US-Developed★Toy Allows Children to Play Even with Physical Disabilities: Developed by 360i
In the United States, 5.6 million people are estimated to have quadriplegia. The Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation, in collaboration with Dentsu Inc. Aegis Network's 360i and technology company Axios, announced "Adaptoys"—toys enabling children with physical disabilities to play actively alongside their peers.
Adaptoys applies motion sensors, voice activation, and breath-controlled operation technologies to classic toys. Two types have been developed so far: a radio-controlled car that accelerates when you blow into a mouthpiece on the headset and turns around when you inhale, and a pitching machine that launches balls in response to voice commands.
The promotional video depicts a former football player, paralyzed from the neck down after an accident during a game, racing the RC car with his child. It also shows a woman, who suffered a spinal cord injury 30 years ago, enjoying throwing a ball with her grandchild. She had previously been unable to play freely with her eldest son, who was young at the time, or with her grandchildren now. The woman states, "A new door has opened, allowing me to spend joyful time with my children and grandchildren, something I've always dreamed of."
For Pierre Lipton, Chief Creative Officer at 360i, who led this project, quadriplegia was a personal issue because his father had the disability.
The Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation aims to promote the widespread adoption of Adoptoys for all families with members affected by paralysis and will continue to solicit donations. The foundation was established with the involvement of actor Christopher Reeve, known for films like "Superman," who became paralyzed from the neck down after a horse-riding accident in 1995, and his wife Dana. Until his death in 2004, Reeve actively supported research and development for spinal cord injury cures while continuing to advocate for those suffering from the condition.
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