Here comes Summer!
As the school year comes to an end we can turn our minds to lazy summer days, no homework to oversee, no uniforms to wash and no packed lunches to prepare. But for families with children who have additional needs or disabilities the lack of the normal routine can be particularly challenging.
The routine of the school week has the advantage of daily contact with friends, and for some children the long summer weeks can leave them feeling isolated and disoriented as their normal routine is disrupted. However, there are a number of activities for families to enjoy together some of which are suitable for all ages and abilities.
For budding astronauts and those with a curiosity for how the universe works, a relaxed day of exploring the cosmos may be ideal. Armagh Observatory and Planetarium is presenting “An Accessible Day” on Sunday 29th June aimed at offering an inclusive and sensory-considerate experience for those with additional needs. The day is designed to ensure the joy of space exploration is open to all and features reduced numbers and volume levels to try to maximise comfort for participants. More information and tickets are available at www.armagh.space
Indoor swimming and water play is always a summer time favourite and Lagan Valley Leisureplex has advertised a range of ‘pan disability and autism friendly leisure pool sessions’. These are aimed at families with members who are disabled or on the autistic spectrum. The sessions include fun in the leisure pool with access to the slides, Lazy River and Aqua Land interactive play area. Floats, balls and rings are provided for extra enjoyment and all activities are within a controlled and supervised environment. More information is available at www.theleisureplex.com
For those with a head for heights the Inclusion Zone at High Rise should provide exhilarating fun all summer. Activities include Clip ‘n Climb and soft play every Sunday morning , specifically designed to support those with additional needs such as Autism, Down’s Syndrome, ADHD, Sensory Processing Disorders, and their families. Two state of the art sensory rooms are available for guests to book and have proven popular with community groups and individuals alike. Small parties with fewer guests enables families to celebrate birthdays with more inclusive arrangements and homemade pizzas are always popular for kids meals. A changing places toilet is located on the ground floor, and High Rise has achieved the prestigious Autism NI Impact Award in recognition of the ways they support guests and their families, and how they have created an ‘autism accessible environment’. More information is available at www.highriseni.org
As the weather has been so warm recently it’s natural to think about getting out and about to visit some of our beautiful coasts. However, for some families with mobility issues accessing a beach can be difficult. The good news is there are five ‘Inclusive Beaches’ which have been carefully planned so that people of all ages and abilities can be included and enjoy their surroundings to the fullest. Inclusive Beaches offer free beach equipment loan schemes, operated as a partnership between Mae Murray Foundation and respective beach operators. They will provide access, parking, and disabled toilets. Toilets will always offer hoisting and adult sized changing bench facilities – to full Changing Places standard whenever possible. The inclusive beaches in Northern Ireland are located in Benone, Cranfield, Groomsport, Portstewart Strand and Portrush. More information is available at www.maemurrayfoundation.org
