3 Thanksgiving Activities for Children & Adults with I/DD
Thanksgiving is a fun and memorable time for many families across the nation. What could be better than a mouth-watering turkey with mashed potatoes, gravy, stuffing, and sweet potatoes? Don’t forget about the pumpkin pie or apple crisp with whipped cream. Thanksgiving can be fun for everyone, including children and adults living with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). RISE Services, Inc. Utah encourages you to make the holiday joyful and reinforce valuable life skills with these three Thanksgiving activities for individuals living with I/DD.
Go Grocery Shopping
Before cooking an amazing Thanksgiving meal, many ingredients must be purchased at the grocery store. Ask your family member or friend living with an I/DD to join you. This is a great opportunity to learn and practice different life skills. Show them how to write a grocery list, check each item’s price, choose fruits and vegetables, and check out with the cashier.
At RISE Services, Inc. Utah, we teach these skills, and several others like personal care, using public transportation, and social skills, in our Residential Homes. Each resident receives customized care that meets their needs and moves them forward to their personal goals. We personalize our services according to each individual’s background, preferences, and goals.
Help with Thanksgiving Dinner
If you’re making Thanksgiving dinner, there may be a turkey to stuff, a sweet potato casserole to make, and pies to get in the oven. Ask a friend or loved one with an I/DD to help. They can stir pie filling, peel potatoes, or help open jars, depending on their skill level.
At our Opportunity Centers, we encourage our members to learn various skills that can help them become more independent. Many of our participants learn how to cook, bake, and wash dishes, as well as other essential life skills. Asking them to help with Thanksgiving dinner can strengthen their cooking abilities and other related skills while giving them a sense of pride and accomplishment.
Participate in a Social Event
When the leftovers are packed up and the pumpkin pie is finally gone, many families and friends remain at their loved ones’ homes to spend time together. If you are a family caregiver or Professional Parent with RISE Services, Inc. Utah, you can include your loved ones in this fun, social time. Consider their thoughts towards social settings and plan an activity based on their background and level of support they require. Introduce a simple board game to the group and teach your loved one how to play. Be sure to encourage them to sit in the same room as everyone else. While this seems like a small ask, it may be a big step for your friend with an I/DD!
Happy Thanksgiving!
From our family to yours, we wish you a Happy Thanksgiving with your family and friends. If you would like to learn more about RISE Utah’s services for individuals with an I/DD, contact us today, and we’ll be happy to answer any questions.
