Meeting Lekotek: Where Play is the Best Medicine
In a world where children with disabilities often navigate a demanding weekly gauntlet of clinical therapies, medical appointments, and rigid developmental benchmarks, one local organization is championing a radical alternative: the pure, unstructured joy of play. Lekotek of Georgia—with a thriving presence right here in Cobb County—provides an intentional, “failure-free” environment where adapted toys and technology replace clinical charts. But Lekotek is far more than just a play library; it is a vital mental health haven. By stripping away the pressure to perform, Lekotek fosters deep self-esteem, combats social isolation, and offers an emotional sigh of relief for the entire family ecosystem. Today, we are sitting down with Lisa Nevitt from Lekotek of Georgia to discuss the incredible psychological power of play, their unique local programs in Kennesaw, and how they are rewriting the narrative of inclusion for families.
1. The word ‘Lekotek’ beautifully combines the Swedish word for play (lek) and the Greek suffix for library (tek). For readers who are completely new to your organization, how does this idea of a ‘play library’ translate into the everyday mission and services of Lekotek of Georgia?
“Lekotek was initally started years ago by two moms in Sweden. They both had children with special needs and had no resources or school options to help their children learn. Their goal was to provide their children with toys and tools to help them learn through play, which is what Lekotek is all about today. We offer monthly play sessions for children ages birth to 8 years with special needs and their family (siblings and parents participate in the fun). Lekotek staff selects developmentally appropriate toys and technology from our toy library to engage the family during the one hour session, and then the family borrows the toys to continue the fun at home until their next visit. With the right adaptations, every child can be successful and learn through play!”
2. Lekotek has a wonderful presence right here in Cobb County via the Kennesaw satellite site. Could you highlight some of the specific programs offered here and share how local Cobb families can get involved?
“The Cobb Lekotek office offers monthly play sessions, summer and winter break camps, family activities (adapted halloween party, pond rafting at Sibly Pond, adapted egg hunt and spring carnival, movie days, music and happy Tails, play dates) and more. Families who are interested in beginning play sessions can call our Kennesaw office at 770-420-9889 or email us at co**@*******ga.org. Families are also welcome to check out our website, www.lekotekga.org to request more information or sign up for our family events. “
3. Children with disabilities can often face intense schedules filled with therapies and appointments. Lekotek is often described as a ‘safe haven’ from those pressures. How does providing a space with no expectations to perform impact a child’s mental well-being, stress levels, and emotional health?
“We often find that when children are free to explore and initiate play with toys that motivate and interest them, they often acheive goals they’ve been working to master, without even realizing they are working. The play session is a nice break from the normal schedule of therapy and all the requirements of running a household with extra needs. The whole family can relax, and feel accepted for who they are. Parents can enjoy time with their child, focus on their child’s strengths and see the joy of their child’s success and independence at Lekotek.”
4. How do Lekotek’s group activities and ‘failure-free learning’ build up a child’s self-esteem and foster a sense of true belonging?
“Lekotek’s goal is to offer adaptations to ensure that each child can be a participant. When a child realizes he/she can activate a toy or play on the computer without help, no words are needed to express the child’s success and sense of accomplishment. Their smiles are a perfect indicator of growing confidence and self esteem. Additionally, when everyone in the group can fully participate the whole group benefits and you can see the value of everyone’s efforts and participation.”
5. We love celebrating wins. Can you share a specific story of a child or family—perhaps right here in the Cobb area—whose life and outlook were completely transformed by the power of play? And finally, how can the community best support your vision moving forward?
“One of my favorite stories of the impact of Lekotek is my friend, J’s story. J has attended play sessions for several years now. She is a sweet little girl with multiple needs. She is unable to move her body beyond slight movements. Additionally, doctors told her mom that she had no vision, but her mother felt that she could see light and was following loved ones with her eyes as they moved around the room. Even playing with adapted toys (specially designed to work with a large easy to press button) is difficult for J with her limited ability to move. Even though J probably does have some vision limitations, We decided to let J try using our eye gaze camera (a camera tracks your pupils and moves the cursor wherever your eyes look on the screen) with some simple cause effect games. As soon as J began looking at the screen, colorful butterflies fluttered on the screen, and her smile lit up the room. Right away, she recognized that she was controlling the game just by looking. J has become more successful with practice, and now she can find targets and even hold her gaze at a spot to play games, make music and even make choices.
Lekotek fees are $250 per year for a family to participate in our monthy play sessions, however, Lekotek never turns a family away based on their ability to pay. We always need donations for our scholarship fund and donations of toys and technology for our library of toys. We also need volunteers for our family activities, summer camp and computer club.”
6. Any upcoming events or programs to promote?
“Cobb Lekotek is offering a summer camp July 13-15th from 9:30- Noon. We are still short on volunteers and would love some extra hands to ensure that all of our campers can fully participate and have fun!”
To learn more about Lekotek or volunteer, call the Kennesaw office at 770-420-9889 or email them at co**@*******ga.org. Families are also welcome to check out their website, www.lekotekga.org to request more information or sign up for their family events.
