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Overpriced toys and aids for special need children

(6 Posts)
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Blondie49 Fri 17-Feb-17 09:55:27

Why are these toys and aids so dear. The children ( and adults ) that need them are already at a disadvantage and need a lot of help and patience and love. Do manufacturers really think they have to spend a lot more money in making these things compared to normal toys. One example - a small set of material sensory pads , nearly £50. Should there not be some vat free, special discount, or something to apply as with the strain on the NHS, a lot of parents are already having to pay for the most essential things like speech therapy etc etc themselves. Rant over.

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Elegran Fri 17-Feb-17 10:17:52

Perhaps they don't have the advantage of manufacturing them in bulk like other toys, which helps keep down prices? But you are right, the parents face enough problems without adding this expense.

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Christinefrance Fri 17-Feb-17 12:03:41

Yes this has always been a problem. There are some great toys, aids and sensory equipment out there now but out of the reach of most families who have extra commitments as it is. As Elegran said they cannot be made in bulk and some items are specific to a particular person. I know some places have 'libraries' of toys where families can borrow items for a small fee. There is a cost for starting it up of course.

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ninathenana Fri 17-Feb-17 14:21:58

When my GS attended a special needs nursery there was a notice board for mums n dads to sell or exchange suitable toys.
Also D belongs to an FB group for parents/carers and things are offered for sale there too.

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rosesarered Fri 17-Feb-17 20:57:23

I agree Blondie they are massively overpriced, and we used to buy similar things from any toyshop or online.Anything that is soft, or rubbery, or furry, or has coloured lights or bubbles can all be bought for normal prices.We refused to get them from overpriced sources.DGS has a sensory room full of huge cushions and which also has the toys ( although he is too old for them now, now and then he still likes to go into it)
He also has a wigwam in there which he used to sit in, and a huge teddy bear which he pushed into it to 'look after it' when he wasn't in there himself.You can buy things at a fraction of the special needs shops.

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Penstemmon Fri 17-Feb-17 21:26:57

I guess as others have said that there is not the economy of scale but it would be perfectly possible, if there was a government will, to have zero VAT on items specifically designed to support children/adults with SEND.

I know that local authorities used to have specialist toy libraries but suspect they have been part of the council cuts as a result of government austerity policies. Some SEND schools and charities also have toy libraries.

Not fair to have the double whammy of managigng a child's additional needs and having to pay more for toys.

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