Celebrating holidays or special occasions is a way to help build strong, healthy bonds with your community. As part of our role at WesCare to help consumers live as independently as possible and with community, below are 4 ways to create inclusive holiday celebrations for the children and adults under your care.
- Highlight Connection – Although many holiday events include making purchases, sometimes in large amounts, often placing money at the center, holidays and other special occasions are also times to prioritize relationships, to show family and friends you care. Focus on connection and friendship building throughout your festivities. Read related books or use social stories to help explain the topic. Here is a list of free social stories you can use with your consumers.
- Include Everyone – If card and gift exchanges are a part of your celebrations, make sure everyone gets them! Don’t leave anyone out. Holidays are times to consciously demonstrate care, kindness and compassion. Use your gatherings as a way to exercise those lessons.
- Support Independence – When making cards, gifts, and treats, use adaptive art supplies and adaptive cooking tools to meet the needs of your consumers and support their desires and abilities to do as much as they can themselves.
- Delegate Planning – Allow consumers to assist with party planning and execution. Facilitate the huge task at hand, but give them the space to lead. Encourage them to share their ideas for the party and determine how to bring them to fruition. Support by encouraging them, running errands, getting materials as requested, and adding input where needed.
What other ways do you work to create an inclusive celebrations?