Accessible Tips for Celebrating the Fourth of July
What are you doing for the Fourth of July? Fireworks? Cookout? No matter how you choose to celebrate the birth of America, Team ASI has some tips on how to ensure your Independence Day festivities are accessible for everyone!
Tips for the Host
If you’re the party planner in the group and hosting a gathering for friends and family this year, begin by providing accessible tables and counter heights for board games, food, and crafts to ensure all your guests can have a great time and participate in the fun. Also, consider having additional accessible activity options on-hand for a more inclusive and exciting celebration.
Show Off Your Star Spangled Style
Why should the decorations stop at garlands and flags around the house? Put on your favorite red, white, and blue shirt, grab some festive glasses or a hat, and maybe even some streamers, battery powered lights, or a flag for your power wheelchair. This can be a fun way to show your holiday spirit. The possibilities are endless when you make the Fourth of July accessible for everyone!
If you decide to get creative, we’d love to see pictures of your celebration! Don’t forget to share them with us on Facebook.
More Tips For a Safe, Accessible, and Fun Holiday
- Double check your assistive tech batteries.
- Make sure your autonoME is fully charged, your power chair is ready, and have any other items you may need before you begin your celebration.
- Hosts, be sure to create flat, moveable, safe surfaces.
- Grilling, relaxing, and chatting with friends make backyards popular spaces for the Fourth of July. They can also be uneven and make maneuvering for your guests a bit treacherous. Take time to make sure there are safe places for you and your friends to move around and use flags or other yard decorations to mark out pathways for your guests.
- Where are the fireworks? Plan ahead.
- Loud noises can be triggering and cause discomfort for many people. Check on times and locations for local fireworks and keep the group in the loop! This gives everyone the chance to prepare to enjoy the festivities in a way that makes them comfortable.
- Too loud? Keep headphones close.
- Headphones, ear plugs, or anything that allows you to block loud noises when they get to be too much allows you to comfortably enjoy the show.
- Bring snacks, drink plenty of water, take care, and enjoy!
Planning to Stay Inside?
Staying inside this year and celebrating Independence Day? Don’t forget, you can stream holiday content right on your autonoME!
- Watch fireworks displays and stream your favorite songs about livin’ in the USA via the YouTube app.
- Read a book about the history of America on the Kindle app.
- Connect with friends on Zoom for autonoME.
- Watch documentaries and films about our founding fathers via the Netflix app.
Remember, Fourth of July celebrations are better when everyone can participate!