Toys and Tools for Inclusive Back-to-School

Various tools and toys for learning and play such as markers, paintbrushes, and jump ropes with EasyHold universal cuffs on them to create a handle. Over a white background.

A new school year brings new supplies, new routines, and new chances to make every student feel included. Inclusive classrooms work best when teachers have the right tools on hand. From adaptive grip aids to sensory supports, the right products help every student participate fully in art projects, group work, and everyday tasks.

Here’s a roundup of some great tools that support accessibility, sensory regulation, communication, and creative expression in the classroom this school year!


Adaptive Tools for Accessibility

EaZyHold

These soft silicone cuffs hug a student’s hand and adapt to everyday tools like pencils, paintbrushes, and utensils. Students with limited grip strength or hand function can use EaZyHold to join in on writing and art activities without needing hand-over-hand help. The cuffs stretch to fit a wide range of hand sizes and work with items students already use in class. They come in 10 different sizes to fit any hand or limb and a wide variety of objects! The teacher pack includes 7 sizes perfect for the classroom.

Functionalhand

The Functionalhand is another grip assistant that creates an ergonomic handle on any tool. It pairs perfectly with EaZyHold for a super supportive grip combo. Together, these tools give students extra stability and control when holding writing tools, brushes, or utensils. This combination helps reduce hand fatigue and supports better positioning throughout the school day.

Loop scissors in various bright colors over a white background.

Loop Scissors

Loop scissors make cutting accessible for students who struggle with traditional scissor grips. The spring-loaded loops reopen automatically after each cut, so students don’t need strong finger strength to keep going. These scissors build independence during art and craft projects.

Sensory Tools for Regulation

Chewable pencil toppers in various bright colors fanned over a white background.

Chewable Pencil Topper

This pencil topper from Ark Therapeutics provides a chewy for regulation. Students who seek oral sensory input can chew on the topper instead of pencils, shirt collars, or other classroom objects. It slips right onto a standard pencil, so it stays within reach all day.

A young girl in a classroom sits straddling a rocking wedge shaped saddle stool.

Saddle Stool

A rocking saddle stool gives students a place to release extra energy while they sit and work. The gentle rocking motion helps students stay regulated and focused during lessons. It works well for kids who need movement to concentrate.

Three children over a white background sitting and standing with peanut shaped balance roll balls in red, yellow, and blue

Balance Roll

A balance roll offers another seating option for students who benefit from movement while they work. Sitting on the roll engages core muscles and keeps the body active without becoming a distraction. Teachers can rotate this option in for students who need a break from a regular chair.

Calmee the Caterpillar

A young girl with a weighted soft stuffed caterpillar around her shoulders looks down at its face.

Calmee the Caterpillar is a soft, weighted sensory plush designed to help kids breathe, focus, and self-regulate. The caterpillar’s 10 body segments give children a tactile anchor during mindfulness exercises. Students can rest it on their lap or chest and use the segments to pace their breathing. It supports emotional regulation and social-emotional learning in a way that feels natural and approachable.

Art and Craft Tools

Five paintbrush pens in yellow, red, blue, green, and purple fanned over a white background.

Washable Paintbrush Pens

Paintbrush pens give students an easy way to add color without needing a brush or a steady hand. The pens flow smoothly and work well for students with fine motor challenges. They also dry quickly, which keeps art time moving. They also make clean up time much easier! Try them with an EaZyHold for extra support.

Four blue-handled textured rollers over a white background.

Paint and Clay Rollers

These heavy-duty rollers let students apply paint or texture clay with a simple back-and-forth motion. The thick handles make them easy to grip, even for students who struggle with smaller tools. They turn painting and sculpting into a full-arm activity that many students find easier to manage.

Do A Dot Art Markers in a colorful package labeled as "scented juicy fruits" over a white background.

Dot Markers

Dot markers let students create art with a simple press-and-go motion. There’s no need to hold a brush steady or control fine lines. These markers work well for students who are still building fine motor skills or who need a faster, lower-pressure way to join in on art projects.

Communication Tools

A young child sits in a supportive chair while a teacher or therapist's hand holds the toobaloo listening device up to their ear and mouth, similar to a telephone.

Toobaloo

The Toobaloo is a phone-shaped tool that amplifies a student’s own voice back to their ears. It helps students hear themselves more clearly while reading aloud, which supports phonics practice and reading fluency. Many speech therapists also use it during articulation practice.

A box package and six foam cubes with question prompts on every side sit on a white background.

Conversation Cubes

These soft conversation cubes help build speaking and listening skills and spark discussions. Each side of the cube offers a different prompt to guide conversation. They work great for children with speech and language disorders, giving them a low-pressure way to practice turn-taking and communication.

Building a More Inclusive Classroom

Every student deserves the chance to participate fully in classroom activities. These tools remove barriers and open up access to art, communication, and everyday learning. A few thoughtful additions to a classroom supply list can make a real difference for students with diverse needs this school year.

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EaZyHold Universal Cuffs adapt to a wide range of items to create a comfortable handle on just about any tool. Visit our website to learn more about all the possibilities with our innovative grip aids!

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