It’s fun to solve for x when x equals fun.

Bud Fraze, President and Founder of PlayAbility Toys, employs this formula to accomplish learning and skill-building through play. There is an important reason for the precision involved in the creative process of toy design at PlayAbility Toys; PlayAbility Toys creates and manufactures toys for children and adolescents with special needs. PlayAbility designers work closely with the special needs community to create an open dialogue for toy ideas and game concepts that are appropriate and beneficial for children with special needs.

“That’s what makes our toys exceptional”, Bud states.

Each toy stems from the imagination of teachers and therapists who are lacking the tools and toys that children, parents and specialists alike want. The positive impact PlayAbility toys have been making on the community is clear from the awards received for the Rib-It-Ball and See It & Sign It, as well as, Buddy Dog as a “Parent’s Choice” winner and “Best Toy” for children with autism spectrum disorders.

“It’s all thanks to Jacob”

Ask Bud how PlayAbility Toys started, and he says “it’s all thanks to Jacob”, a young boy who was born with the debilitating disease known as Bilateral Anophthalmia.

Bilateral Anophthalmia causes a child to be born without eyes. In 2002, Jacob’s mother called Bud for help. She knew that Bud was dabbling in mainstream toy manufacturing at the time with his friend Bill in the California Bay Area. Jacob’s mother relentlessly asked Bud to design a unique ball for Jacob. She insisted that the ball needed to bounce and roll, but not too far where Jacob could not reach it. She asked that it be light-weight, make noise so it could be located easily and be low-tech, meaning no electronics.

Bud finally gave in and began his adventure into toy-making territory using the same design methodologies that he used in building space craft. With the specifications set forth by Jacob’s mom, Bud designed the Rib-It-Ball and believed his job was done.

The story might have ended there because Bud was unaware of the impact his ball would have on the world of special needs. Unbeknownst to him, Jacob’s ball was sent to the Helen Keller Institute. Shortly after, Bud received a cryptic call urging him to visit and speak with the therapists and teachers. He flew from San Francisco to Manhattan thinking he was visiting to exchange ideas about toys. Upon his arrival, Bud was shuffled into a room where a group of blind children were gathered. They were spread out, entertaining themselves and interacting as usual. The instructor then tossed Jacob’s ball into the middle of the room. It made a fantastic noise that set off vibrations, and the bold colors gleamed. In that moment, every child’s attention turned to the ball! All of a sudden, all of the children began to yell and laugh as they bustled towards the ball. They grasped it, threw it and passed it to each other. Bud watched in awe. He had not prepared for a moment like this. He experienced an epiphany, brought on by watching children experience the joy of play amidst special circumstances. The moment marked by tears became a life changing event.

Today, the profoundness of that moment drives every process and project at PlayAbility Toys.

Reformed and relocated in 2007, to Tucson, PlayAbility Toys continues to grow. Dr. Martin “Marty” Fox, heads up the team as CEO. His fortuitous meeting and collaboration with Bud made PlayAbility Toys a Tucsonan dream come true. Marty’s PhD in Educational Psychology and EdS in Special Education and Rehabilitation have served as a natural conduit into the realm of special needs toys and games development. Like Bud, he shares a profound admiration for all those involved in working and living with special needs.

“Our main focus is filling the needs of the teachers, therapists and families” says Marty.

Marty and Bud have since recruited a dedicated and multifaceted staff.

Joyce Lopez, veteran Product Developer, has worked with Bud for 10 years and has considerable experience as a buyer and product developer in the gift and toy industries. She is the child of a deaf adult making her the in-house expert on toy design and development for the deaf.  Joyce created two popular products: See-It and Sign-It Levels I and II from conception to finish.

Sara Larson, Director of Marketing and Sales, holds a strong background in patient care and advocacy. In a prior position with a leading manufacturer of orthopedic devices, she was involved in clinical trials for instrumentation, as well as, direct patient care.  Her experience laid the groundwork for her role at PlayAbility Toys, not only as an advocate for children with special needs, but also for older adults as well.

All members of the PlayAbility Toys family are attracted to the idea of catering to special needs children and families because we have all been touched and inspired by family members, friends and people in our community with special needs.

The PlayAbility team knows that in caring for those with the greatest needs among us, we find our own deepest truths and motivation.