Adults with developmental disabilities face many challenges. Although some individuals are able to work and are relatively self sufficient, others are not. There are a variety of activities that can help adults with developmental disabilities to socialize, express their feelings and stay healthier. Activities for the developmentally disabled are most successful when based on an individual's skills, interests, physical abilities, level of socialization and therapeutic benefits.
Art Therapy
Adults with developmental disabilities often respond well to art therapy. Art provides a way for individuals to express themselves, especially when they are unable to write down their thoughts and feelings or communicate them verbally. Art also encourages individuals to develop their creativity and can be used to entertain adults of all ages. Watercolors, canvas or fabric painting, educational coloring books for adults, scrap booking or making jewelry from beads are just some of the art activities that developmentally disabled adults enjoy.
Music Therapy
Music is another helpful tool for adults with developmental disabilities, as most individuals respond favorably to music. Some people even become more social during musical activities. Activities can be as simple as having everyone clap their hands and tap their feet to the music or participating in sing-a-longs. Playing percussion instruments is another popular music activity that allows individuals to feel the rhythm and vibrations these instruments create. According to the American Music Therapy Association, music stimulates the senses, and therefore, can help to improve an individual's mental, social and emotional well being.
Physical Activity
Exercise and physical activity help adults with developmental disabilities to reach their potential, both physically and mentally. Indoor or outdoor activities should take place within a normal environment. Include swimming, dance and other aerobic activities when planning regular physical activity for developmentally disabled adults. Visual and tactile techniques can be helpful when giving individuals instructions on how to do something they've never done before. Facilitators should use the same rules and strategies they would for a person without a developmental disability whenever they can. Allow developmentally disabled individuals to perform physical activities as independently as possible. You should offer support and assistance when needed, but allow individuals plenty of opportunities for personal growth.
Nature Activities
People of all ages tend to enjoy nature activities. Nature walks give individuals the opportunity to be out in the open air while learning more about the world around them. Scavenger hunts encourage individuals to find and identify things in nature; plants, insects, trees, birds and other wildlife. Summer camps for developmentally disabled adults offer a range of services from therapeutic horseback riding to vocational courses. Outdoor recreational activities for the developmentally disabled include swimming, boating, fishing, hiking, exploring nature and participating in outdoor team sports. These kinds of leisure activities offer adults who are developmentally disabled a way to socialize outside the home. For many, being part of a group is not only emotionally satisfying, but it also allows them to share a part of themselves with others.
