Holiday Accessibility Tips

The holiday season is a time to meet with family and friends to celebrate. These celebrations often involve large get-togethers and while it is always wonderful to connect with loved ones, large get-togethers can be sources of stress for individuals with disabilities. They don’t have to be, however. Here are some tips to help make your holiday get togethers warm and welcoming events for all of your loved ones.

Holiday parties can get loud, and all the noise that comes with these celebrations can sometimes be overwhelming for individuals with noise sensitivities. One way to help reduce the chance of overwhelming your guests is to provide a quiet space they can go to get away for a little bit. Perhaps designate a particular room or section of the house as a quiet area, where guests can go to retreat from the noise and collect themselves. Even individuals without noise sensitivities may appreciate having a space to recharge before rejoining the festivities.

There are many traditional activities associated with holidays events, but that doesn’t mean new ones can’t be introduced. See about adding holiday activities that everyone can participate in, such as crafts with clear instructions and adaptable materials. It can also be helpful to be flexible with existing activities and traditions. Allowing multiple ways to participate will make sure everyone feels included.

For many individuals having a clear and strict schedule is a helpful tool in navigating events. Having a solid schedule listed for your event is a good way to reassure your guests about the plans for the evening. It is easier for guests with disabilities to participate when they know exactly what they’ll be doing. Providing a clear schedule beforehand also allows your guests to decide what events they do and don’t want to participate in and allows them to prepare for activities they want to be involved in but may need more time or energy for.

One of the most important parts of making sure everyone can be involved in holiday celebrations is making sure they can access the home or other locations the festivities will take place in. Ensuring physical accessibility is an important part of making sure everyone is included. This involves making sure pathways are wide enough for items such as walkers and wheelchairs, including accessible seating, and making sure there are no barriers to entry. If your home only has stair access, consider purchasing a temporary ramp to make it easier for individuals with mobility issues to enter your home.

Connecting with friends and family is a big part of the holidays, and connection requires communication. Make sure you have ways to communicate with everyone in your life, whether that’s through visuals, sign language, recognizable gestures, or any established communication styles your guests may have. Using new communication styles can be stressful at times, but a little patience goes a long way, and your guests will appreciate being included.

Finally, and most importantly, if you aren’t sure what your guests’ needs are or how to make your celebrations more accessible for them, just ask. They will appreciate the thought. Communication is key when it comes to making sure everyone’s needs are acknowledged and accounted for. By being open and asking about your guests’ needs you are already making your celebration a more welcoming event. We hope these tips are helpful and that everyone can experience a joyful and accessible holiday season this year!