Family Gatherings for Individuals with Developmental Disabilities
With the holidays right around the corner, families across the world are planning their holiday celebrations. As you’re planning your family gathering, it’s important to remember that family members with developmental disabilities want to be involved, too. At RISE Services, Inc. Arizona, we would like to share with you the importance of including family members with developmental disabilities in your family gatherings.
They Want to Be Involved
Just because someone has a developmental disability doesn’t mean they want to be left out of the planning or preparation. Get them involved by assigning them a specific task before or during the get-together. Perhaps you’d like some help prepping food for the event, or you need someone to greet people as they arrive. If they express reservations or struggle with social anxiety, you can always assign another person to help them, or provide them with a different activity altogether.
They Want to Be Included
Whatever family event you’re hosting, make sure to include your loved one with a developmental disability in all the fun, too. If you’re hosting an outdoor picnic, plan some games they enjoy. If you’re watching Christmas movies and drinking hot cocoa, allow them to choose one of the movies. Everyone enjoys having fun with family — do your part to make sure they’re having fun, too.
They Want to Know They’re Important
Family gatherings can be tricky. Some people dread them, whereas others look forward to them. Why are reactions to these get-togethers so different? Because people want to know they’re important to the ones they call family. Everyone, including individuals with developmental disabilities, wants to know they’re loved and cared for by their family members. Inviting them, offering to include them in specific activities, and giving them a task to complete, will help them feel welcomed, loved, and included.
Learn More About Our Services for Individuals with Developmental Disabilities
At RISE Arizona, we want you and your loved ones to enjoy the times you share together. If you’d like to learn more about our services for adults living with developmental disabilities, contact us today. We would be happy to meet you and your family member and show you how we can support them in living a full, productive, and independent life.
Source: “Tips for Making the Holidays Happy for Everyone.” Greg Reed, BRR Law, web article, Bemis, Roach & Reed
