DSO National Laboratories engineers adapted and rewired 70 toys for children aged 7 to 18 from the Rainbow Centre, delivering them on May 29 in Singapore [1, 2]. The engineers customised the toys by rewiring circuit components and creating 3D-printed switches that activate with light touch or limited movement, making them suitable for children with physical or developmental challenges [1, 2].

Commercial adaptive switches used for such toys often cost tens to hundreds of dollars each, limiting availability for classroom or large group use [1, 2]. To overcome this, the team developed cost-effective, tailor-made 3D-printed switches, enhancing accessibility to play for children with special needs [1, 2].

One beneficiary, 11-year-old Alaynaa Isabella, who has cerebral palsy and global developmental delay, struggles to play with standard toys. Her mother, Madam Mashurny Herniaty, said, "Toys in the market are not suited to her, and I have to source them online. It’s very difficult, and when I do find one, it’s always quite expensive" [1]. This demonstrates the challenges families face in finding appropriate toys.

Senior Parliamentary Secretary Eric Chua emphasized the role of play in child development, stating, "It is absolutely critical for learning... and also for their own development, which is why this project is so important" [2]. He noted that children with different needs often lack access to many conventional toys.

The project started around December 2023, when DSO engineers began adapting and modifying toys over five months to meet the special requirements of these children [1, 2]. Team lead Wong Jit Chin said, "As defence engineers, the team wanted to find a way to use their skill sets to contribute to the community" [1].

The programme shows how engineering expertise and affordable technology can make play more inclusive for children with disabilities. The modified toys were distributed to 70 children aged 7 to 18 from the Rainbow Centre on May 29, cementing the contribution of technical skills to social causes [1, 2].