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Fall is for All: Creating Inclusive Experiences for All Abilities

Fall is for All: Creating Inclusive Experiences for All Abilities

Written by Janae Winston, CTRS, CPRP, CIA – Inclusion Coordinator at FVSRA

Happy October! The weather is cooling down, leaves are changing, and all the fun fall activities are beginning! From pumpkin patches, haunted houses, parties, movies, and trick or treating, there are many ways to participate. Our community offers many opportunities to enjoy the season and want to include as many community members as possible. At FVSRA our mission is to empower people with disabilities to participate in therapeutic recreation and leisure activities. Individuals with disabilities can experience challenges in participating in certain activities due to sensory needs, communication skills, and/or fear of the unknown.  The fall season is a great time to practice social skills, safety awareness, and an opportunity to create an inclusive environment for all to enjoy. Whether you are a parent/guardian, teacher, friend, or neighbor; we can all play a role in creating an inclusive fall season!  Please see some tips and tricks below:

Communication:  Interaction with one another is something everyone can do; however, it can differ depending on ability, comfort level, and understanding. This includes non-speaking individuals as well as those who speak other languages. Fortunately, not all communication involves speaking and there are so many other ways we communicate with one another!

  • Pictures: providing visuals of choices and activities
    • Choice board

  • Gestures: pointing, nodding head
    • Provide two choices/asking yes or no:
    • Trick or Treating: In one hand hold a candy bar and in the other hold a fidget item for them to choose/point from
  • Modeling: friend/companion completes task first and then guides individual
  • Smile 😊
    • Expresses kindness and often breaks any language barrier

Creating a Safe Environment: No matter if it is an event or trick or treating in the neighborhood, the number one priority is for everyone to be safe.

  • Provide adequate lighting on paths and ensure they are clear
    • Helps avoid tripping and/or adaptive equipment getting stuck (ex. Wheelchair, walker, wagon)
  • Providing allergy friendly treats
  • Treat Maps
    • “Next Door” website allows you to indicate if you are passing out candy, if there are allergy free options, and/or the type of décor you have. This is helpful for families to plan if there are allergies or sensitivities to scary décor/sound.
    • https://nextdoor.com/treat_map

Making a Plan & Eliminating the Unknown: Research the event/route  before you attend will help determine expectations and eliminate potential challenges or triggers

  • Duration- How long you will be there
  • Accessibility- can everyone physical access the activities? Are there alternative options?
  • Sensory- Volume level, visual stimulation, break/quiet areas, smells, allergies
  • Busy Event- will there be large crowds, is there a time that will be less crowded
  • Treat Maps
    • Utilize to determine obstacles to avoid (ex. Strobe lights, scary décor)
    • Utilize to determine obstacles that can be discussed/reviewed with individuals to prepare for in order to participate
  • Bring Flashlight
    • To ensure you have adequate lighting if not provided
  • Plan for breaks
    • An area/safe place to go if overstimulated (sound, weather, visual stimulation)
  • Buddy system/Modeling
    • Does the individual feel comfortable participating in activity independently or support
      • A trusted companion
      • Visuals
    • Does the individual attending know what is expected of them for the event (ex. Saying “trick or treat/ thank you”, needing to stay with group, can/cannot touch certain items)
  • Alternative Options
    • Participating in activities during the day
      • Community Trunk or Treat events
      • Pumpkin Patches
      • Attending Sensory-Friendly Hours

Please contact us with any questions regarding support items to help create an inclusive experience. FVSRA’s Dr. Kelly Resource Library is a collection of adaptive equipment, technology, recreational items that are available for check out at no cost to our participants for a designated period of time. From all of us at FVSRA, we wish you an exciting and inclusive Fall season!

FVSRA

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