Volume 12, No. 2, Spring 2004 |
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Parents Must Plan Summer Activities Early
Beth Casper, PACER Center, Inc.
It may be hard to plan summer activities while snow flurries grace the view from the living room window, but finding the camp or program that is a good fit for a child with disabilities takes time. Parents who start the process early are more likely to find the appropriate accommodations and a better fit for their child.
“Last May, PACER received phone calls from panicked parents looking for opportunities for their children with disabilities for the summer when most programs are already full,” said PACER advocate Beth-Ann Bloom.
“PACER staff caution, however, that parents should think seriously about the kinds of camps and programs that would interest their child. There are specialized services and programs for children with disabilities, but most community programs can also accommodate a person with a disability as long as planning occurs. Here are initial questions to ask:
- What leisure and recreation activities does my son or daughter enjoy?
- What talents or activities can my daughter or son develop now that can continue into adulthood?
- What activities does my child’s friends and siblings participate in?
- What level of support does my child need and what information and training does summer staff need to make the experience positive?
- Is this an activity that requires extra support from an individual aide or a program that is designed and structured for my son’s or daughter’s specific disabilities?
- What ages are served in the program?
In addition to participation in recreation and leisure activities, an interest in spectator sports such as tennis, golf, baseball, or football may provide enjoyment for a child with disabilities. He or she may learn the language and rules of the sport and continue to find enjoyment of the sport as an adult.
When trying out new programs, call a supervisor, coach, or manager and discuss the child’s disability and possible accommodations.
Where to look
- Summer camps
- Schools
- Community recreation programs
- Disability organizations
- YMCA/YWCA or other fitness centers
- Religious groups
- Community education
- Museums and zoos
- Horseback riding specifically for children with disabilities at area farms or programs
- Special Olympics
- Centers for Independent Living with wheelchair leagues or other specialized programs.
How to help
Parents can develop a list of recreation and leisure activities in which the child would probably have a positive experience. The child may be eager to pursue a particular interest or try many different activities. The important thing is that the child is building confidence, developing social skills, and having fun. Parents can help their child reach this goal by:
- Making contact with different recreational organizations
- Helping the child explore different options that are available
- Encouraging the child to participate
- Supporting the child as he or she pursues different activities
- Pursuing an activity with the child.
Reprinted with permission from the Winter 2004 PACESETTER (Vol. 27, Issue 1), published by PACER Center, Inc. For more information, contact PACER at (952) 838-900 or visit www.pacer.org.
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Parents Must Plan Summer Activities Early