Help needed, and i thought this would be the best place to ask!

[wishspirit]

Hi everyone!

I work with kids with learning disabilities ranging right the way from high functioning autism and ADHD to kids who are non-verbal and in wheel chairs. I have been asked by work to do a childrens event which will give this kids and their siblings a good time, but with the main focus on parents meeting up and getting support from other parents.

I love the concept, but i am stumped for an idea! I tried to get hold of an African Drumming teacher, but he is out of the country. Can you guys suggest any ideas that your kids love doing that would make a good event that will work for lots of ability levels? It doesn't have to be too detailed, but pushing me in any direction at the moment would help! I really want these guys to have a good time for a few hours. Any ideas?

Thanks for the help!

 

[SueM in MN]

I don't have much time right now, but I have been to some workshops offered by this organization. Looking at the website might give you some ideas. There were a variety of participants, similar to 'mix' of people you expect to attend.

I am going to move this to the disABILITIES Community Board, where it will be more on topic and hopefully get more ideas.

 

[lucigo]

At our summer camp we had kids at all levels of the spectrum and I'm trying to think of some of the things we did that they all seemed to enjoy. I would say right off that the higher your ratio of supervisors/aids to kids the better. At our camp we had 1:1 kids with teachers so it was really awesome.

An organization brought in therapy dogs and talked to the kids about them and allowed the kids to interact with them.

We had a local band come in and play kids songs and then allowed the kids to take turns trying out the instruments.

The Zoo-Mobile came and introduced animals to the kids and let them touch them.

Water-day was always a huge success....lots of blow up slides and wading pools, sprinkers and slip-n-slides.

If I can think of anymore I'll be back

 

[Luv Bunnies]

Do you have some kind of indoor playground nearby? It would be very easy to set up the event at another location where everything is provided. I was just reading in our local paper that a place with an indoor inflatable playground (climbing, bouncing, jousting, etc.) offers autism playtimes. The kids get a safe place to play and the parents get a time to meet and talk. This place has equipment for all sizes and levels of kids. Perhaps you have a local place that would donate time or offer it at a reduced rate?

 

[pilgrimr]

I know that my kids would enjoy outdoor activities. I would also say that what every you do, try to have many volunteers for the children. That way the parents can relax and not worry about the kids. That way they can all enjoy your activity. I hope that it goes well.