Mission
ToyLend’s mission is to bring the world of play and toys to children with disabilities and their families in underserved areas of Chicago. ToyLend aims to provide families, their caregivers, and professionals with resources and skills to enable children with disabilities to develop through and experience the world of play.

General Information
United Cerebral Palsy ToyLend has been a member of the UCP family for 6 years and has been in operation since 1997(formerly TAAD Lekotek). ToyLend is certified by the National Lekotek Center. The staff consists of certified Lekotek leaders and Compuplay Instructors. ToyLend is a non-profit organization. Our primary source of funding is provided by the Illinois Department of Human Services and our generous donors. We serve youths between infancy and 10.

The staff of ToyLend facilitate the play experience for parents who are interested in using play as a therapeutic tool. The dynamic Toylend staff have made many presentations at conferences, exhibit halls, and schools regarding toy adaptation, the importance of play, and the concept of Lekotek.

Our Programs

1. Monthly one-hour family play sessions
2. Extensive toy lending library (including adaptive and educational toys)
3. Home visits for families unable to come to the center
4. Inclusive play groups for children with and without disabilities
5. A computer play program that utilizes the computer as a toy (including adaptive hardware and software)
6. Plentiful parent resource program, Play To Learn - filled with books, videos, and informational binders about disability, play, parenting and more

What does the word Lekotek mean?
Lekotek in Swedish means play library. Lekoteks began in Sweden. The first Lekotek in the United States was in Evanston, Illinois. Currently, there are approximately 39 centers throughout the United States.