As the school year comes to a close, we are all looking forward to a fun-filled summer! We know that planning outings and activities can sometimes feel overwhelming, especially when considering accessibility and necessary accommodations to ensure everyone’s safety and enjoyment. With your valuable ideas and feedback in mind, PPMD has compiled a list of summer activity suggestions that cater to all ages and interests. Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventures, creative indoor projects, or everything in between, there’s something for everyone!
Attend Summer Camp
Attending a summer camp is great for trying new activities, meeting new friends, practicing independence, and gaining confidence along the way.
- The Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) Summer Camp provides a safe, inclusive summer camp experience for children living with neuromuscular disease at no cost to families. Learn more here.
- The Jett Foundation Camp Promise has both regional and virtual camps options: https://www.jettfoundation.org/camp-promise/campers/application-process/
- Serious Fun Children’s Network supplies a list of accessible camps in various regions of the United States: https://seriousfun.org/camps-and-programs/find-a-camp/
Spend time outside
Everyone loves to be outside, and individuals living with Duchenne and Becker can and should enjoy the benefits of the outdoors.
- Download the ACCESSNOW app to search and rate local attractions on accessibility.
- Contact your state tourism bureau and ask for their disability access guide.
- Research local bike/rail trails.
- Contact amusement parks; many offer discounts to individuals with disabilities.
- Join a local pool and/or sign up for swim lessons.
- Contact your local library; many offer free passes for area attractions.
- Visit a local drive-in movie theater.
- Visit an accessible local farmers’ market.
Consider adaptive sports
Depending on the area of the country you are in, there are solutions to make participating in sports accessible. This includes both sports leagues with organized teams, or equipment rentals for activities such as boating, skiing, and other sporting experiences.
- Contact a local University or Community College; they may offer accessible sports leagues or equipment rental such as canoes, kayaks, and other fun ideas.
- Visit the Move United website to search for an adaptive sports organization near you.
- Contact your local parks and recreation department and ask about resources for those with limited abilities.
Plan a trip
Planning a trip – even just for a weekend – is a great way for your family to spend time together. There are many resources to assist in planning ahead for accessibility
- AirBNB makes it easy to search for accessible accommodations.
- Visit a national or state park; many offer free passes to individuals with disabilities.
- Many State and County Parks offer accessible trails and some offer off road wheelchairs and or beach wheelchairs to access resources.
- Many cruise lines are fully accessible.
- Cory Lee, an adult living with SMA, writes a travel blog reviewing topics like the best wheelchair accessible beaches, things to consider when flying with a power chair, and more helpful reviews and tips.
- Check out PPMD’s Travel Resources page for helpful tips, services, and resources.
Learn something new
The summer months are a great time to learn something new or practice a new hobby.
- Find a free virtual class or masterclass in an area of interest.
- Apple offers free hands-on sessions at their stores to teach people of all ages about the latest technology.
- Learn how to play an instrument and sign up for music classes.
- Contact your local community college for a variety of offerings.
- Try some new cooking/baking recipes– this can include meal planning, grocery list creation, and meal preparation at home.
- Visit a local museum.
Volunteer
Local organizations may offer volunteer programs over the summer months. This is a great way to explore interests, make friends, and build experience.
- If you or your child has interest in animals, there may be volunteer opportunities at your local zoo or humane society.
- Camps at local recreation centers or churches may welcome volunteer counselors.
Apply for a summer job
Many teens and adults living with Duchenne and Becker work part-time summer jobs
- Local swim clubs or recreation centers often hire many teens for the summer.
- Some retail stores, such as Walmart and Home Depot, hire greeters.
- Many movie theaters hire teens for concession sales and ticket takers.
Still can’t decide?
Schedule a PPMD For You 1:1 session with PPMD’s Patrick Moeschen to talk about ways to facilitate independence and make a plan for the summer.
Share your ideas!
If you have traveled to a particularly accessible destination, want to suggest an accessible extracurricular activity, or have any other other ideas to add to this list, please let us know! Email careteam@parentprojectmd.org so we can expand our state-specific community resource webpage.
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