Ashley Kizis is a natural at figuring out puzzles.
A professional researcher and a passionate social entrepreneur, she noticed that beyond a collection of children’s books, other resources for kids to see and experience diversity, equity, accessibility and inclusion in a tactile way were missing in the toy industry. Resolved to close the gap and create a family tool for learning about inclusion, she founded Kidunified.
“Being a parent opened my eyes to raising a kind child who not only sees themselves but also sees their peers in the toys and games they interact with. My mission is to create the most inclusive puzzles for kids. I wish for all kids to see beautiful pieces of themselves in our puzzles, and for them to recognize that they belong.” – Ashley Kizis, founder of Kidunified
Finding huge success with her first puzzle, Kidunified launched its Mission: Inclusion puzzle for back-to-school. Mission: Inclusion shows kids the unique gadgets, tools and devices (think: sensory swings, mobility scooters, hearing supports, and more!) that assist kids and their peers as they communicate, move and feel their best every day.
As a mom who discovered KidsAbility when her preschooler first had the benefit of accessing occupational therapy (OT) services, Ashley understands firsthand the importance of having successful strategies and relaxation tools at hand for children.
Kidunified puzzles foster both cognitive learning and mental health benefits as a child works with the pieces. A volunteer committee of teachers, parents, clinical and EDIA professionals offer guidance on gadgets, anatomy, disability and culture. A calm colour palette, anti-glare finish, size and precision-fit pieces are all intentional design choices to encourage a relaxed and joyful experience. Intentionally illustrated puzzle characters (affectionately called the Kidfolk) allow a child to relate to, and identify with, the characters they choose, fostering a sense of belonging. Together, the Kidfolk take part in everyday activities through culture, ethnicity, gender, disability.
“There are billions of people in the world, so unfortunately, not each and every one of us can be entirely represented,” says Ashley. “But we can illustrate many things that make us unique — different skin tones, hair textures, shapes and sizes, feelings and emotions, gender expressions, and disabilities. Because, as we all know, many disabilities, cultures and ethnic backgrounds are not visible, just as gender expressions can be fluid and better represented when we share our pronouns.”
Kidunified puzzles continue to receive incredibly positive feedback from families and from trauma therapists, Occupational therapists, Speech therapists, Ontario teachers and members of the LGBTQ+ community across Canada and the U.S. who have had enormous success within their clinical and education spaces.
“Sometimes we feel pressure as parents and adults to do the talking. Kidunified puzzles are designed to allow conversations of all kinds to naturally flow through play and help make it okay to move forward without having it all figured out.”
Until September 30, Kidunified will donate $15 from each “Mission: Inclusion” puzzle purchased! Each puzzle comes with a Search and Find card, sticker, and bilingual instructions and is the perfect gift for back-to-school classrooms as extensions to their curriculum, and, of course, birthday, teacher and celebration gifts.