Consider starting a "Use it Again Shop" | Autism PDD

When I finally came to the realization that Jack had developmental delays and then everything else...... I searched the internet, ebay, message-board, ads for items/toys/software/videos/etc. for him to help in his progress. As all of you know or for those of you who are about to find out, anything for our childs development is expensive. Even on Ebay things go very high and there is always the chance of being outbid. My question is, is there away that we could create some sort of "Use it Again" shop, kinda like "Play it Again Sports Store". Jack is still very young, but soon he will be growing out of his Baby Bumble DVD's, his weighted vest will be too small, need to create new flash cards, etc. You get the picture. I am sure there are things out there that some of the "oldies but goodies" have that there child no longer needs that some one else could use. For example I want to purchase an infant tramp. for Jack (looks like an adult exercise tramp...ya know that small kind you can use in the house, but this one has a bar attached to it for the child to hang on to, to learn how to jump. These things are so expensive. Just a suggestion that I was pondering on and would like input.

Thanks

Wendy

Wendy I thought the same thing.... Karrie (Karjab30) started a chat on MSN http://groups.msn.com/AUTISMPDDPARENTS/_whatsnew.msnw She has an "exchange" listed maybe ask her if it can be swaps or for sales or what... Its a good idea!

OH also wanted to add ask around to the special ed schools and local church groups many donate money for things like this!

MsSteelersFan38497.7792824074

Thats a fabulous idea!!! Would it be online or an actual store front??

Did you know Toys R Us does something similar... not second hand but has it's own special catalogue that has toys where they tell you the areas/domains that the toy supports?? I think that having a write up on the benefits of toys would be invaluable to those new to the diagnosis.... Like all the benefits something small like bubbles can have (motor skills, oral skills, fine motor control ect).

I've been looking for something similar in Cnd!!!! There are very few producers of support aids up here and the US prices are just astronomical after you add shipping!!! I have had to make my own stuff most of the way.

I find that most of the catalogues ect are US based. I live in Canada... So I have to pay exchange rate, taxes at border and shipping!!! It is sometimes like doubling the actual cost of an item. A simple 10$ item is at least doubled depending on the weight of the item! It gets very expensive.

I haven't found any "specialty" stores that can bulk order to cut down costs because there is not the market for it :(

Totally my bad for not being more specific. Thanks for all the links, I will definately puruse through them :)

panthosette... PM DanielleOwens mom and ask her she seems to have alot of canada resource ideas might be able to ask and get ideas to help youGood luck with finding what you need.awesome idea! And I was gonna say the same thing about the msn chat group of karries.Panthosette if I understand what you are saying correctly here.... and Im not sure that I do (having trouble concentrationg under a great deal of stress and a headache so I apologize) here is

CATALOGS for Special Needs (and sites to order from)

http://www.otawatertown.com/resources.html

http://www.pfot.com/ShowProducts.php?interest=Sensory

http://www.specialkidszone.com/

http://www.beyondplay.com/index.htm

http://www.theraproducts.com/index

http://www.specialneedstoys.com/

http://www.stars4kidz.com/

http://www.superduperinc.com/catalog.htm

These catalogs list different things from weighted vests and trampolines and swings and such to bubble blowing machines and little descriptions for what it helps the kid with oral motor sensory calming and so forth... may of these sites you can go to and ask for a free catalog to be sent to your home. Then rather then buying from them directly at higher costs you can relate what they have to something sold in regular stores that is SO similar and buy it at a much cheaper price... Looking through it really starts to make you connect and get related ideas!

BTW Karrie's site is online... right now there are items being wanted and the offer of paying shipping for it.... you would have to ask Karrie how she feels about posting a "for sale" item there.... I too wish there was a second hand shop for items they outgrow there is a weighted blanket place I came across online that had a "exchange" program... if I fnd it again I will post the info

You might also be able to find a consignment shop in your area that you could partner with. There are alot of baby-type consignment shops in our area. I even found cloth diapers there once! I'm sure that it would be a HUGE success!

Good Luck and Entrepreneurial Prayers!