Presentation

Lessons from Miami: The Challenges and Successes of Public Library–Based Toy Libraries 

Sub-theme: 2.Toy libraries for all

Provide others with a practical model for embedding a toy library in a public library, including some barriers and how they were overcome, as well as providing participants with additional considerations for success.

Biography

I am a child psychologist working remotely in Florida for the University of Miami. My clinical work focuses on young children and their families, with experience in anxiety, depression, selective mutism, disruptive behaviors, trauma, and developmental delays. My passion is supporting children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

Beyond clinical practice, I co-founded Play it Forward, a 501(c)(3) toy lending library dedicated to equitable access to high-quality, developmentally supportive toys and inclusion for children with disabilities. In partnership with the Miami-Dade Public Library System, we are expanding access to hundreds of toy sets across the county, including adaptive toys catalogued for children with disabilities.

At the University of Miami, I conduct research aimed at reducing disparities and increasing access to care. Through funding from The Children’s Trust, our program is able to provide therapeutic services free of charge to families in Miami-Dade. My research has included publishing on the telehealth translation and implementation of evidence-based services during COVID-19, and ongoing projects examine how effectively our screening and recruitment practices reach families across socioeconomic and educational backgrounds. My work is guided by a commitment to equity, access, and meaningful support for children and families.

Present and future of toy libraries in Colombia, research characterizing toy libraries in targeted territories 

Sub-theme: 2.Toy libraries for all

To publicize the model of toy libraries in Colombia from the approaches of human rights, territorial and life course with a disruptive, critical and proactive view and its relationship with community and territorial development.

Biography

Irma Salazar is educator a graduate of the National Pedagogical University with a Master's degree in Education and 30 years of experience working with children and adolescents in Colombia and the region. Her experience spans both public institutions and civil society organizations, such as the Juego y Niñez Corporation, which has been working in Colombia for 26 years to help close gaps in education and human development, particularly regarding the right to play. Salazar is a teacher, researcher, and author and co-author of numerous publications on topics such as early childhood education, family, human development, education, and especially the right to play. This experience has led to invitations to speak and lead workshops at national and international events. Currently, she is the Executive Director of the Juego y Niñez Corporation and is recognized as a leading figure for her work and advocacy in defending and promoting play as a fundamental right of children and adolescents.

Measuring the Social Impact of Toy Libraries in Australia 

Sub-theme: 2.Toy libraries for all

Showcase evidence of the social impact toy libraries in the Australian context

Biography

Debbie Williams is the Chief Executive Officer of Toy Libraries Australia (TLA) and Treasurer of the International Toy Libraries Association. With a background in community services, strategy and not-for-profit leadership, Debbie is passionate about increasing access to play for all children and supporting the volunteers and organisations that make toy libraries possible.

Since joining TLA, Debbie has led national initiatives to strengthen the profile of toy libraries, secure new funding opportunities, and expand partnerships with government, philanthropy, and community organisations. 

Under Debbie’s leadership, TLA has embarked on its first Social Return on Investment (SROI) evaluation, undertaken in partnership with Think Impact. This landmark study will provide the first comprehensive evidence of the social and environmental value generated by toy libraries in Australia. Debbie is committed to using this evidence to amplify the voice of toy libraries nationally and internationally, ensuring they are recognised as vital, sustainable, and inclusive community assets.

Beyond play: toy libraries as hubs of social inclusion and sustainable development 

Sub-theme: 1.Learning and education from play

The objective of this presentation is to share the outcomes and recommendations of our European collaboration between France, Belgium, and Portugal, highlighting how play, toy fabrication, and creative manual activities can foster intergenerational learning, inclusion, and sustainability.

Biography

Yael Vergara Alvarez is an international project leader dedicated to using play as a driver for learning, inclusion, and social innovation. Based in Marseille, France, he develops and coordinates initiatives within Terre Ludique, where toy libraries, PlayLabs, and digital fabrication meet to foster intergenerational learning, environmental awareness, and access to new technologies for all.

Yael works to strengthen global collaboration among toy libraries, promote sustainable and inclusive play, and connect communities across continents. His mission: to make play a universal language that builds empathy, creativity, and shared futures.

A Partnership-based Methodology for scaling Toy Library Advocacy (SDG 17) 

Sub-theme: 2.Toy libraries for all

Showcase partnership based innovative approach towards growth and development in the public and play ecosystem

Biography

Debbie Cockrell has been a member of TLASA since 2014 when she joined her mom Lorraine who runs Slovo Centre of Excellence Non Profit Organisation, celebrating its 20th year in service to their community in Johannesburg South Africa 2025. She completed several courses in play based learning including the Cotlands Ignite program and Brain Boosters along with her qualification from Pre-Schools for Africa (Play with a Purpose) as an ECD practitioner. This led to her joining the TLASA board steering committee in 2021, encouraged by Venessa T'Hart who she met when she was first introduced to toy libraries in 2014 and serves on the board with. Over the past 4 years, Debbie has served in the TLASA Steering Committee and participated in driving the sustainability and growth of TLASA with various campaigns including the launch of board member roles under new play centric names inline with play advocacy and related themes, forging partnerships with like minded Organisations in their ecosystem and connecting members across South Africa through the Association and its partners. As the Director of Slovo Centre, she has formed a partnership with Erasmia Sports Association and TLASA to establish a mobile bus project and a possible site for the services TLASA renders to its members. Her field of experience ranges across Social Entrepreneurship and Environmental advocacy as a founding member of Comm-Unity Green Projects NPC.

Play for all: play certification system in Taiwan 

Sub-theme: 2.Toy libraries for all

Through games, toys, and other facilities, barriers to use are broken down, allowing children of all ages and those with disabilities to play, have fun, and develop their abilities together.

Internationally, there are two existing certification systems for visual and hearing impairments, with labels printed on the packaging of various games and toys. To address the needs of Taiwan's immigrant, aging, special education, and early intervention communities, services have been extended to seven major ethnic groups, and a uniquely Taiwanese inclusive play certification label has been designed for identification.

This identification label helps people identify and select suitable games, whether playing alone or with other groups, providing more professional and appropriate play resources. The label is applicable to play equipment, toys, and various types of games.

Biography

Dream is a play researcher and the founder of the Play Association of R.O.C.(Taiwan). He established the Play Certification System and currently serves as a board member and Asia link of the International Toy Library Association. His “Justplay” research project places children at the center and builds a family-based service platform. It aims to support children, caregivers, seniors, indigenous people, new immigrants, and all family members by overcoming physical, psychological, cultural, and economic barriers. The project provides play opportunities, toys, arts activities, and parenting courses. Through these diverse services, it enriches children’s childhood, strengthens family relationships, and improves quality of life. It is a cultural exchange platform built around play and promotes the idea of play equity, where everyone can find their own dream playground.

Exploring the Development and Evaluation of a Health Literacy–Based Scenario Puzzle Game: An Asthma Case Study 

Sub-theme: 1.Learning and education from play

Promoting Health Literacy through an Asthma-Themed Educational Board Game

Biography

"Chang Ya-rou is a Master's student in the Department of Natural Science Education at National Taipei University of Education. Her main research areas are science education, play-based learning, and health literacy education. Her current research focuses on using situational puzzle games to enhance elementary school children's health awareness and self-care abilities.

Cheng Ping-han is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Natural Science Education at National Taipei University of Education. His main research areas include science education, earth science education, play-based learning, non-formal learning, issue-based education, and game design. Professor Cheng's research focuses on using board game design to promote students' learning motivation and concept construction in scientific inquiry and issue-based critical thinking. His findings have been published in international journals such as IEEE Transactions on Education, Sustainability, and the Journal of Baltic Science Education."

Bridging Tradition and Technology:

 Innovative Curricular Practices and Reflections in Elementary Education 

Sub-theme: 3.Creative and innovation for children

A Creative Dialogue Between Tradition and Technology: Practice and Reflection on Diverse and Innovative Curricula in Elementary Schools

Biography

The author is currently the principal of Taipei Municipal Dali Elementary School, dedicated to promoting creative education and cultural heritage on campus. During her tenure, she has actively developed diverse and innovative curricula, including traditional children's play experiences, maker education practices (class uniform and mug heat transfer design), board game thinking training, and STEAM courses such as the Kabi Robotics programming course, cultivating students' design thinking and problem-solving abilities. She also integrates traditional arts, promoting shadow puppetry culture courses, allowing children to experience the creative fusion of tradition and modernity through hands-on activities. The author firmly believes in the educational philosophy of "learning by doing," using diverse and innovative teaching models to stimulate children's creativity and imagination, injecting new vitality into the field of children's education, and realizing the educational goal of holistic development.

Development, Commercialization, and Educational Value of the Mixed Reality Optics Game "PlayShifu Tacto Laser" 

Sub-theme: 1.Learning and education from play

Development and commercialization of optical games that integrate virtual and real elements

Biography

Kuan-Ying Chen is currently a doctoral candidate and adjunct lecturer in the Department of Electrical Engineering at City University of Science and Technology. He is actively engaged in research, demonstrating highly innovative ideas and execution capabilities in areas such as educational technology, toys and games, and the application of technology in science education. He is adept at analyzing research directions, establishing a unique theoretical foundation for his expertise, and possesses practical skills. He is highly proactive in his studies, participating in workshops and seminars, and presenting his research findings. He has conducted workshops to enhance the professional knowledge of applying technology in science education among in-service teachers, making practical contributions and having a significant impact.