There are only a couple weeks left until school starts up, but there’s still a lot to be done around the Columbia area. In this post I’ll share some events that may be of interest to the special needs community in particular. These aren’t SEPTA-sponsored events, but rather ones that may fit with our students. SWITCH adapted toy drive, Creative Expression on the Spectrum, Adapted Anglers, MoDE kick-off party, sensory-friendly haircuts… scroll on to read more! (All thumbnail photos are clickable and will bring up a larger version of the flyer in a new tab.)
SWITCHED Toy Drive
Swing by the Target wing of the Columbia Mall Saturday, July 28 from 10am-7pm and check out the info on SWITCHED: Adapted Toys, an organization with Pascale’s Pals that switch-adapts toys for children with disabilities. They’re holding a toy drive that day, and will have people on hand to answer your questions and explain the benefits of these toys.. and it sounds like there will be fun switch-adapted toys there as examples. Kids with motor issues want to play too, and this is a fantastic way to facilitate that. If you’d like to learn more about the group, their Facebook page is here: SWITCHED Adapted Toys. There will also be “build days” happening in September. You can e-mail Rachel Hughes at hughesrac@health.missouri.edu if you’re interested in volunteering. They can teach anyone to switch-adapt toys, and you’ll be making a child’s holiday that much brighter.
Creative Expression on the Spectrum
This one is a little more diagnosis-specific, but it’s great for those who have children on the spectrum who love art and music. It’s held at the Thompson Center Research and Training Facility on Tuesday, July 31 from noon to 3pm. All Thompson Center patients and families are invited to attend. The Facebook page for this event is here: Creative Expression Event. It’s a free & fun afternoon with art, music, crafts and creativity. Because of the timing of it, there will be a back-to-school theme to the celebration.
Adapted Anglers
This one is a short drive away in Jefferson City at Binder Lake, which has a handicap accessible area. The event is Saturday, August 4 from 9am to noon. It’s a free event intended to let people of all ages and abilities enjoy a morning of fishing fun. They will have adapted fishing equipment available to use, bait is provided, and they’ll have free bottled water and snacks on hand. The Facebook event page is here: Adapted Anglers. This is hosted by Missouri Health Professions Consortium occupational therapy assistant (OTA) students, and Missouri Conservation will be there as well to offer assistance if needed.
MoDE Kick-Off Celebration
Missouri Disability Empowerment (MoDE) is a fairly new group, but they’ve hit the ground running. They’re incorporating and working on getting non-profit status. They’re an advocacy group working towards promoting inclusivity in so many ways around the state – including giving a push for our very own CoMO SEPTA to be started (the first SEPTA in the state!) Come and celebrate with the folks at MoDE. There will be games, face painting, refreshments, and fun times for all. Please come out to show your support and network with other disability rights advocates and allies. This free event is open to all, so come celebrate & learn more at Lamb Shelter at Cosmo Park on Saturday, August 11 from 9-11am. The playground is large, and has accessible areas. The Facebook event page can be found here: MoDE Kick-Off Party.
Sensory-Friendly Sundays
Cost Cutters & Supercuts of Central Missouri has partnered with the Thompson Center for Autism and Neurodevelopmental Disorders as one of their Autism Friendly Businesses! As part of their partnership, they host a Sensory-Friendly Sunday on the second Sunday of every month at Cost Cutters on Conley Rd. from 10 am – 3 pm. The next one is perfectly timed for right before school starts – August 12. If you are interested in details on how to schedule an appointment or just more general info, please email them at sensoryfriendlycuts@gmail.com. (Note: Appointments will be booked in 30 minute increments with the last appointment taken at 2:30).