There are many benefits to participating in recreational activities for adults with disabilities. They can help reduce stress, improve overall health and help build meaningful relationships.
Our event is the perfect way to bring your family together in a safe, welcoming environment. We offer a diverse range of activities that the whole family can enjoy. Whether it’s hula hooping and dancing, or watching a movie and playing video games in a quiet space, we have something for all ages.
The activities discussed in this document are designed to be used with adults with special needs who are in a residential care facility. They should be fun and engaging, as well as tailored to the unique abilities of each individual.
These activities can be done either one-on-one, or in a group setting. Group activities might require more time and preparation, but they can also provide opportunities for interaction with other residents.
A wide variety of activities exist to help and provide stimulation to special needs adults.
Examples of Activities for Special Needs Adults
- Gardening
An excellent activity for special needs adults. It provides a sense of accomplishment when they see their plants grow, and it gets them out in the sunshine. The tools required are minimal and inexpensive, and there are ways to work around physical limitations (such as a large pot or window box, or different kinds of tools).
- Putting together puzzles
A great way for special needs adults to pass the time, and it gives them a sense of accomplishment after completing the puzzle. It also helps with hand-eye coordination. Puzzles can be as easy or as difficult as you like, and you can use pictures from magazines or calendars to make your own custom puzzles.
- Painting
This is another activity that can be adapted for special needs adults—it requires very few tools and materials, and there are no rules about what the painting has to look like! This allows them to express themselves without any boundaries on their creativity. Painting also works on hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills.
- Arts and Crafts
Special Needs Adults love to make art, especially with natural materials. You can take them to the park and have them draw, paint or create sculptures from the objects they find there.
- Cooking
Special Needs Adults enjoy cooking in a group, as it can be helpful for developing social skills. Baking and cooking are great for teaching them about measuring ingredients, following a recipe and completing a task. Cooking is also great for development of fine motor skills, as they’ll need to work on holding measuring cups and spoons while pouring ingredients into their dishes.
- Music
Music is one of the best ways to engage Special Needs Adults. You can have them listen to music, play music or even dance to music! Music can be used to help teach emotions and how to express themselves. Certain types of music may help them relax in times of stress. It can be used as a reward for good behavior or simply for enjoyment!
- Reading
Reading is great for adults of all abilities! Reading has benefits in almost every area of life. It can help with literacy skills and basic communication skills, as well as cognitive development and logical thinking skills.
- Bowling
Bowling is actually a great workout! Not only will you be using your muscles while you’re playing (and having fun!), but you’ll also be improving your balance and coordination. Plus, there are lots of different ways to play bowling—for example, if your hands shake, try using a ramp or lighter ball to make it easier on yourself.
- Dance
Dancing requires no special skills or equipment—all it takes is some music and space to move around in! Whether you’re dancing alone or with a group of friends, dancing is a wonderful way to express yourself. Plus, it’s a great workout for both your body and mind.
As any parent of a special needs adult knows, it’s important for the development and well-being of your child to find activities that are both engaging and appropriate for their abilities. And as a parent of a special needs adult, you should be able to enjoy these activities with them, rather than just watching from the sidelines.