For children, play isn’t just fun—it’s how they learn, connect, and make sense of the world around them. And in the world of play, representation matters. For kids who use medical devices like G-tubes, canes, or cochlear implants, it’s rare to find toys that reflect their own life experiences. Assistive devices, mobility aids, prosthetics, orthotics, and sensory tools are rarely represented in off-the-shelf toys and games. Local resident and Clear Creek Makerspace member Kay Newman saw this gap and felt compelled to make a difference.
Kay’s journey began during her time at McLellan Home Care, where she worked as a content writer and web designer. She got to know the stories of families balancing the needs of children with complex medical devices and witnessed the resilience and creativity of these kids. This sparked an idea: why not create custom toys that reflect the children’s experiences, and can be used in therapy? Whether for speech, occupational, or physical therapy, play could be a way to bridge the gap between a child’s medical devices and their daily lives.
After some brainstorming with parents and children and a few successful prototypes, “Kiddo Ditto” was born. Through her one-woman operation, Kay crafts custom toys designed to reflect each child’s unique medical needs. These toys allow children to see their devices in a fun, playful light, while also serving as functional tools for therapy. Just as importantly, the toys help classmates, siblings, and teachers better understand these medical devices, integrating them into play and normalizing them as part of the child’s world.
By creating toys that mirror a child’s reality, Kay aims to help kids engage in meaningful play that is both fun and functional. These toys spark conversations, helping children feel seen and understood—not just in therapy but in their everyday interactions.
Kay’s journey started with one custom toy for a young boy. She reached out to his therapist, eager to help. Together, they discussed the boy’s medical devices, the skills he was working on, and even his favorite “stuffy”. With that information, Kay got to work. Using her design and prototyping skills—and with the help of the resources at Clear Creek Makerspace—she created a toy that turned the boy’s medical needs into something he and his friends could interact with, learn about, and, most importantly, enjoy.
Clear Creek Makerspace (CCM) has been an essential part of Kay’s journey. From mastering 3D printing for toy parts to learning new sewing techniques, CCM became Kay’s creative lab. Staff like Owen and Charlee provided hands-on guidance that helped her refine her skills. Unlike some other creative spaces, CCM’s Fab Lab offered 24/7 access to equipment, allowing Kay to experiment and grow in ways that wouldn’t have been possible elsewhere.
Kay’s experience with Kiddo Ditto highlights how the Clear Creek Makerspace enriches creativity, collaboration and innovation. Being surrounded by a supportive community is sometimes just as important as having access to the equipment. As she worked on her toys, fellow makers offered encouragement, asked thoughtful questions, and shared their own ideas, helping her build confidence and push her project forward. CCM is an incubator for innovation and entrepreneurship through the resources we provide and the community we strive to continuously build.
As we approach Colorado Gives Day on December 10th, Localworks is focusing its fundraising efforts on enhancing the Clear Creek Makerspace’s programming and educational resources.
We invite you to join us for our Bar Stool Bingo Fundraiser at Esters Gold’s Marketplace on December 10th. Your donation helps creators like Kay, but also supports a diverse range of makers—those interested in woodworking, metalworking, robotics, laser cutting, and more. Every contribution helps ensure that the Makerspace remains a vibrant community hub where people come together to learn, collaborate, and make their ideas come to life. Supporting the Clear Creek Makerspace this Colorado Gives Day is a unique opportunity to invest in creativity, connection and community-driven projects that will make a lasting impact. If you’d like to support Kay directly, she will be hosting a fundraiser on January 11, 2025 from 1-3 p.m. at the Makerspace.
LOCALWORKS
student staff. PHOTO COURTESY OF MAKERSPACE.
For more information about the Bar Stool Bingo event on Colorado Gives Day, please visit wearelocalworks.org.
