The disabled children’s charity Newlife has a new award-winning addition to their range of Play Therapy Pods, which will help disabled children across the UK learn and develop new skills.
The connective touch sound kit, aptly named Playtronica, enables children to create a variety of different sounds by using any form of conductive material. All that’s needed is the Playtronica device, along with a PC, tablet or smartphone, as well as objects which conduct electricity.
Learning to play music can be extremely beneficial for disabled children, as it helps to stimulate learning through sound and enhances interaction with others. This has been particularly important throughout the pandemic, as children’s opportunities to play or socialise became stripped back or lost completely.
The Playtronica sound kit won product of the year at the International Sound Awards 2020 and is often used in the music industry. Their TouchMe device is designed for two objects or people and the intensity of the touch changes the pitch; while their Playtron device connects up to 16 objects, each with a different note, allowing your child to play on fruit just as they would a piano keyboard.
Each of Newlife’s Exploring Sounds Pods are packed with specialist toys, including a Playtronica device. The charity say their therapy pods have proved invaluable in helping children develop fine motor skills, coordination, range of motion and balance as well as problem solving skills; while also helping to maintain physical and mental health and reduce stress.
As well as the Exploring Sounds Pods, Newlife have four other therapy pods available, including: Sensory Pods (which can be used from birth), Adventure Pods (suitable for 18 months plus), Explorer Pods (aimed at children over five years old), and five different Discovery Pods (aimed at children over three years old).
Newlife are loaning out all of their Play Therapy Pods to families free of charge for 12 weeks, allowing families the chance to explore which toys their child responds to the most.
Carrick Brown, head of Child and Family Support, said: “It’s a real boost to our Exploring Sounds therapy pods and a great addition to the range of specialist musical toys. Newlife is very excited about the application of Playtronica as it makes creating sounds accessible for everyone and can really help a child’s development in areas such as physical, cognitive and communication skills.
“We are constantly evolving our range of Play Therapy Pods and we have worked closely with experts to create a variety of pods to suit the different needs of children with disabilities and the whole range of pods have proved extremely successful, not only helping children to develop or maintain skills, but even helping children play for the first time.
“After a difficult year for everyone our services are needed now needed more than ever and we are doing everything possible to provide the services we know are so vital – and make it as easy as possible for families to access Newlife’s services. We are still right here when families need us most and will carry on providing and delivering.”
For more information about Newlife’s Play Therapy Pod service, please visit their website.
