Our Book and Toy Library has been set up to not only provide books and toys that families need, but to be as easy as possible to use. Malky explains why our Library has been life changing.
“Our son Shmuel is two years old and has a rare neurogenetic condition called SLC1A4 deficiency. It affects his mobility, cognition, communication, and overall development. He’s not walking or talking yet, and although he’s full of personality and warmth, connecting with him and supporting his learning requires a very tailored approach.
When it comes to toys or play equipment, most things on the market simply aren’t made for children like Shmuel. Either they’re too advanced, too noisy, not accessible, or they just don’t hold his interest in the way his brain processes the world. I’ve spent hours scrolling through websites, unsure of what might work, reluctant to spend a fortune on something that may or may not be a hit.
That’s where Cerebra has been such a gift. Through Cerebra’s Library, I’ve been able to borrow toys that I would have never found – or been able to afford – on my own. Things like switch-adapted toys, sensory panels, or cause-and-effect learning games that engage Shmuel in a way that suits how he learns. I remember one toy in particular – simple sound-and-light box that responds to a touch of the hand. Watching Shmuel realise that he could control something in his environment, seeing the look of surprise and delight on his face—it was one of those little victories that means everything to a parent like me.
Because the toys are loaned out for a decent stretch of time, we get a real chance to try them slowly, at our own pace. That’s so important for a child with developmental delays. Everything takes longer – adjusting, exploring, building familiarity. And this service lets us try without pressure. It’s allowed me to observe what sparks Shmuel’s interest, what types of switches or actions he can manage, and how we can build on that in therapy and at home.
But honestly, just as life-changing as the toys themselves is the way Cerebra runs this service. Everything is handled with such care and ease. I don’t have to print a label, book a courier, or chase anything down. The toy arrives in a clean, well-packed box, with clear return instructions and all the paperwork tucked in. When the time comes, Cerebra books the return collection, sends the label directly to my inbox, and all I have to do is tape it on and hand it over.
As a parent who’s navigating a full calendar of hospital appointments, therapies, sleepless nights, paperwork, and emotional load—it’s hard to overstate how much that matters. So many services say they want to support families, but Cerebra actually gets it. You’ve designed something that works with the reality of our lives.
I often feel like I’m running from one thing to the next, trying to advocate for Shmuel while making sure my other children also get what they need. There are so few moments that feel easy. Borrowing from the Cerebra toy library is one of those rare moments that truly is.
Thank you so much for making that possible. I hope our story helps show just how valuable and thoughtful your work is—not just in terms of what you offer, but how you offer it. It really, genuinely makes a difference”.
