Meath County Council Library Service is developing a specialised Toys, Technology and Training initiative. The collection is designed to offer support to children and adults with learning difficulties, disabilities or more significant needs. This specialised collection of toys and other resources will be available shortly.

The collection was chosen by the staff of Meath County Council Library Service in partnership with therapists and other professionals working in the community. Items in the collection will be available for lending in Meath Libraries to appropriate groups/individuals.

As part of the initiative, we will host an annual series of free lectures, recordings and workshops. For up to date details of future talks and events relating to the TTT initiative please follow us on social media and/or email us and ask to join our mailing list at libraryhq@meathcoco.ie.

Toys and Assistive Technology Catalogue - Service launching early in 2022

"Tony the Turtle" Video Recordings

The ‘Tony the Turtle’ series of books is written by Valerie Sheehan and illustrated by Susan Meaney. The books have been created for parents and teachers of children who see and feel the world differently.  They offer tested, positive strategies to support both adult and child.  They empower parents/teachers to manage everyday activities that the child may find challenging and overwhelming, making daily tasks easier for everyone.  Tony the Turtle also gives the child a voice and a character to identify with. 

Valerie Sheehan is a professionally trained ASD tutor with 15+ years’ experience working with families and children on the autistic spectrum. 

She has recorded some videos telling each of the stories and these are available to watch on our Toys, Technology and Training Playlist on our YouTube Channel.

Stories in order

1. Tony goes shopping
2. Tony tries new food
3. Tony goes to the playground
4. Tony goes to a party
5. Tony goes to school
6. Tony gets his hair cut
7. Tony uses the toilet
8. Tony goes in the car
9. Tony goes swimming

These books are all available to borrow from your local library - you can reserve these books our online catalogue Encore. 

We kindly acknowledge the support of the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Dormant Accounts Fund (DAF) in the funding of this initiative.