Ahhh. ... the holiday season. Blustery winter winds, beautiful snowfalls and the time of the year when every child's thoughts turn to. ... toys! Millions of parents, family members and friends struggle to find the best toys and educational products for children with special needs.

Selecting a toy for any child begins with two steps: first, assessing what the child is interested in, and second, assessing his or her skill level. After that is determined, there are literally thousands of toys out there that will be a great fit for your child. All children can benefit from toys for their therapeutic, educational, and entertainment values. Toys enhance a child's skills in sensory, motor and cognitive development. These toys may be created specifically for the child, adapted from pre-existing toys, borrowed from a toy library (www.rcil.com/AssistiveTechnology/ResourceLibrary.html), or purchased with accommodations already built in. Toys do not need to be expensive or extravagant to serve a purpose.

Two questions frequently asked around the holiday season are: Are toys for children with disabilities available? And, how do you select appropriate toys for children with a visual impairment or any other disability? The good news is that there are plenty of appropriate toys available.

The Toy Industry Foundation, in partnership with Alliance for Technology Access and the American Foundation for the Blind have researched and tested hundreds of toys annually. Each year they create a comprehensive guide of the best toys for children with all types of special needs, of all ages, with different interests kept in mind. Toys in the guide were tested by over 100 “toy experts,” for children with a variety of special needs. Toy guides are available by calling (800) 914-3017.

Children with hearing impairments must be challenged to absorb environmental information to fully enjoy their toys. Make sure the toy's volume can be amplified if it's a product that makes noise. Bright colors and lights increase sight and other sensory stimulation.

Children with visual impairments enjoy toys that produce familiar sounds, with tactile textures and shapes. Also wonderful: toys that give off distinctive scents or provide spoken directions, vibrations or noises.

Children with physical disabilities enjoy toys that have clear cause-effect relationship that the child can see. It should have large buttons or other easy-to-use parts, and the toy should be action-oriented, attracting the child to focus his or her attention on it.

Keep in mind that age ranges for toys are assigned by the manufacturer based on a child with no special needs. The most effective way to find the perfect toy is to base your decision upon your child's interest and skill level. Be creative and imaginative when selecting toys for the child in your life and watch them experience the joy and happiness of play! It's fun to buy something just because your child will like it even if that is the only purpose it serves; so don't be afraid to do that either.

Good, free fun

Make cookies or play-dough. Just think of the tactile, olfactory, strengthening and tasting benefits. It also helps children follow picture or word directions if they are ready for this challenge.Here's a surefire recipe for fun:

Sara Douglass is the housing and education advocate for Options for Independence