/products/cra-z-art-shimmer-sparkle-glitter-sensory-bottle-diy-kit - At the time this post was published, Five Below had a complete sensory bottle kit for $5. It’s also straightforward to make a bottle of your own if you have the items.
Wire head massager: https://amzn.to/3mk2dW9 - This might be a winner if your client or child likes their head massaged.
Mini massager: https://amzn.to/2HSSl6I - I have a child direct the caregiver where to put the massager (body parts or “here”) and to use core vocabulary words such as “stop,” “go,” and “again.”
Ball popper: https://amzn.to/3mP6fpp - Warning that balls for the poppers can be either plastic, foam, or rubber, all differing in size and likelihood to hurt a person if they become a target. You can always have a child aim for a pillow or some stacked cups.
Jumbo Slinky: Five Below has the best large one I've seen and for cheap!
Here are some motivating activities for evaluations that work well at home:
Freeze dance
Bouncing on an exercise ball or peanut ball
Cooking
Snack time
Honestly, anything to do with food!
What other toys and activities do you recommend to families for remote assistive technology evaluations?