Sensory Collection: assistive software and sensory toy catalogue

We're proud to introduce our brand-new assistive software and sensory toy catalogue.

All items on the Sensory catalogue must be reserved online or ordered in your local library as items are stored off-site in a dedicated locale. 

Items are available to reserve from any of our library branches. This exciting collection is designed to support children and adults with additional needs by providing access to a wide range of sensory toys and assistive tools.

This collection offers equipment that aids in developing gross motor skills, fine motor skills, communication, and visual perception. 

This is part of a range of library measures supporting the broader Dublin City Council plan to make Dublin an autism-friendly city.

More on Sensory Services. 

How Can I Borrow from the Sensory Collection?

It’s easy to borrow items from our new sensory collection. 

Here’s what you need to know:

• Library Card: You’ll need a Dublin City Libraries card to borrow items. If you don’t have one, you can register online or at any of our branches.
• Free of Charge: All items in the sensory collection can be borrowed for free.
  Reserving Items: You can reserve sensory toys and assistive software online or by contacting your local library directly.
• Borrowing Limits: You can borrow up to two sensory toys at a time.
• Loan Period: The standard loan period is three weeks, with the option to renew online, by phone, or in person — unless the item has been reserved by another borrower.
• Schools Welcome: Teachers and Special Needs Assistants (SNAs) are welcome to borrow items for their classrooms and students.

Why Use the Sensory Collection?

This collection was designed with a wide variety of needs in mind. Whether you’re an individual with additional needs, a parent, a teacher, or carer, this collection provides tools to support development, learning, and play.

• Assistive Software: Specially designed programs that help individuals accomplish tasks that might otherwise be difficult or unattainable.
• Gross Motor Skills: Toys that promote physical activities using the body’s large muscles, like walking, balancing, and crawling, helping to build strength and coordination.
• Fine Motor Skills: Tools that support the development of small muscle co-ordination in the hands and wrists, enhancing everyday tasks like writing, buttoning clothes, and using utensils.
• Sensor Toys: Engaging and stimulating toys that activate and develop one or more of the senses, providing both calming and educational experiences.

Get in Touch

If you’d like more information about the Sensory Toy Collection, the Library in the Community team is here to help.

T: (01) 222 4770
E: [email protected]

We’re thrilled to offer this valuable new service and take another step toward building a more inclusive, accessible, and supportive city. We hope that this collection will make life a little easier for families and individuals with additional needs. 

With thanks to AsIAm, The Irish Society for Autism, Aspire Design, D12 Autism Support, and the Parent Led Autism Network (P.L.A.N.) for their guidance.