Options for Summer Family Fun - June 2021

The world is re-opening, and families are looking for fun ways to spend their summer days. Our community is especially interested in learning of inclusive and accommodating opportunities available in Chicagoland.

Thank you to the members of C.I.T.Y. of Support who provided links to these tools, websites, resources, blogs, videos, etc. to help us all make accommodations for our children (and us!) as we navigate this new way of learning. By compiling all of this information in one Collaborative Blog Post, we hope to make it easier for everyone to access.

**Please note, C.I.T.Y. of Support does not endorse any of these specific resources or recommendations. Rather, we provide them to our members as helpful tools submitted by parents and professionals in our community.**

Inclusive Playgrounds

A childhood summer favorite is exploring new playgrounds. We love a good playground, especially one that is inclusive and accessible. When you and your child are at the playground this summer, consider the following tips from the IPT therapists. Read more for links to inclusive playgrounds in the Chicagoland area.

Integrated Pediatric Therapies

‍https://www.jcfs.org/our-services/children-adolescents/integrated-pediatric-therapies

Pool Time Fun

The neighborhood pool is a great place to experience family fun in an inclusive environment! It’s also a prime opportunity to build motor and language skills. Check out this blog post for pool activities that are fun and help with skill development.

Integrated Pediatric Therapies

‍https://www.jcfs.org/our-services/children-adolescents/integrated-pediatric-therapies

Summer Travel Tips

Summertime may be an opportunity to see the family and friends you haven’t visited during the pandemic. Read more for pediatric therapist approved tips to help make travel more fun for everyone.

Integrated Pediatric Therapies

‍https://www.jcfs.org/our-services/children-adolescents/integrated-pediatric-therapies

Building Community

Family fun and building community go hand in hand. Hone in on one of your family member’s favorite interests and reach out to your neighborhood to see who might like to join. Like to play in dirt? Perhaps a community potted garden. Like sensory art play? Perhaps a plein air painting group in the backyard. Are trains your favorite? Perhaps a train show or club would be interested in starting a weekly meet up. We at Integrated Pediatric Therapies have found reaching out to your community through Facebook groups, apps like Nextdoor, and good old door to door fliers is a great way to build an inclusive neighborhood around specific interests.

Integrated Pediatric Therapies

‍https://www.jcfs.org/our-services/children-adolescents/integrated-pediatric-therapies

SAA TOPSoccer-Schaumburg

TOPSoccer is an adaptive soccer program for children with disabilities to participate with able bodied, neurotypical peers in a way that is modified for each player's abilities and motivations. Try out the program Saturday mornings this summer for no fee. TOPSoccer is a non-profit program run solely by volunteers.

Valeri, Parent, community member (TOPSoccer Coach)

‍https://sites.google.com/view/saatopsoccer/home

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