As the school year wraps up, we are all looking forward to a fun-filled summer. It can be overwhelming to plan outings and activities considering accessibility and necessary accommodations to keep everyone safe. Along with your ideas and feedback, PPMD has compiled a list of ideas for all ages and interests:

 

Spend time outside

Everyone loves to be outside, and individuals living with Duchenne and Becker can and should enjoy the benefits of the outdoors. 

• Download the ACCESSNOW app to search and rate local attractions on accessibility.
• Contact your state tourism bureau and ask for their disability access guide.
• Research local bike/rail trails — TrailLink’s Wheelchair Accessible Trails and Bike Trails pages are great places to start!
• Contact amusement parks; many offer discounts to individuals with disabilities.
• Join a local pool and/or sign up for swim lessons.
• Contact your local library; many offer free passes for area attractions.

Consider adaptive sports

Depending on the area of the country you are in, there are solutions to make participating in sports accessible. This includes both sports leagues with organized teams, or equipment rentals for activities such as boating, skiing, and other sporting experiences.

• Contact a local University or Community College; they may offer accessible sports leagues or equipment rental such as canoes, kayaks, and other fun ideas.
• Visit the Move United website to search for an adaptive sports organization near you.
• Contact your local parks and recreation department and ask about resources for those with limited abilities.

Plan a trip

Planning a trip – even just for a weekend – is a great way for your family to spend time together. There are many resources to assist in planning ahead for accessibility

• AirBNB makes it easy to search for accessible accommodations.
• Visit a national or state park; many offer free passes to individuals with disabilities.
  • Many State and County Parks offer accessible trails and some offer off road wheelchairs and or beach wheelchairs to access resources.
• Many cruise lines are fully accessible.
• Cory Lee, an adult living with SMA, writes a travel blog reviewing topics like the best wheelchair accessible beaches, things to consider when flying with a power chair, and more helpful reviews and tips.
• Check out PPMD’s Travel Resources page for helpful tips, services, and resources. 

Learn something new

The summer months are a great time to learn something new or practice a new hobby. 

• Find a free virtual class or masterclass in an area of interest.
• Apple offers free hands-on sessions at their stores to teach people of all ages about the latest technology.
• Learn how to play an instrument and sign up for music classes.
• Contact your local community college for a variety of offerings.

Attend Summer Camp

The Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) Summer Camp provides a safe, inclusive summer camp experience for children living with neuromuscular disease at no cost to families. It’s not too late to register for some of the 2024 sessions! Learn more here.

Volunteer

Local organizations may offer volunteer programs over the summer months. This is a great way to explore interests, make friends, and build experience. 

• If you or your child has interest in animals, there may be volunteer opportunities at your local zoo or humane society.
• Camps at local recreation centers or churches may welcome volunteer counselors.

Apply for a summer job

Many teens and adults living with Duchenne work part-time summer jobs to earn money and fill their summer. 

• Local swim clubs or recreation centers often hire many teens for the summer.
• Some retail stores, such as Walmart and Home Depot, hire greeters.
• Many movie theaters hire teens for concession sales and ticket takers.

Still can’t decide?

Schedule a PPMD For You 1:1 session with PPMD’s Patrick Moeschen to talk about ways to facilitate independence and make a plan for the summer. 

Share your ideas!

If you have traveled to a particularly accessible destination, want to suggest an accessible extracurricular activity, or have any other other ideas to add to this list, please let us know! Email careteam@parentprojectmd.org so we can expand our state-specific community resource webpage.