Case studies
Fastening
Listed here are products designed to help children practice their fastening skills. Some are designed to be worn (e.g. vests or jackets), whilst others are toys (e.g. dressing pillows, cubes, dolls or books).
The products include a range of fastenings such as zips, laces, buttons, buckles, Velcro and press studs. Many are comprised of bright colours, but may also be available in black and white or contrasting colours. This may make them suitable for children with visual impairments.
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Help and advice
Toys which incorporate clothes fastenings can only teach manipulation skills in isolation from the real situation of dressing and undressing. This may make the task harder for children with visual and/or learning difficulties, who often learn these skills more easily in a realistic context.
Using dressing up clothes, fastening waistcoats (such as those listed here) or ordinary clothes with large simple fastenings are often more effective teaching methods. Gather old clothes which have all sorts of different fasteners - regular buttons, snap buttons, zips, etc. - then let children practice buttoning and zipping the shirts and jackets on their own.
You may also be interested in viewing the range of clothing for children with disabilities we have listed on Living made easy for children.
View references and sources of further information ›To discuss sponsorship please contact DLF's Marketing Department.
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