Hasbro and The Autism Project Team Up To Introduce
ToyBox Tools, a Free Online Resource Where Caregivers and Educators Can
Find Tools to Make Play Easier and More Accessible for Children
PAWTUCKET, R.I.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--
Global branded play leader, Hasbro,
Inc. (NASDAQ:HAS)
today announced the launch of ToyBox Tools, an initiative that aims to
bring the joy of play to children with developmental disabilities.
Through expertise provided by The Autism Project, who has a
long-standing philanthropic relationship with the Hasbro Children's
Fund, ToyBox Tools provides a series of instructional videos, printed
instructions, play-mats and more for several classic Hasbro brands.
These supportive tools will serve as a free, online resource for
parents, caretakers and educators to make play easier and more
accessible for children who need support.
"With ToyBox Tools, we're now able to provide families and educators for
the first time ever with resources that are designed to help children
find success and independence through play," said Karen Davis, Senior
Vice President, Global Philanthropy and Social Impact, Hasbro, Inc. "By
collaborating with The Autism Project, we received expertise and
guidance rooted in evidence-based and emerging best practices to ensure
the program's resources are appropriate and beneficial to children who
use them."
Today, nearly one out of four children has some type of developmental
challenge, ranging from ADHD and autism spectrum disorders to learning
disabilities and developmental delays1. Because playtime can
often be challenging to children with these diagnoses, toys go to the
bottom of the toy box, and the joy that comes from connecting between
peers, siblings and other generations gets lost. With this in mind, a
passionate group of Hasbro employees believed they could do more to
spread the joy of play to all children. Thus, the grassroots and
employee-led project, ToyBox Tools, was born.
"Play isn't always accessible out of the box for children with a
developmental disability, which is something Hasbro was able to
recognize and work towards finding a solution," said Joanne Quinn,
Executive Director of The Autism Project, part of Gateway Healthcare.
"We are thrilled to team up with Hasbro to offer this original and free
resource to parents, caretakers and educators in an effort to unlock the
power of play and make it enjoyable for children at their own pace."
ToyBox Tools can help children experience the joy of play with three
levels of tools available for those who need support: basic play,
expanding play and social play levels. Parents and caregivers can visit
the ToyBox Tools site, access the tools they need, download and print
them for use at home or in the classroom. Each level caters to different
aspects of play that children may need help with, like simply
introducing the toy and how to use it, experiencing alternative ways to
play with a toy and encouraging turn-taking with peers. ToyBox Tools
recognizes that parents and caregivers know their child's ability best
and encourages them to use their judgment in selecting the right product
and level of play appropriate for their child. Supportive tools are
included for some of the classic Hasbro products, such as MR. POTATO
HEAD, PLAY-DOH DR. DRILL ‘N FILL and TROUBLE.
Hasbro launched ToyBox Tools today at OCALICON 2014, the nation's
premier autism and disabilities conference in Ohio, by unveiling the
supportive tools to an audience of national leaders, educators, parents,
scholars, and service providers who work day to day with children with
developmental disabilities.
For more information about Hasbro's free and educational resource,
ToyBox Tools, visit ToyBoxTools.com.
1http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/adhd/prevalence.html
2http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/data.html
About Hasbro
Hasbro,
Inc. (NASDAQ: HAS) is a branded play company dedicated to fulfilling
the fundamental need for play for children and families through the
creative expression of the Company's world class brand portfolio,
including TRANSFORMERS, MONOPOLY, PLAY-DOH, MY LITTLE PONY, MAGIC: THE
GATHERING, NERF and LITTLEST PET SHOP. From toys and games, to
television programming, motion pictures, digital gaming and a
comprehensive licensing program, Hasbro strives to delight its global
customers with innovative play and entertainment experiences, in a
variety of forms and formats, anytime and anywhere. The Company's Hasbro
Studios is responsible for entertainment brand-driven storytelling
around Hasbro brands across television, film, commercial productions and
short-form. Through the Company's deep commitment to corporate social
responsibility, including philanthropy, Hasbro is helping to build a
safe and sustainable world for future generations and to positively
impact the lives of millions of children and families every year. It has
been recognized for its efforts by being named one of the "World's Most
Ethical Companies" and is ranked as one of Corporate Responsibility
Magazine's "100 Best Corporate Citizens." Learn more at www.hasbro.com
and follow us on Twitter @Hasbro and @HasbroNews.
About The Autism Project
A not-for-profit organization, The Autism Project is a unique
collaboration of parents, professionals and community members who
provide quality support, training, and programming that is accessible to
all for children and adults with an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD),
their families and those who work with them. Affiliated with Gateway
Healthcare, Rhode Island's largest provider of community behavioral
health services, The Autism Project works to ensure children with an ASD
benefit from an appropriate education and related therapeutic services
within their local school, community and at home. Our programs educate
parents and families in their newest role as teacher, but more
importantly as mom and dad. The Autism Project also is dedicated to the
education of children with autism in public schools offering educational
consultation services, professional and family training workshops,
social groups for children and teens, summer camp, professional
conferences and support groups for parents and caregivers. To learn
more, visit www.theautismproject.org,
on Twitter @autismprojectri and on Facebook.
HAS-PR
Photos/Multimedia Gallery Available: http://www.businesswire.com/multimedia/home/20141119005142/en/
Litzky Public Relations
Melissa Winston/Leah Schwint, 201-222-9118
mwinston@litzkypr.com
lschwint@litzkypr.com
Source: Hasbro, Inc.
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