STEPPING INTO SUMMER

BY JOSHUA FIELDS AND LISA BUTLER

Summer time is a time to kick off your shoes, relax and have a good time with friends and family. For families with children with disabilities, this break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life can become even more challenging and stressful. We want to provide you with some quick activity suggestions and ways to create a meaningful summer experience for your children or young adults.

LISA'S EXPERIENCE

As a mother, I want the best for my children. I want them to be safe, healthy and happy. As a mother of a young lady with significant complex needs, I want the same things, plus I want to ensure that she is not only cared for by people, but also cared about. This goal led me to my position as Program Manager at The Next Step Programs. My daughter was receiving home-based instruction during the important transitional period of school for a young adult. We were struggling with staffing and providers to get her the support she needed and ensure she had engaging days. The traditional route was just not meeting our needs.

It's not that easy with my daughter Sophia. Sophia is a young adult with significant disabilities that began at birth. Sophia was born at just 27 weeks weighing in at 2 lbs 8 oz. and even taking

care of her basic needs required adaptations and modifications. So, as Sophia gets ready to turn 21, we have a plethora of tips for families to, as Sophia says, "keep me busy" this summer.

SUMMER ACTIVITIES MADE EASY

Many folks get held up or intimidated by the terms; adapt and modify, especially when thinking through the lens of disability. We like to remind folks to think about someone who might be left-handed when you are right-handed. If you are sitting next to them at dinner, you may want to sit on the right side of that person to avoid getting an elbow in the ribs. It can be that simple. Don't focus on the barriers in place, focus on creativity and accessibility. These activities are by no means an exhaustive list, but they might be a good place to start for some summer fun!