Things You'll Need:
- Notebook Voice activated tape recorder Magazines Scissors Glue sticks Large sheet of poster board
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Step 1
Set time aside for a Christmas party planning session in your day program's schedule. A few days before the planning session, let participants know that they will be planning a Christmas party and ask them to think of the things they want to do, decorations they would like to make, foods and drinks they would like to serve, and who they would like to invite.
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Step 2
Have a voice activated tape recorder, notebooks, pencils, markers, magazines, scissors and glue sticks available. Have fellow participants scribe for those who have trouble writing or speaking. Be sure all ideas are written down, and no one's ideas are shot down on the first pass. An activity that appears too difficult or expensive on the surface can often be adapted in a way that makes the individual who suggests it happy without breaking the budget.
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Step 3
Have each participant write, draw or glue a picture of the things she wants to see included in the event onto a large piece of poster board. Refer to the poster later when planning the menu and activities for your Christmas party.
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Step 4
Brainstorm possible locations to hold your party. Be sure that the facility will be fully accessible to all participants and that everyone who needs toileting assistance will be able to get into and out of the bathrooms. Arrange transportation, including pickup and drop-off schedules for anyone with accessibility needs.
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Step 5
Ask each person what they want to do to help make the party a success. Form groups to make decorations, choose music for a dance or caroling session, shop for food and party favors, help make invitations and any other task needed. Provide any necessary adaptive equipment to enable each person's full participation in all activities, with as much independence as possible. Make a tentative Christmas party plan based on participant input. This first draft of the plan should include all the suggested activities and menu items.
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Step 6
Brainstorm how to balance costs against the number of people who will enjoy the activity. For example, if a majority would like to include a dance, find out if any local DJ would be willing to donate his time. Another possibility is creating a party mix list of requested songs on someone's iPod, and attaching it to a set of speakers with a cable. Make sure the speakers have their own power source or the iPod will have weak audio output and the battery might run down well before your Christmas party ends.
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Step 7
Borrow or rent a karaoke machine. Karaoke is an excellent activity for people with speech differences. Many people who have difficulty speaking are able to sing without any pauses, stutters or slurring. Have a couple of extra microphones available for groups to sing together.
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Step 8
Decide on a menu, based on the requests of participants. Be sure to include sugar free alternatives to desserts and drinks, and be aware of any food allergies among participants. Decide whether food will be served catering style, family style or as a buffet. Get an approximate head count of all possible attendees, including family members, friends, and interested community members. Create a sign up list for people to bring requested side dishes and desserts or donate a dish of their choice. Meat, beverages and breads are typically provided by the host.
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Step 1
Make a list of local businesses which might be able to provide some of the items needed for your Christmas party. Businesses patronized regularly by program participants are often very happy to donate to your group. Be sure to send a thank you signed by as many participants as possible, and print a thank you in your program's newsletter or local paper as well.
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Step 2
Ask staff members to contribute by lending decorations, equipment, cookware and other needed items to the center for the Christmas season. Be sure to get everything back to the right person afterward. Get staff input on the menu and activity schedule. Pay particular attention to the level of assistance that will be needed. Enlist volunteers to assist with serving food, leading an activity, cleaning up and getting participants ready for transport.
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Step 3
Use coupons, special offers, rebates and employee discounts to purchase any items which cannot be donated or borrowed. If the owner of the business where you are making a purchase is available, explain why you need the item and that you are looking for the best possible price. Many business owners will discount an item just to move it out of inventory.
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Step 4
Adjust your plan if you are unable to get the needed items for an activity at an affordable price. Ask the individual who requested that activity what alternative he or she would find acceptable.
