Bowling
Bowling can be done two ways- 1) At the bowling alley, of course or 2) Set up your own for a small group or individual play.
Bowling at the bowling alley is a good occasional outing or regular activity for clients. Remember, the bowling alley should have a good set of bowling ramps for those in needing to bowl from sitting. Almost anyone can bowl with the assistance of ramps, although you may need someone to retrieve the balls!
If you set up your own bowling, you will need a GOOD set of foam or plastic bowling ball and pins. Good for a short activity, don't forget that the bowler can help you set up the pins as a part of the activity, based on the participant's ability.
Have fun bowling!
Outing to Local Gardens
Spring is the time to visit local botanical gardens! Try to pick a time to visit when a particular flower is blooming or for a special exhibition on display.
There is a lot of walking for participants and the gardens can be hilly. Take some volunteers and extra equipment such as walkers and wheelchairs for older or more physically challenged participants. For those who work in physical rehab, this is a great functional outing for practicing walking and wheelchair mobility.
Often there is a discount for groups or even free tickets for certain kinds of groups. If you cannot get a discount as a group, ask for the school rate. Have the gardens give your group a guided tour through one or more sections of the garden keeping in mind the physical endurance or attention your group can tolerate. Many botanical gardens offer snacks or a lunch meal, so make arrangements to eat at the gardens.
Outing to Farmer's Market
Most communities have a nearby outdoor farmer's or fresh open market on the weekends. If not, the larger cities have indoor farmer's markets that often sell items from around the world. These outings make very fun field trips once every month or so. The outdoor markets often also feature local vendors with gifts, arts and crafts.
If your clients need lifeskills or instrumental activities of daily living training, having them buy items for a meal they must prepare (if advanced) from the local market is a great way to make a mundane task more fun. Teach budgeting beforehand, work on money exchange or shopping while managing a wheelchair are all excellent functional activities.
Gone Fishing
If your clients are the outdoorsy types, this kind of trip is worth the effort. The rewards are worth for even one client! With very little help, no more than 5 or 6 clients should go. If there is a lot of extra help available or your clients are more self-sufficient, take as many as you can. I have found these trips to always be successful whether or not we caught any fish! Practice your casting beforehand and keep in mind the following suggestions for pulling it off:
1) Figure out where to go. A lake, river, or pond? If a private pond is known, there may be a small fee to fish. Keep it as simple as possible and find a place that is either accessible by dock or with a level embankment. Fish for crappy or catfish if they are available where you are.
2) Fishing gear and supplies:
-Poles - If your clients already like to fish, they may own their own poles, or you may buy very cheap poles at Walmart (under $20). The cheapest poles are bamboo (also called cane and "snatch") best used with catfish and crappy.
-Bait- For crappy and the like, buy worms or crickets at a nearby store to your chosen fishing hole or at Walmart. For catfish, chicken livers (or even hotdogs will work) are best.
-Purchase fishing licenses in advance, on the Internet typically. Here in Georgia, we have a couple of free fishing days, so check in your state.
-Tackle box stocked with pliers, extra fishing line, sinkers, scissors, and various size hooks.
-Large bucket to place water in for the fish that are caught
-Fishing net
-Trash bags
-Towels- Used for cleaning hands and helps with holding onto fish.
-Other outing supplies you may need such as water or sunscreen.
-*If you are not familiar with fishing, take at least one person (not including a client!) who is!*
3) If possible, go on a nice warm spring day without wind or bad weather.
4) Have FUN!!!!
Outing to a Flea Market
Pick a small or mid-sized flea market in your local area or nearby for your clients to shop at and have lunch out. Make it a game by seeing who can by the most with $5.00. Or make it a true scavenger hunt by creating a list of fun things to find and give the one with most finds a prize! Here's a sample list:
-glass colored bottle
-straight razor or double razor
-churn
-a flour sifter
-whiskey bottle
-old Life magazine
-embroidered hankerchief
-vintage tablecloth
-vintage tatted doily
-fake pearl earrings
-red handkerchief
-opal ring
-shirt
-shoes
-a jewelry pin
-a dish
Take Advantage of VSA Arts
VSA, the international organization on arts and disability, was founded more than 35 years ago by Ambassador Jean Kennedy Smith to provide arts and education opportunities for people with disabilities and increase access to the arts for all.
VSA, the international organization on arts and disability, was founded more than 35 years ago by Ambassador Jean Kennedy Smith to provide arts and education opportunities for people with disabilities and increase access to the arts for all.
With 52 international affiliates and a network of nationwide affiliates, VSA is providing arts and education programming for youth and adults with disabilities around the world.
Through their community events programs, your clients can enjoy many free or reduced rates for shows, museums and other events.
My clients have enjoyed various off-broadway shows, ballet, opera, museum discounts on special exhibitions, and the circus. Every state has an affiliate. Membership includes a sliding scale based on your budget, however, the rates are extraodinarily low for the opportunities your clients receive.
Contact your state affliate for more information and other educational opportunities for your clients through VSA Arts.
Men's Morning Out- At a local diner
Themed Historic Site Scavenger Hunt
Visit a Historical Site
Visit the local Humane Society
Tour a local winery or brewery
Tour a local charitable organization
Tour the local power plant (for people without physical limitations)
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