FAQs

What is #ToyLikeMe?
ToyLikeMe is an arts and play not-for-profit organisation starting playful conversations with children about disability. We celebrate the powers of disability representation in toys to boost self-esteem and grow open minds. We are based Norwich and York. Read our story here.

Do we manufacture toys?
No. ToyLikeMe is not a toy brand. We makeover existing mainstream toys to give them disabilities using the power of wit and creativity. Then we take sparkling high res images to celebrate the marvelous myriad of human diversity in toy form.

Where can I buy toys which represent disability?

On our journey we have become sort of boffins in all things disabled and toyish. We’ve scoured the world to find representative toys. You can find a full list of products we have found and where to buy them in our Shop section.

Sometimes we use the term Diff:abled. What does that mean?
Diff:ability – A difference in ability which requires unique skills and problem solving, often accompanied by an increase in perseverance and badassery.

We sometimes choose to use this word over more traditional terms because, well, we like being modern. But also there is a lot of debate over what ‘disabled’ really means. We wanted a term which can hang like a happy umbrella over us all, whether we have a wheelchair, a hearing aid, glasses or scars. ToyLikeMe is disabled led and we are very proud of our disabled identity.

What is cultural marginalisation?
Cultural marginalisation is a long ol’ weighty word, but it’s an important one too. In playground speak it basically means ‘leaving someone out of the game’. In cultural terms it means leaving someone out of the the toy box and off screens, and saying you can’t be part of mainstream culture because you’re not, well mainstream enough. ToyLikeMe is on a merry mission to change all that c**p! (Whoops, sorry that was rude.)

How is TLM funded?
ToyLikeMe is not a commercial venture. We exist through the generosity of individuals and grants to stay afloat. We receive a small commission from Amazon for products sold via our site and products featuring our Toy Box Tales images on our Redbubble page. We are pushing a big stone up a hill. You can help fuel us and be part of toy box history by donating big or teeny tiny small here.

How can I make my school more #ToyLikeMe-tastic?
Teachers! You have the power to influence the attitudes of ALL children by normalising disability in your classroom. We can visit your school with our pop-up school hall exhibitions and playful workshops to help foster inclusive attitudes in your school.

How can I be part of #ToyLikeMe?
You can help by spreading the word. Please follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. The more followers we can gather, the better. Together we are stronger, louder and capable of throwing bigger tantrums!

Who takes the photographs used on the #ToyLikeMe website and social media feeds?
That will be the amazing work of Beth Moseley Photography!

Tell us, #ToyLikeMe, tell us, is the moon really made of cheese?
Well, (old wise voice), draw up a chair. Here’s what we know. A while back we stacked up all the chairs in the building, one on top of the other, and stood wobbling on the top to see if we could tickle the stars. Whilst we were up there, there was certainly a very brie-ish smell. So we hereby conclude that yes, the moon really is made of cheese.