Workshop

Happy New Year
Sub-theme: 2.Toy libraries for all

This workshop introduces the conference concept of inclusive play through hands-on activities inspired by Taiwan’s Lunar New Year. Participants will experience an autism-friendly door guardian coloring activity and make traditional red envelopes, exploring how cultural elements can be transformed into inclusive play design.

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.

Grace has a background in education and material design. She is responsible for editing inclusive play designs and promoting related systems. She also serves as a lecturer for the Play Certification System and coordinates several projects, including World Play Day in Taiwan.

Chen Pin-Hua is responsible for planning various play activity projects for the association. She also works as a lecturer on play-based topics such as multicultural, ocean, food and agriculture.

Make paper toys

Sub-theme: 1.Learning and education from play

Discover the fun of making things by hand

Biography

He is the vice president of the Japan Puppet Therapy Society, the vice president of the National Toy Library Association, and the president of the Aichi Prefectural Toy Library Association. He has been engaged in the education of children with autism, intellectual disabilities, physical disabilities, and visual impairments for 42 years, and also has 32 years of volunteer experience in toy libraries.

Removing Barriers to Participation in Toy Libraries for Children with Disability 

Sub-theme: 2.Toy libraries for all

Share the results of Toy Libraries Australia's Disability, Access, Inclusion and Support program

Biography

Louise Bell is the National Development Manager at Toy Libraries Australia. She supports toy libraries across the country to grow and thrive. Louise is passionate about families, play, and building community.

She brings years of experience from working as an Occupational Therapist, leading community projects, and raising her own young children. Louise has also volunteered with many community groups.

Her first experience with toy libraries was reopening the long-closed Carnarvon Toy Library. After dusting it off and exploring it with her kids, they were hooked!

Louise also serves on the board of the International Toy Libraries Association (ITLA).

Inclusive Volunteering in toy libraries 

Sub-theme: 2.Toy libraries for all

Share the outcomes of the SARC program that established volunteering programs for people with disability and migrant women in toy libraries

Biography

Adelle Suitor is TLA’s Member Development Officer for 3 states and special projects. She led disability volunteering stream of the SARC program. 

Adelle is also the founder of the Brisbane South Toy Library, where she has combined her professional teaching expertise and passion for play to create a thriving community service. At Toy Libraries Australia, Adelle has developed resources and training that make toy libraries accessible to people of all abilities.

Adelle is committed to ensuring toy libraries remain safe, inclusive, and sustainable spaces where play and community connection are accessible to every family.

Behishta Anwar is a Board Member of Toy Libraries Australia (TLA) and President of the Afghan Women Federation of South Australia. She was previously a Project Officer with TLA in the SARC program, leading the multicultural volunteering stream. 

She is a passionate advocate for Afghan women and newcomers to Australia, drawing on her own lived experience of life under the Taliban and adapting to a new country. Her advocacy focuses on promoting girls’ education, leadership, and community voice.

Behishta recently graduated from the Governor’s Leadership Foundation Program with the Leaders Institute of South Australia, further strengthening her skills in inclusive leadership and governance.

What can parent-coaching psychology interventions teach us about how to choose toys 

Sub-theme: 1.Learning and education from play

Attendees will learn about how to choose toys that will support the learning and development of young children

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.

Build Your Toy Library in 30 Minutes! 

Sub-theme: 2.Toy libraries for all

Encourage participants to share their ideas, experiences, and creativity while strengthening their ability to design and organize an inclusive toy library that reflects cooperation, accessibility, and community spirit.

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.

no directions, no instructions, no rules - open-ended play 

Sub-theme: 3.Creative and innovation for children

Immerse yourself in open-ended play and share ideas about how your TL can provide open-ended play kits for your families.

Biography

Robyn is a passionate toy library volunteer. She has a 'can do' practical approach to supporting toy libraries, their volunteers and families.