No matter their level of independence, activities for disabled person are an invaluable way to keep them active and engaged in life. They should be enjoyable activities that provide a sense of achievement while providing social stimulation.
Cognitive activities like jigsaw puzzles can be extremely helpful for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, while board games such as Cranium Cariboo, Connect Fours and Charades may also prove effective.
Music
Music-based activities offer many benefits for individuals with disabilities. They can improve gross and fine motor skills, facilitate behavioral change, increase self-esteem, stimulate senses, address emotional and social concerns and even be used as therapy!
However, due to insufficient descriptions of musical content and intervention procedures in reviewed studies, they were limited in their replication potential. Thus more research needs to be undertaken in order to develop and evaluate various music-based interventions for people with intellectual/developmental disabilities.
Hobbies like jigsaw puzzles and word search puzzles can help strengthen memory and concentration, while geocaching improves spatial awareness and problem-solving skills.
Singing
Adults with disabilities often struggle to communicate their thoughts verbally, yet music can provide them with a wonderful way of building self-esteem and connecting with others. Singing in choir or listening to their favorite tunes are great ways for these adults to find expression through song - creating self-esteem while connecting to those around them.
Musical programs can also aid in strengthening communication and memory skills, making them accessible for people of all abilities - making it simple to find one suitable for your loved one.
Psychological and physical benefits can also be gained by engaging in activities like jigsaw puzzles, trivia games and collecting items such as stamps, rocks or coins - the latter can even make for a fun hobby for adults with disabilities who tend to be introverted.
Dancing
Music and dancing can be fun group activities that help disabled individuals feel invigorated and refreshed. The rhythmic sound stimulates their senses while physical movement energizes and brings about feelings of wellbeing and contentment.
Portia Abernathy, an HGSE graduate who currently works at Boston Ballet's Adaptive Dance Program, finds that her students enjoy their dancing experiences immensely; not only can they learn spatial relationships but they also get positive feedback after performances.
Art and crafts provide another avenue for those with disabilities to express themselves creatively. From paint by number kits and stringing beads, to creating clay sculptures - crafting can provide a rewarding way for individuals with disabilities to develop self-reliance while feeling a sense of accomplishment.
Swimming
As society becomes more inclusive, people with disabilities now have greater access to activities tailored specifically for their needs. This includes activities like wheelchair tennis and basketball, adapted rugby and hand cycling - but also swimming which requires minimal modifications while offering multiple health advantages.
Swimming is an ideal cardiovascular exercise that strengthens muscles, builds endurance and raises heart rate without exerting much stress on joints. Furthermore, it assists with balance coordination core strength development as well as building self-esteem and improving family bonds or friendships.
Boating
Boating is a fantastic activity suitable for people of any age or ability, making it the perfect way to bond with family and friends while getting some exercise and fresh air.
People living with disabilities have access to many adapted boats that feature clever features that make them easier for them to use; some are even wheelchair accessible.
Another adapted boating activity includes water skiing. Towable tubes attached to boats allow people to ski across the surface of water. This activity is fast-paced and thrilling!
Walking
Physical activity is key for helping those living with disabilities manage daily activities more easily, including moving around their house, heading out to work or school, shopping and eating. Physical exercise also has benefits for mental wellbeing.
Before beginning an exercise program, it's essential to seek medical advice first if you have a disability or chronic health condition. That being said, most adults living with disabilities can engage in regular physical activity.
Walking can be an excellent way to stay active. In fact, one study revealed that active walking was associated with higher levels of exercise and subjective health among seven distinct disability categories.
Outdoor Games
Adults with disabilities can find joy and enjoyment engaging in outdoor activities, like visiting an amusement park. Not only will an outing at an amusement park bring out their inner child, it can also improve cognitive function and overall well-being.
Playing hide and seek can be an engaging activity for adults with developmental disabilities, or they could enjoy group activities like croquet - an outdoor lawn game which can be enjoyed seated. Croquet is great fun for people who may have mobility impairments as it allows for the same enjoyment from any seat in the pavilion!
Activities designed specifically to engage disabled adults include playing a board game, visiting a museum or strolling along the beach. Not only will these activities improve physical wellbeing, but they're also great ways to socialize with others and build lasting friendships.
Puzzles
Puzzles have long been an increasingly popular low-tech and contemplative activity, along with coloring books and bullet journaling. Now with home quarantine from coronavirus pandemic, people seem particularly drawn to jigsaw puzzles.
Jigsaw puzzles require critical thinking skills, attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, as well as left/right brain activation simultaneously to stimulate logic and creativity. Jigsaws also serve as an effective means of building fine motor skills (making it easier for mentally disabled adults to manipulate small pieces). Furthermore, these engaging activities are both fun and therapeutic!
Sensory Stimulation
Intellectual and developmental disabilities can interfere with our senses, such as hearing, smell, taste and touch. Sensory stimulation exercises allow you to tap into all these senses while sharpening cognitive skills.
Sensory activities range from playing card games or watching television with loved ones, to more involved activities such as sensory walks or art sessions,
Listening to music can also provide an effective sensory stim to aid with focus and concentration, particularly jazz and classical genres with their slow rhythms that may aid relaxation. Writing in a journal allows your loved one to express themselves even if they can't verbalize it themselves.
