Finding the right fit for fun, inclusion, and new experiences.
Finding a family activity that everyone can enjoy can take a little extra planning and research when you have a child with special needs. You may wonder whether the environment will be comfortable, whether your child will be able to participate, or whether the experience will feel more stressful than fun.
But those questions don’t have to mean saying no to new experiences. There are so many opportunities for children to explore, discover new interests, and simply have fun. The key is finding activities that are welcoming, flexible, and able to meet your child where they are.
And sometimes, an activity doesn’t have to be specifically designed for children with special needs to be a great fit. A little information, preparation, or creativity can go a long way.
Look Beyond the Label: Is It Truly Inclusive?
The word “inclusive” can mean different things to different organizations. Rather than relying only on a label, look for information about how children with different needs are actually supported.
Does the organization provide accessibility information? Do they mention accommodations? Is there a clear way to contact someone with questions? Do they explain what families can expect when they arrive?
Pay attention to how the organization talks about inclusion, too. A welcoming activity should communicate that children with disabilities are valued participants. When you’re unsure, reach out. Ask what supports are available and how they can help your child participate.
Get a Feel for the Environment: Is It Sensory-Friendly?
“Sensory-friendly” can mean different things depending on the activity, so look for specific information about what has been changed and examples of the accommodations that are provided.
A sensory-friendly experience may involve reduced lighting or sound, fewer people, a quieter environment, additional space, a slower pace, or a designated area for breaks. Some activities may also allow headphones or other sensory supports.
If the information isn’t clear, ask questions. Find out how crowded the event is likely to be, whether there is somewhere quiet to take a break, how much waiting is involved, and what the environment will be like.
Most importantly, consider your individual child. An activity doesn’t have to be labeled sensory-friendly to work for your family, and a sensory-friendly event isn’t automatically the right fit for every child. You know your child best!
Think About Your Child First: What Will Help Them Have Fun?
Start with your child’s individual needs, interests, and preferences. Think about what helps your child feel comfortable and engaged. Do they need movement, breaks, extra time to process information, a predictable routine, or the ability to participate at their own pace?
Then think about what makes something fun for them. Choosing an activity that connects to an existing interest can make trying something new feel exciting rather than overwhelming.
And don’t be afraid to introduce something completely new. Sometimes a new experience becomes a new favorite simply because a child was given the opportunity to discover it.
Ask for Accommodations: What Can Be Modified?
An activity doesn’t have to be done exactly as it was designed. Think about small changes that could make the experience more comfortable or enjoyable. You might adjust when you go, shorten the outing, build in breaks, bring familiar items, change the order of activities, or find a quieter way to participate.
You can also ask the organization what accommodations are available. Sometimes a simple modification can make an experience much more accessible.
If an activity looks like fun but doesn’t seem like an obvious fit, ask yourself: “How could we make this work?” That mindset can open up opportunities that you might otherwise have ruled out.
Take the Pressure Off: Let Fun Look Different!
A successful outing doesn’t have to mean your child participated in everything or stayed until the end. Maybe they watched before joining in. Maybe they tried one part of the activity. Maybe they needed several breaks. Maybe they surprised you by wanting to stay longer than expected.
The goal isn’t a perfect outing. It’s giving your child the opportunity to explore, participate, connect, and have fun. When we take away the pressure to do things a certain way, there is more room for curiosity, confidence, and genuine enjoyment.
You never know what your child might love until they get the chance to try!
Join the Fun!
Check out all the ways you can get involved:
- Spread the word!
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- Make a donation
- Apply for a grant opportunity
- Have an idea you want to see come to life? Know a business or organization that should join us? Encourage them to reach out or connect with us directly at hello@jointhefunfoundation.org or through our contact page.