I work with developmentally disabled adults and we are going to the Renaissance festival.....?

Question

this weekend. The people who actually work at the festival walk around and make fun of people, in a non mean way usually. How should i prepare my clients for this, and also how should i tactfully handle any employees who may decide to "pick on" one of my guys?

Answer 1

Contace the Fair organizers. Let them know your group is coming in and, if possible, have each member of your group where some sort of identifier. Many groups travel with matching shirts, but if you are planning to get more into the spirit of the Fair, than perhaps they could all wear the same colored feather in their hats or the same "heraldic" symbol around their necks (you can design one using the PC, a school or program mascot and your printer!). If someone in your group is still targeted for this behavior, ask another chaperone to move the group on while you speak quietly to the performer. However, I would be surprised if this happened. The professional, paid performers at the Fairs know how to pick the people they "tease". If anyone continues to tease one of your group, follows you or otherwise harasses you after you have spoken with them, go to the nearest booth and ask for someone there to contact Fair security.

Answer 2

Show them the Disney Notre Dame movie with the festival fools, and show them that that's the fool's job--to act silly and make people laugh.

If somebody deliberately picks on one of your clients, walk up to the client, put your arm (to show a little possessive/protectiveness) around the client's shoulders, look the offender directly in the eye, and with your best motherly look, kindly say, "so-and-so" isn't used to being teased. Then move on to the next area and distract the client with the next cool thing to look at.

Also, if you work for a particular agency that manages the special needs cases, I would have everybody wear matching T-shirts with the company logo on it. That accomplishes a couple of things. First, people can easily identify your clients, and anyone with any sense would know to check their behavior and remember to be courteous. Second, it makes it easy to spot them, so you will be less likely to lose somebody. And if you wear the T-shirt, too, then they can more easily find you.

Have fun! Wish I could come.

Answer 3

I've gone to Renaissance Faire's for decades.. and I doubt the performers would be anything but appropriate with your adults.
I think they will see how the performers interact with the other attendees at the faire. There is some good advice above about the roles the performers are playing. I'm sure you'll be pleased to see friendly & caring interaction. Enjoy the day!

Answer 4

You could let the people in charge of this venue know on what day you will arrive. Asking them to have there employees keep the "picking" down to a minimum. I think that most people are kind and will be more helpful than hurtful to those who are developmentally disable.

Answer 5

I think Carmen is absolutely right about letting those in charge know. Identify yourselves at the gate, and maybe wear something distinctive like a pin or button to let the workers know who you are.

But I *do* have a question for you -- if you're already aware that this is the norm for this particular fair, is it really a good idea to go there in the first place? I mean, why set up your people for potential hurt or discomfort at all?

Doesn't make sense to me, even in terms of helping people learn to cope with all types of situations, good or bad.

Answer 6

you and your friends will have a great time. dont worry about others the people there are fantastic and if a problem occurs just ask someone for help its like a giant family all in one place. you and your friends will absolutely love it.