Creating an Inclusive Holiday
The pandemic has changed so much lately - and with the holidays fast approaching even more changes are on the horizon. Gatherings will be smaller, family members will be getting together virtually, parties will be limited or cancelled. It can all seem so negative. But.., but… the hectic pace of the holidays can transform what was previously a harried, stressful time into a slower, more intimate celebration! More time can provide the impetus to be more intentional about including our loved ones with disabilities in the many aspects of the holidays that often find them relegated to the sidelines. If your child has motor challenges, they may watch as you decorate, or watch as you open their presents for them. If your child has a hearing impairment or a communication challenge, they may see you singing along to carols but don’t have a path to participate. If your child has a vision impairment, the addition of items like trees, a larger table and additional chairs moved around to accommodate more people visiting during the holiday, or changes in lighting (more candles, less use of lamps and overheads) can present challenges to their mobility. If your child has a learning or intellectual disability, they may watch as you bake all those goodies that make the holidays taste and smell so very special. Let’s look at some ways to increase participation in the activities that make the holidays so special.
Decorating/Wrapping
As you rearrange furniture, bring in new items that may alter the pathways through your home, and add items to tabletops, windows, and doors, be sure to include your child with disabilities in the process. Create a choice board (use pictures or actual items) and allow your child with communication and/or motor challenges to direct your decorating (Boardmaker decorate the tree example, Teachers Pay Teachers free boards for Hanukkah and Christmas). Allow your child with vision impairments to assist in moving furniture, then practice new travel routes with them so they can maintain their independence.
If your child has a cortical visual impairment, wrap their gifts using mylar in their target color as wrapping paper. This will allow them to find their own presents under the tree. If your child with a vision impairment is leaning to Braille, allow them to create name tags for family gifts in Braille - everyone in the family can learn their own names and those of others in Braille - your child can be the teacher! For children with motor challenges who struggle to open gifts, try using the rip-cord technique to promote more independence. See the directions here. Tie a larger item to the end of the rip-cord for children who struggle to hold and pull on the cord.
Music
Music is a huge part of celebrations. For children who benefit from visual support, consider playing music videos which may be paired with lyrics (for example - Christmas Song playlist, Hanukkah Song playlist, Kwanzaa Songs playlist). For children with communication or hearing impairments who communicate via sign language, consider learning some holiday songs or phrases in sign language - involve the entire family in celebrating through sign. Sites such as ASLBible, Youtube playlists, thedailysmile (Hanukkah, Oh Hanukkah song), holiday phrases, and Signing Savvy’s Kwanzaa word list can get you started.
Baking
Following recipes can be challenging for children with limited reading skills. The use of picture based recipes can allow your child to participate in baking special holiday recipes. You can make your own picture recipes, taking pictures as you bake and printing them with simple directions. Ready-made recipes can be found on sites such as Able2Learn, Accessible Chef, or Making Learning Fun. If your child is more limited physically, use communication boards to allow them to direct the activity (Decorating cookies communication board for example)
Take this unique holiday time to create new traditions and make memories to cherish - for this pandemic will end!! We’d love to hear how you make your celebration more inclusive!!