industry news and professionals that features ratings and reviews of toys for children with disabilities – she evaluated toys and play products beneficial for all children, especially those with disabilities. Her work resulted in the creation of multiple toy guides, play resources and a section in a manual related to the benefits of sensory play. Hoffman received her bachelor’s degree in Therapeutic Recreation with a minor in psychology at Central Michigan University.
The Toy Association and child psychologist Dr. Amanda Gummer’s Good Play Guide have joined forces to launch a brand-new, first-of-its-kind STEAM Accreditation Program for the toy industry. Accredited toys will receive The Toy Association’s official “STEAM Stamp of Approval” for use in marketing campaigns, product packaging and listings, and all other digital and traditional marketing platforms. Any toy company or brand involved in the manufacture, design, and marketing of children’s STEAM products is invited to participate. Submitted products will first be tested by children. Experts will observe the children at play, then the products will be further evaluated by the Good Play Guide’s
team of experts, who will ensure they meet the strict criteria outlined in The Toy Association’s “STEAM Toy Assessment Framework.”
HABA Family Group is expanding its e-commerce footprint in the United States with the acquisition of specialty online retailer Bella Luna Toys/Oompa. Like HABA, Bella Luna Toys offers high-quality, educational wooden toys made from environmentally friendly and sustainable materials. Bella Luna and its employees will report to the HABA USA subsidiary, and will continue to operate as a separate company. Founder Sarah Baldwin and Chris Percival will continue to lead the merchandising process. In January 2022, Bella Luna Toys will double its warehouse space by moving its fulfillment operations to HABA USA headquarters in Skaneateles, New York.
Super Soaker inventor Lonnie Johnson will be inducted into The National Inventors Hall of Fame (NIHF) in 2022. In partnership with the United States Patent and Trademark Office, NIHF will honor seven inductees on May 5, 2022, at one of the innovation industry’s most highly anticipated events. Johnson, an engineer and entrepreneur, formed his own engineering firm in 1989 and licensed the Super Soaker to Larami Corporation. Two years later, the water gun had generated more than $200 million in retail sales, and became the number-one selling toy in America. Larami Corporation was eventually purchased by Hasbro Corporation, the second-largest toy manufacturer in the world. Over the years, Super Soaker sales have totaled close to $1 billion. The president and founder of Johnson Research and Development in Atlanta holds 100-plus patents, with at least 20 more pending. Johnson is also the author of several publications on spacecraft power systems. His work today includes advances in rechargeable battery technology and thermodynamic technology to convert thermal energy to electrical energy. Two of Johnson’s spin-off companies, Excellatron Solid State and Johnson Battery Technologies, are developing revolutionary energy technology. The mission of the National Inventors Hall of Fame is recognizing inventors and invention, promoting creativity and advancing the spirit of innovation and entrepreneurship.
30 October 2021 — edplay.com
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