Toy & Resource Center

For families and educators across Ohio, finding resources that genuinely support child development through play can be a game-changer. Nestled in the heart of Akron, the Toy & Resource Center, a vital program of United Disability Services, stands as a beacon for promoting learning and inclusion. This unique facility operates as a toy lending library, a concept akin to a book library but for toys and developmental materials. It's designed to serve not only parents and grandparents but also preschools, therapists, and anyone working with children from birth to six years of age. In a world where toys can be a significant expense, and finding the right developmental tools can be challenging, the Toy & Resource Center offers an invaluable solution, ensuring that quality play is accessible to more children in the Ohio community.

The philosophy behind the Toy & Resource Center is simple yet profound: to enrich the lives of children by promoting the importance of play as it relates to learning and development. This commitment extends particularly to children with special needs, with a significant portion of their inventory dedicated to adapted toys and sensory tools. For residents of Akron and beyond, this center represents a treasure trove of educational and engaging playthings that might otherwise be out of reach. This article will guide you through the various facets of the Toy & Resource Center, from its convenient location and diverse offerings to its commitment to supporting the developmental journey of every child it serves. We believe that understanding and utilizing such local resources are key to fostering a vibrant and supportive community for families throughout Ohio.

The Toy & Resource Center is ideally situated at 701 S Main St, Akron, OH 44311, USA. This central Akron address makes it a highly accessible point of interest for families and professionals residing within Summit County and surrounding areas of Ohio. Located on South Main Street, the center is easily reachable by car, and its position within Akron's urban landscape generally provides convenient parking options, although visitors are always encouraged to check for specific parking availability during their visit.

Being part of United Disability Services, the center is housed within an established facility, ensuring a supportive and welcoming environment. Akron itself is a significant city in Ohio, known for its community-focused initiatives and accessible public services. The proximity of the Toy & Resource Center to other local amenities and main thoroughfares enhances its convenience, allowing individuals to incorporate a visit into their daily routines without significant logistical challenges. This accessibility is crucial for parents and caregivers who often have demanding schedules, ensuring that the benefits of the toy library can be readily utilized by those who need them most. The strategic location underscores the center's commitment to being a true resource for the Ohio community, making developmental play accessible to a broad demographic.

• Extensive Toy Lending Library: The core service is a vast lending library featuring over 4,200 developmental toys and resource materials. These toys are carefully selected to foster essential developmental skills in children from birth to six years of age.
• Adapted Toys and Switches: A significant and unique offering is the large inventory of items specifically adapted for children with special needs. This includes adapted toys, switches, and sensory tools beneficial for individuals, including those on the autism spectrum, ensuring inclusive play opportunities.
• Resource Materials: Beyond toys, the center loans various resource materials such as child development books, school readiness kits, visual aids, flannel board kits, and musical instruments with accompanying CDs.
• Membership Options: The center operates on an annual membership fee basis, with different tiers available to suit various needs, including individual/family memberships and group rates for schools or libraries. Membership allows for borrowing a wide range of materials.
• Educational Presentations: The Toy & Resource Center is available to provide presentations for various centers and agencies, sharing their expertise on the importance of play and the resources they offer.
• Support for Professionals: The library's resources are invaluable for preschools, therapists, and other professionals working with young children, providing them with a rotating selection of tools to aid in development and therapy.
• Regular Inventory Updates: The center continually updates its collection with new toys and resources, often highlighting specific themes or developmental areas each month (e.g., "Illuminating Light Tables" in October, "Say ‘Cello’ to Our Musical Instruments!" in January).

• One of the Largest in Ohio: The Toy & Resource Center is recognized as one of the largest toy lending libraries in the state of Ohio, boasting an impressive collection that few other facilities can match.
• Focus on Developmental Skills: Every toy and resource is curated with the explicit goal of fostering essential developmental skills, including visual/motor manipulation, fine motor skills, gross motor skills, and school readiness.
• Inclusion and Accessibility: The strong emphasis on adapted toys and resources for children with special needs highlights the center's commitment to inclusion, ensuring that all children, regardless of ability, have access to enriching play.
• Cost-Effective Play: By allowing members to borrow toys, the center provides a cost-effective alternative to purchasing new toys, enabling families to rotate educational and engaging playthings without significant financial outlay.
• Community Longevity: Having served the community for over 45 years, the Toy & Resource Center has a long-standing history of dedication to child development in the Akron area, demonstrating its sustained value and positive impact.
• Positive Customer Feedback: As evidenced by reviews, the center is highly regarded as a "Great toy library," indicating a high level of satisfaction among its users.
• Partnerships and Support: The center's operations are supported by generous partners such as the Summit County Developmental Disabilities Board, GPD Group Employees' Foundation, RePlay for Kids, and R.C. Musson and Katherine M. Musson Charitable Foundation, underscoring its community value and collaborative spirit.

For more information, to inquire about membership, or to schedule a visit, you can contact the Toy & Resource Center using the details below:

Address: 701 S Main St, Akron, OH 44311, USA

Phone: (330) 762-9755

Mobile Phone: +1 330-762-9755

It is advisable to check their current operating hours as they may vary. Their typical hours are Tuesday 2-5 p.m., Wednesday 2-5 p.m., and Thursday 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

For residents of Ohio, particularly those in Akron and surrounding communities, the Toy & Resource Center offers an unparalleled resource that is exceptionally well-suited to local needs. Its fundamental purpose as a toy lending library directly addresses common challenges faced by families: the financial burden of constantly purchasing new toys and the difficulty of finding developmentally appropriate and engaging play materials. By providing access to a vast collection of over 4,200 toys, including a significant number specifically adapted for children with special needs, the center ensures that every child has the opportunity to learn and grow through play, regardless of their family's budget or individual developmental requirements. This inclusive approach is a cornerstone of what makes it so valuable to the Ohio community.

Beyond the sheer volume and diversity of its inventory, the Toy & Resource Center’s personalized service and commitment to child development are key factors in its suitability for locals. Parents, grandparents, and educators can receive guidance on selecting toys that align with specific developmental stages or therapeutic goals. This level of support goes beyond a simple transaction; it fosters a partnership in a child's growth. The center's long-standing presence—having served the community for over 45 years—speaks volumes about its reliability and its deep understanding of local needs. It's a testament to its enduring value and the trust it has built within the Ohio community. Furthermore, utilizing this local resource means supporting United Disability Services, an organization dedicated to enhancing the lives of individuals with disabilities, thereby strengthening the local network of support services. In essence, the Toy & Resource Center is not just a place to borrow toys; it's a hub for early childhood development, an advocate for inclusive play, and a cherished community asset that truly enriches the lives of Ohio families. It empowers parents and educators to provide stimulating environments for their children without the constraints of expense or limited variety, making it an indispensable resource for nurturing the next generation of Ohioans.