Penn High Robotics Team transforming toys for children with disabilities

MISHAWAKA, Ind. ---The Robotics Team at Penn High School is collecting electronic toys to turn them into adaptive toys for children with disabilities.

Finding toys that can accommodate a child with a disability can be difficult and expensive, according to the team.

According to a press release from Penn High School, adaptive toys on the market are priced at $50 or more.

The Robotics Team took the initiative of transforming regular toys into adaptive toys for free this holiday season.

The process includes rewiring the toy and using a sensitive button, which makes it easier for children with disabilities to use.

Students hope to make children with disabilities feel included by adapting the toys.

The “Adapt-a-Thon” Toy Drive will continue through December 13.

Penn Robotics Team 135 will adapt the toys at the “Adapt-a-Thon” event on December 14 between 11:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. at Beacon Health System’s Pfeil Innovation Center, 420 N Niles Ave., South Bend.

Students are still searching for electronic toy donations. Donations will be accepted at Penn High School inside Door A during school hours and at Penn Athletic and Fine Arts events between December 5-13. Toys will also be accepted at the “Adapt-a-Thon” event.

Toys must be clean, gently used and have fully functional electronic parts.

Anyone with a toy at home can bring it to the event and the Robotics Team will adapt the toy.

For families who do not have a toy, one free adapted toy will be given per child.