DOT Playspace is billed as an indoor space, providing a safe place for children with disabilities to play and receive occupational and speech therapy.
Operating in a former pediatric optometrist’s office at 6544 W. Central Ave., DOT welcomes children with disabilities and their families for services provided by Erica Zimmerman, founder and licensed occupational therapist, and her team.
The DOT in the name stands for “defying odds therapy,” a term Zimmerman coined as a therapist, “to help a child defy the odds. We need to defy those odds for them to reach their potential.” She added, it’s a nod to the song “Defying Gravity” from “Wicked.”
“Playspace” is a place where clients can play. “The main occupation for childhood is play – that’s what a child should occupy their time with.” Zimmerman’s clients include children on the autism spectrum, those with sensory processing disorders, development delays or other disabilities.
RELATED: Certified Autism Centers in Toledo
Zimmerman began with a mobile therapy clinic in 2020 where she would visit clients in homes or schools or through Zoom. She wanted to have her own clinic, in part so, as a new mother she, could care for her child in between meeting with clients.
The parents often told her that their children “have no recreational opportunities just to be a kid.” The existing indoor play spaces were too noisy and crowded for the comfort of children with disabilities. “That was the drive to create an inclusive play space,” Zimmerman explains.
Sensory friendly, encouraging play
So began DOT Playspace, with the mission “to create a sensory-friendly environment that fosters self-regulation while encouraging play. By providing a calm atmosphere and diverse equipment, we aim to support all developmental and sensory needs.” Zimmerman adds that the space is open to all children, not just those with disabilities.
DOT Playspace has three rooms. One is set up playground-style with a climbing structure, slides and swings to develop gross motor skills. There’s a section devoted to children 24 months and younger for soft play, crawling and rolling.
Another is a sensory room with calm music, bubble tubes, dim fiberoptic lighting and books to provide a tranquil setting.
A third room is called the Creative Café, where families can enjoy food and beverages and children can do arts and crafts.There’s also a room for nursing moms, along with restrooms with changing tables and diaper genies.
Zimmerman saw a need for an inclusive indoor play space in the region, especially one that includes the therapy components. DOT Playspace addresses needs by providing a place where “families with kids with special needs can go to play. While there are pediatric clinics, they can have a six-months to a year waiting list. There’s a big need for occupational and speech therapy. That’s a need we’re meeting.”
DOT Playspace will also offer drop-in play, themed workshops, sensory- friendly playdates and birthday parties. The grand opening will be announced on DOT Playspace’s social media.
Private therapy sessions can be scheduled by emailing Zimmerman at erica@dotplayspace.com; more details are available at dotplayspace.com or @DOTPlayspace.
