Two female participants working on toys at the switch adapt workshop

Empowering Play: Learn to switch adapt toys at our free workshop

Cerebral Palsy Alliance, in partnership with the University of Sydney’s biomedical engineering students, is excited to offer a hands-on workshop designed to open new doors to play and interaction for children with cerebral palsy.

The Challenge of Accessible Play

Many children with cerebral palsy experience barriers to independent play due to physical limitations. Switch adapted toys—modified to work with accessible switches like jelly bean buttons—are helpful, but they can be costly and hard to come by.

That’s where our Switch Adapted Toy Workshop comes in.

What You’ll Learn

Whether you’re a caregiver or a therapist, this free, in-person workshop will give you the skills and confidence to safely transform off-the-shelf battery-operated toys into switch accessible ones – right in your own home or clinic.

Participants will learn:

  • How a basic electronic circuit works and the role of a switch
  • How to safely disassemble and reassemble a battery-operated toy
  • How to strip and handle wires safely
  • How to safely connect wires using a soldering iron
  • How to test if the circuit is working effectively

All equipment and support will be provided by Cerebral Palsy Alliance and University of Sydney volunteers, making this a supportive and beginner-friendly environment.

Who Should Attend

This workshop is ideal for:

  • Parents and caregivers of children with cerebral palsy or similar physical disabilities
  • Therapists, educators and other allied health professionals
  • Anyone looking to empower play through inclusive and affordable solutions

Please note: due to safety requirements, this event is not suitable for children.

Workshop details

CPA Allambie Centre
Saturday 9th August
10:00am – 1:00pm
187 Allambie Rd, Allambie Heights

CPA Roselands Centre
Monday 18th August
10:00am – 1:00pm
54 Bonds Rd, Roselands

Spots Are Limited – Register Now!

These workshops have been long-awaited, and spots are limited. If you’ve ever found yourself wondering, “Surely I could adapt toys if someone just showed me how!” — this is your chance.

To register or learn more, contact:

Melinda Conroy – mconroy@cerebralpalsy.org.au

(02) 8777 1777

Don’t miss this hands-on opportunity to make play more accessible.

A female participant working on a toy with pliers at the switch adapt workshop
A small blue and white mouse toy with a cord coming out of it after being modified at the switch adapt workshop