Adaptive Activities Resource Guide

En Shriners Children's celebramos las diferencias físicas y alentamos a los padres a aceptar hacer extraordinario lo ordinario.

Aunque muchos lugares se están volviendo más accesibles para las personas con diferencias, todavía puede resultar difícil para los padres y cuidadores encontrar actividades seguras, divertidas y acogedoras que disfruten sus hijos. Pero ¿quién mejor para dar consejos sobre estas ideas que un padre de Shriners Children's que haya pasado por eso?

Con una pizca de creatividad y un toque de aventura, las familias de nuestros pacientes y proveedores de Shriners Children's compartieron algunas ideas sorprendentes sobre cómo crear una infancia mágica que abarque todas las habilidades. Profundicemos en 15 actividades increíbles para agregar a su lista de tareas pendientes.

Descargue una copia de la Guía de recursos de actividades adaptativas

1. Disfrutar de la emoción de un paseo: disfrute de un día en un parque de diversiones

Para las familias con más de un hijo y diferentes capacidades físicas, encontrar destinos familiares requiere investigar en Internet y llamar con anticipación para asegurarse de que nadie se decepcione. Afortunadamente, existen muchos blogs y recursos útiles en línea que pueden hacer parte de ese trabajo por usted. A continuación se muestra una lista de varios recursos que brindan información útil sobre parques temáticos accesibles que brindan comodidades acogedoras, lo que permite que todos disfruten juntos de la emoción.

Recursos adicionales: morganswonderland.com,
thepointsguy.com,
cerebralpalsyguide.com

2. Columpios, toboganes y sol: busque parques infantiles accesibles en su localidad o en la ruta de su viaje por carretera.

Además del cumplimiento de la ADA, los parques infantiles accesibles ayudan a garantizar que las personas que utilizan sillas de ruedas puedan disfrutar del espacio. Si está buscando en línea un parque infantil cercano, intente utilizar términos como "parque infantil accesible", "diseño universal" o "parques infantiles inclusivos" para encontrar rápidamente los parques que está buscando. Varios sitios web, como accessibleplayground.net ofrecen una lista de búsqueda de parques infantiles accesibles por estado, e incluso por país. Ya sea que su destino sea el parque infantil o una parada en boxes para sacarte las ganas, hay muchas opciones que todos los niños pueden disfrutar.

Visite miracle-recreation.com para encontrar información sobre la diferencia entre un parque infantil accesible y uno inclusivo, para saber qué tipo de parque infantil sería el más adecuado para su familia.

3. Easy Sundae Drives: Tour local ice cream parlors.

I scream, you scream, we all dream of ice cream. Whether you prefer a cone or a cup - a simple trip to an ice cream parlor can feel like an adventure. And what kid doesn’t like ice cream? We suggest not only creating activities around ice cream destinations but taking time to appreciate the scenic rides to get there.

"When Blake was younger and much less ambulatory, there was one summer where; starting on his last day of preschool, we tried a different ice cream place almost every week. We both found some new, unexpected favorites!" - Laura

4. Dance Like Nobody's Watching: Go to a local music concert.

Concert on, world off. Many communities and cities offer free live music opportunities at local parks or pavilions. The schedules are often posted on city government websites and can help you plan ahead to stay moving and grooving with your family.

"The best part about live music is that the shows are usually free, and there is typically a large enough space for Blake to dance. Plus, he loves getting out, meeting new people, and hearing new music. It's definitely a budget-friendly and fun time for our whole family." - Laura, the mother of Blake, age 7, a patient with cerebral palsy

5. Making A Splash: Visit local splash pads.

Looking to cool down? Splash pads generally have level, paved surfaces, making them ideal for families with accessibility needs. Children with walkers, strollers, and wagons can easily navigate the park. Additionally, the interactive and sensory-friendly design of splash pads ensures that children of all abilities can fully enjoy the refreshing water play. Just remember the pavement can get pretty hot in the summer months so don’t forget your water shoes!

6. Where The Wild Things Are: Plan time for a zoo visit.

Whether you are planning a trip to your local zoo, or planning a vacation in a city that has one, zoos are always a great way to entertain kids of all ages. Many zoos throughout the country also make concerted efforts to ensure their paved pathways, exhibits and facilities are accessible to all visitors. Make it extra special by visiting all of your kids’ favorite animals first and packing a fun picnic lunch.

7. Lights, Camera, Action: Experience watching a movie in a new way.

Unwind with some popcorn and the big screen! Check out what your town offers for drive-in movie theaters and showings at your city park or public pools. Watching The Little Mermaid or Jaws while floating in the pool takes immersing yourself into a movie to a new level. Enjoying a sense of community and cinema is something for the whole family.

8. Over the River and Through the Woods: Hit the hiking trails.

Explore the wonders of all-ability hikes, where trails come alive with excitement, laughter and endless discoveries. While there are plenty of accessible campsites and parking spaces, hiking sometimes requires extra planning. Sometimes adults will have to carry a child or wheelchair over a specific obstacle. Other times it’s good to challenge them to navigate difficult terrain on their own. Striking a balance takes preparation but the payoff is priceless.

Apps like AllTrails and Traillink include whether or not a trail or hiking path is wheelchair friendly. By using filters, some apps even include just how flat the trail is. Visit support.alltrails.com for more Information.

"There will be times on a hike when one of us will carry his chair, and the other will carry him to ensure he doesn't just see the waterfall from the road, but can get to the top and experience the majesty. Other times, we will require him to get out of his chair and navigate a trail or hill by himself. We want him to sweat, get dirty and scrape his knees, then dust himself off and try again." - Rob, the father of Liam, age 10

9. Making Waves and Getting Rays: Set up water-based experiences.

Life is better at the lake. Boating and other water activities like paddle boarding, swimming and fishing can be enjoyed by all. With such a wide variety of activities there is something for everyone to enjoy. So grab your life vest, fishing pole and paddle board to make amazing summer memories.

"Being born with a limb difference, I didn't expect Giavanna to enjoy being on and in the water so much, but this is truly one of her happy places. G is a great paddle boarder, and can far outpace two-handed paddlers (like her mother)." - Michelle mother of Giavianna, age 14, a patient with a limb deficiency

10. Put the Pedal to the Metal: Organize a neighborhood bike parade.

Whether using a wheelchair, adaptive bike, or other mobility aids, all kids can participate in a bike parade around the neighborhood. Make your ride unique by decorating it with flags, flowers, stickers and banners that reflect your interests.

11. Dream, Believe, Create: Make a homemade movie or movie trailer.

Let your kids be the star in their homemade movie or video trailer creation! In a world where cameras/iPhones and unique editing apps are increasingly available and easy to use, this is an activity that can keep your kids busy for hours and is open to kids of all physical abilities. Have your kids decide the story they want to tell or reenact, write a rough script and then act it out on camera. One way to include everyone is to rotate roles and ask everyone to participate in writing, directing, acting and recording. Whether they write an original script, make their own movie trailer or re-enact a favorite scene from a movie, it's an excellent opportunity to let your kids’ imagination soar while acquiring new skills that can be empowering and inclusive for all.

12. Ready, Set, Soak: Create DIY chalk bombs.

A new and safe spin on a water balloon fight is to create chalk bombs. Mix one cup of water, two tablespoons of cornstarch and a few drops of food coloring, and use a clean soap dispenser to add the mixture to water balloons. Draw targets in chalk around your backyard and see who can get the most points.

13. Stop, Drop & Roll: Plan a visit to local fire and police stations.

Ignite curiosity and extinguish boredom with a friendly visit to local fire and police stations. Calling ahead and scheduling a visit is a good idea since visiting hours and on-site visit rules may vary. You can also ask about accessibility and accommodation that fit your family's needs.

14. Rock the Town: Paint rocks for others.

A simple and creative way to keep the fun going is to turn a craft like painting rocks into a creative way to spread joy. Collect rocks from a hike or a flower bed at your house and decorate them with paint, glitter, stickers or markers. They make a simple, fun gift kids can give to friends or neighbors.

15. Running on Summertime: Relax and enjoy the easy pace of summer

In a world full of summer adventures, there's something truly magical about staying home and embracing the lazy days. This is your reminder that fun can be found in the mundane. Keep this helpful list of ideas to try out on days when you’d rather stay at home.

• Build a box fort
• Organize a scavenger hunt
• Make homemade jewelry
• Try no-bake child recipes
• Play charades
• Bury a time capsule
• Make paper airplanes
• Camp in the backyard
• Make a bird feeder