Sensory Friendly Summer Fun: Activities That Work for All Abilities

By Sidekicks Support Services Summer is a season for sunshine, water play, and family fun. For individuals with disabilities, it can also come with unique safety concerns. 

Whether you're heading to the beach, pool, lake, or even a backyard sprinkler, ensuring that your loved one is safe near water is essential. At Sidekicks, we’re passionate about empowering families and caregivers with practical tools, peace of mind, and joyful experiences. These inclusive water safety tips are designed to help everyone stay cool and safe this summer. 1. Understand the Individual’s Needs Every person experiences water differently. Whether they have physical limitations, sensory sensitivities, or communication challenges, it’s important to know how your loved one interacts with water environments. Do they get overstimulated by splashing or loud noises? Are they prone to elopement or wandering? Do they understand verbal directions or need visual cues? Taking these factors into account before any water-based activity allows you to prepare appropriately and avoid unsafe situations. 2. Pick the Right Location Not all water access points are created equal. Look for inclusive spaces that are designed with accessibility in mind. Accessible beaches and pools: These often have ramps, lifts, and adaptive changing facilities. Inclusive swim programs: Ask about classes or swim times for individuals with disabilities. Trained staff: Verify whether lifeguards or instructors have experience working with individuals who require additional support. Pro tip: Call ahead. Don’t be afraid to ask detailed questions about accessibility, crowd levels, and accommodations. 3. Use Proper Equipment The right tools can significantly reduce the risk of accidents: Adaptive life jackets: Choose USCG-approved devices that support posture and breathing for individuals with mobility challenges. Sun protection gear: Rash guards, hats, and shaded tents help avoid overheating. Communication aids: Laminate a simple waterproof communication board or bring a speech device with protective casing if your loved one is nonverbal. 4. Prioritize One-on-One Supervision Even with lifeguards present, direct and dedicated supervision is critical. Follow the “arm’s reach” rule. Always stay close enough to intervene instantly. Use visual identifiers like bright clothing or swim caps. Rotate supervision responsibilities among caregivers to stay alert. Name the person who is "on-duty" for supervision when rotating so that everyone involved knows who is supervising at all times. A lot of accidents involve miscommunication of who was supposed to be supervising. If your loved one is supported by a Sidekicks staff member during summer outings, make sure their role includes clear safety expectations. 5. Enroll in Adaptive Swim Lessons The earlier individuals learn water orientation and safety, the better. Many YMCAs, Special Olympics, and local swim schools offer modified instruction for individuals with disabilities. Key focus areas should include: Floating and breath control Exiting the water safely Recognizing pool edges and signs Practicing “stop and wait” skills at poolside 6. Prepare an Emergency Plan Before heading out, review an emergency plan with your team. Assign who will call 911, who will assist the individual, and who will meet emergency personnel. Know the exact address of your swimming location. Keep medications and emergency contact info in a waterproof bag. Technology can also help. Consider using GPS trackers or wearable alarms for individuals who may wander or need extra support. 7. Celebrate the Joy of Safe Play Summer water activities can and should be fun, not feared. With the right preparation, families can build beautiful memories while also fostering independence, confidence, and inclusion. Whether it’s wading in the bay, swimming laps, or just dancing through the sprinkler, water fun is for everyone and it’s even better when it’s safe.

Building independence is one of the most empowering gifts you can give a child. It fosters self-confidence, decision-making skills, and a sense of responsibility. Whether at home, school, or out in the world, promoting independence helps children prepare for life’s challenges while encouraging them to thrive in their own unique ways. Here are five practical strategies to help build independence in children. 1. Encourage Decision-Making Allowing children to make choices helps them to develop critical thinking and decision-making skills. Start with small decisions, such as choosing between two outfits, snacks, or activities. As your child’s confidence grows you can incorporate opportunities to make complex choices and decisions, such as planning a family outing or organizing their study schedule. Tip: Offer limited options to avoid overwhelming your child and praise their decisions to boost confidence. 2. Create a Consistent Routine Routines give children a sense of structure and predictability, helping them understand what to expect and how to manage their time. Assign tasks within the routine that they can manage independently, such as brushing their teeth, setting the table, or packing their school bag. Tip: Use visual schedules or checklists for younger children to help them follow their daily routines independently. 3. Teach Life Skills Teaching life skills is essential to foster your child’s independence. Involve your child in age-appropriate tasks such as making a sandwich, tidying up their toys, or doing simple chores. Over time, progress to more advanced responsibilities, such as cooking meals, managing money, or organizing their personal belongings. Tip: Be patient as they learn. Mistakes are a natural part of the learning process and offer valuable lessons. 4. Promote Problem-Solving Help children develop problem-solving skills by encouraging them to think through challenges. Instead of immediately providing solutions, ask guiding questions like, “What do you think we could do about this?” or “What are some other ways to solve this problem?” This approach teaches them to think critically and trust their ability to handle situations. Tip: Celebrate their problem-solving efforts, even if the solution isn’t perfect, to build resilience and confidence. 5. Support Without Hovering It’s natural to want to protect children, but stepping back allows them to take ownership of their tasks and responsibilities. Offer support when they truly need it but encourage them to try difficult tasks on their own first. This balance helps to build self-reliance while knowing there is a safety net if needed. Tip: Gradually increase the level of responsibility and independence you expect as they grow, ensuring your expectations align with their developmental stage. Final Thoughts Building independence is a gradual process that requires patience, consistency, and trust. By incorporating these five strategies into your daily interactions, you can help your child develop the skills and confidence needed to navigate life with independence and self-assurance. Remember, the goal isn’t perfection, it’s progress! Independence is a lifelong skill that will empower your child to succeed, adapt, and thrive in all areas of life. Start small, stay supportive, and watch them soar!

Five tips for parents on how to teach daily life skills to their children: Break Tasks into Manageable Steps: Divide tasks like getting dressed, brushing teeth, or preparing a snack into smaller, manageable steps. This makes learning easier and less overwhelming for children, allowing them to focus on mastering one step at a time. Use Visual Aids and Schedules: Visual aids such as pictures, charts, or schedules can help children understand the sequence of tasks and what is expected of them each day. Visual cues provide structure and support independence in completing routines. Provide Opportunities for Practice: Encourage children to practice skills regularly. Repetition helps solidify learning and builds confidence. Allow them to do tasks independently when possible, while offering guidance and support as needed. Offer Positive Reinforcement: Acknowledge and praise children for their efforts and achievements in learning life skills. Positive reinforcement, such as verbal praise, stickers, or small rewards, encourages continued effort and motivates children to independently perform tasks. Incorporate Learning into Daily Routines: Integrate skill-building activities into daily routines and activities. For example, involve children in meal preparation to teach cooking skills or incorporate counting and sorting into grocery shopping. Making learning part of everyday life reinforces skills in meaningful contexts. By implementing these tips, parents can effectively teach and reinforce daily life skills, fostering independence and confidence in their children’s abilities.

Ensuring health and wellness for individuals with disabilities is crucial for enhancing their overall quality of life and promoting long-term well-being. While it presents unique challenges, prioritizing physical and mental health can significantly improve both physical capabilities and emotional resilience. Here’s why it matters and how it can be achieved: Importance of Health and Wellness Health and wellness play pivotal roles in every person’s life, and individuals with disabilities are no exception. Maintaining good health not only improves physical strength and stamina but also enhances mental clarity and emotional stability. For those with disabilities, focusing on wellness can alleviate secondary health conditions, manage chronic ailments, and potentially reduce the impact of their disability on daily life. Moreover, promoting wellness fosters independence, self-esteem, and a sense of empowerment, enabling individuals to participate more actively in their communities. Strategies for Achieving Health and Wellness Physical Activity and Exercise: Tailored physical activities can improve mobility, strength, and cardiovascular health. Whether through adapted sports, aquatic therapy, or personalized exercise routines, staying active contributes to overall fitness and reduces the risk of obesity and related health issues. Nutrition and Diet: A balanced diet rich in nutrients supports optimal health. Nutritionists can help create meal plans that address specific dietary needs, ensuring individuals receive essential vitamins and minerals. Proper nutrition supports immune function, digestion, and overall energy levels. Regular Health Screenings: Routine medical check-ups and screenings are essential for early detection of health concerns. Regular visits to healthcare providers allow for timely interventions and management of conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and respiratory disorders. Mental Health Support: Managing mental well-being is integral to holistic health. Therapeutic interventions, counseling, and mindfulness practices can help individuals cope with stress, anxiety, or depression often associated with disabilities. Building resilience and promoting positive mental health fosters emotional stability and overall life satisfaction. Community Engagement and Support Networks: Social connections are vital for emotional health. Engaging in community activities, joining support groups, and fostering friendships provide opportunities for social interaction, emotional support, and a sense of belonging. Accessible Environments: Ensuring environments are accessible and inclusive promotes independence and safety. Accessible facilities, transportation options, and adaptive equipment enable individuals to engage in activities without barriers, enhancing their ability to lead active and fulfilling lives. Conclusion Prioritizing health and wellness for individuals with disabilities is not only beneficial but essential for their overall well-being. By implementing strategies tailored to their unique needs, individuals can achieve greater independence, resilience, and quality of life. Emphasizing physical activity, nutrition, regular health screenings, mental health support, community involvement, and accessible environments contributes to a holistic approach to wellness. Together, these efforts empower individuals with disabilities to thrive and live life to the fullest.

Credentials and Experience: Look for providers with qualified staff, such as Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) for ABA therapy or licensed speech-language pathologists. Check their experience working with individuals with similar needs and disabilities. Quality of Services: Research reviews and testimonials from other families. Look for providers known for delivering high-quality, effective services. Ask for references or speak directly with current clients to gauge satisfaction. Individualized Treatment Plans: Ensure the provider offers personalized treatment plans tailored to your child’s specific needs and goals. A good provider will conduct thorough assessments and collaborate with you to develop a plan that addresses your child’s unique challenges and strengths. Communication and Collaboration: Choose a provider who emphasizes clear communication and collaboration with families. They should keep you informed about progress, setbacks, and adjustments to treatment plans. Regular meetings and updates should be part of their approach. Accessibility and Support: Consider the provider’s accessibility and support options. Are they responsive to your inquiries and available for emergencies or urgent questions? Do they provide resources or support for navigating insurance, funding, or other administrative needs?  By following these tips, families can make informed decisions when selecting a provider that best meets their child’s needs and supports their family throughout the treatment process.

By Allison Rawlins I was certified as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst in 2014, but my road to achieving my certification as a BCBA began when I was an undergraduate student at the College of New Jersey pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education. When I started college in 2005, as a TCNJ student, I was not yet interested in the field of Special Education. My passion for working with students with special needs, more specifically those with Autism Spectrum Disorder, was sparked in 2008, when I began substitute teaching at a special education school district, where I worked with preschool and elementary aged children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. This is where I first learned about the field of Applied Behavior Analysis and I learned how ABA techniques are used to support and teach individuals with ASD and IDD diagnoses. My experience as a substitute teacher in autism classrooms led me to pursue a career where I could provide support and empower individuals with special needs and autism. I began to seek positions as an ABA therapist where I could learn more about ABA therapy. I worked under BCBAs who inspired me to pursue a Master of Arts degree in Applied Psychology and to become a Board Certified Behavior Analyst so that I could improve the lives of individuals with special needs and autism and help them to reach their full potential through the implementation of applied behavior analysis. In 2011, I started classes at Rider University in the Applied Psychology Masters program and began to work towards my goal of becoming a BCBA. While I was completing my courses at Rider I continued to work as an ABA therapist to collect my field work hours while engaging in meaningful work in a supportive work environment. In 2014, after completing my fieldwork hours and passing the board exam, I completed my Master of Arts degree in Applied Psychology and ABA and earned my certificate as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst. My road to becoming a BCBA was a little different than many of my colleagues. I began my education on the path towards elementary education, driven to help children learn and grow. In 2008 my path changed when I stepped into an autism classroom which led me to pursue a career in Applied Behavior Analysis and BCBA certification in 2014. Over my career I have continued to learn and grow as an ABA provider, and BCBA, and sought out opportunities that were fulfilling and fostered career growth opportunities in supportive environments. If you have the drive to help and empower others and you seek opportunities in a fulfilling field, then maybe you should consider a career in Applied Behavior Analysis too.

By Amanda Rodriguez It was the end of 2021, and I was looking for a new job. I had worked in adult behavioral health for years but wanted a little bit of change. That’s when I saw an ad posted on Indeed.com indeed.com for Sidekicks Support Services. I read through the postings for an ABA Therapist and for a Behavior Technician. I checked out the Sidekicks website. “Every Superhero Needs A Sidekick”. That slogan stuck. I continued reading and quickly felt like this could be a place whose values truly aligned with mine. I wrote a cover letter and submitted my resume. The rest, as they say, is history! I started working part-time with Sidekicks as a Behavior Technician in the Individual Support Services (ISS) program. This means I worked with children ages 3-21 who were diagnosed with intellectual or developmental disabilities. I worked in their homes and in the community and taught life skills. First, I had virtual training, and then hands-on training during the first few sessions with each child I worked with. I even got to shadow a Sidekick while they worked with a Superhero! Fantastic families, friendly and welcoming staff, paid training… I was thrilled with my new position and proud to work for a company that was so passionate about what they do.