If you know of anyone that is blind and or mentally handicapped, you may be interested to learn of different types of activities that are safe, enjoyable and even therapeutic for individuals with their unique needs. While these special people may not be able to participate in your run of the mill sports teams or music ensembles, there are a number of activities that can be adapted to give the blind and mentally handicapped a wide range of experiences that will benefit them on a number of different levels.
Sensory Art
Art is an extremely appropriate activity to foster exploration, creativity, the sensation of different textures and fun. Set up activities that will give the blind and mentally handicapped an opportunity to use different textured items to create masterpieces or art. Set up a table with large pieces of white paper. Next fill small Styrofoam bowls with different items to be used in a collage. Items you will want to include are finger paint, glitter, glue, small puff balls and small foam pieces. Have the participant sit at the table and give them the opportunity to explore the different textures in the bowls and apply them to their paper. Guide them to dip the puff balls and foam pieces into the bowl of glue if they choose to use those items. This activity will allow them the freedom to be creative, to explore different textures and give them the sense of accomplishment that comes with creating their own work of art.
Motion Mats
While physical activity is extremely important for all individuals, it can be challenging for people with disabilities to participate in many typical athletic activities. Developing a modified obstacle course is an appropriate way to give disabled individuals the opportunity to exercise while working on a variety of skills. Help special needs individuals feel safe to move by having them do a number of exercises across a matted floor that ends in a pile of bean bags. The matted floor will help them feel secure and the knowledge of a soft bean bag ending will give them confidence to move without the worry of running into something. You can have them do different actions across the mats such as crawling, rolling, crab walking, pushing a ball, hopping and skipping.
Music
Activities involving music are very fitting for the visually and mentally impaired. Musical instruments can be used to teach cause and effect. By allowing individuals to manipulate different musical instruments, they will begin to understand the effects their actions can have on objects in the environment. Provide individuals with shakers full of rice. Have them take turns shaking the shakers so that they can listen to the sounds that are made. You can also incorporate a lesson on speed as you have them move the shakers fast and slow and listen for the different sounds that are made from their actions.
Tags: activities that, different textures, give them, mentally handicapped, blind mentally, blind mentally handicapped