Activities for disabled children ages 6-11?

Question

I've just started working at an after school program for studetns who are disabled. The disabilities are: visual (one kid is VERY near sighted), very mild retardation, hard of hearing, downs, and autistic (or a combination of these). We have a high aide/student ratio of about 4 aides to 6 students. It is proving to be a rewarding, yet VERY challenging job.

However, in the meantime, I can definitely use some ideas on how to work with these various disabilities-especially with the autism and down's syndrome.

Thanks!

Answer 1

Musical activities are a good place to start. I am a music therapist, and most children respond well to music. There are even activities you can do with children who are hearing impaired. Use "hello songs"--something that uses each child's name--as a way to begin. Then do some reality orientation stuff. Make a colorful calendar and use it to talk about the day of the week and month, the weather, the season of the year. There are some songs that reinforce these as well. Use creative movement. Just put on a CD and lead them in some fun moves that match the rhythm of the music. You can also let them do their own thing. If you have rhythm instruments (tambourines, small drums, maracas, etc.) , pass them out and do "call and response" type stuff. You play a rhythm and see if they will play it back to you on their instrument. This activity can even be used with your hearing impaired clients. Show them how to feel the vibrations on the instruments. Children with autism usually respond well to this sort of thing. The children with Down's I have worked with will try just about anything. So throw in some silly children's songs. Try crafts with a lot of sensory stuff going on. If you like, I can send you some stuff of mine and some good Internet sites that you may find helpful. Good luck!

Answer 2

Well most kids with disabilities like to do the same things other kids like. They just may have to do them differently. I am blind and have many friends who are also blind. I know that I enjoy doing the things any other kid would enjoy. When I was that age I liked arts and crafts. You could do tactile things like making fabric collages or stringing beads or playing with shaving cream (a common kindergarten activity that even the sighted kids with other special needs will enjoy). Goal Ball is big among the blind (you can find information on it online) and sighted kids can learn to play as well. For the mentally challenged, try looking on preschool activity websites for game ideas that you can adapt to make more age appropriate.