Programs and Services

Lekotek (Springfield/Decatur/Bloomington)

What is Lekotek?

The word Lekotek is loosely translated from the Swedish root word “lek” meaning toy or play, and the Greek suffix “tek” that connotes library. However, Lekotek is more than a toy library. Lekotek’s primary service is the play session and toy lending library. Each month the family participates in a play session, then the family borrows a number of toys to be used in their home.

Why Should Our Family Come to Lekotek?

• Lekotek is fun for the whole family! Lekotek is one of the few services for children with special needs where the whole family is welcome. Play sessions with toys and computers are designed with all family members in mind. Our goal is to help families find ways to enjoy relaxing and playful activities together.
• Giving your children the opportunity to play helps them grow and enjoy a higher quality of life. Lekotek is about play. In the busy lives led by families today, play may not seem like a priority. But research has shown that children need to play in order to learn important developmental skills, as well as develop a sense of self-esteem. Play even helps children cope with pain, illness, and the stresses of everyday life. What a better gift could a parent give to their child!
• You can bring home new playthings each month for your children! Finding toys that a child will enjoy, learn from, and use successfully can be difficult and expensive for any family. When a child in the family has a disability, choosing and purchasing the “right” toys can be especially challenging. At the UCP Land of Lincoln Lekotek, your family will be able to borrow up to five specially selected toys each month to use at home until your next visit. With the price of toys these days, Lekotek’s toy lending library is a real bargain.
• Lekotek Leaders can show you how to use adapted toys and other assistive technology with your child who has disabilities. Our Lekotek sessions include toys that are specially adapted to enable children with disabilities to play with them. Leaders will discuss with you some simple strategies for adapting toys that you may already have at home. Plus, your child can begin learning how to use a computer – all through play. You will be able to see the many possibilities for independence that assistive technology can offer your child – a great way to prepare for IFSP and IEP meetings.

For Decatur information, please contact LeAnne Shoemaker at 217-428-5033.

For more information about Lekotek (Springfield/Decatur/Bloomington), please contact UCP at (217) 525-6522 or send an e-mail.

http://www.ucpll.org
Updated: 09/24/2008