Getting out into the community is a very special and very important thing for us as humans, especially for those of us who may fall on the spectrum. Just because a person has a disability or is someone who is placed in a group home or day program, does not mean that that is all they are. They are also human, and like humans we thrive on community and we are curious and adventurous and the world is our playing ground and we just need to see what is out there and take it all in.
It’s easy to get caught up in the day to day and just go through the motions. Go to work, take someone to a day program, go to errands or doctor appointments, go home, shower, eat, complete chores. Even though these things are important and can sometimes seem like that’s all you have time for in the day, it is important to take a step back and try to incorporate fun into life and step out into the world in a way that you can see and do things that might not be on your daily “to-do”.
The biggest pros to community outings are:
Learning to be in public
Being in public is hard. Learning the social aspect of how the world works is hard. It takes a lot to know how to act and what is and isn’t acceptable to do where the people are. This is something that’s learned for everyone and is also a lot harder for individuals who may fall on the spectrum. Learning to be in public and interact with the public is a very vital skill to learn and taking people on community outings helps to build this skill. It helps them learn how the world works and what exists in the world.
Learning about money and budgeting
Giving people a budget is great, it helps in various ways and is another way to learn about being in the real world. Money unfortunately doesn’t grow on trees, so it is important to learn how things cost money and money isn’t infinite to us. Spending money on things like food is a great way to look at budgets and learn to think like “okay I have x amount of money and food costs y amount of money, so I will have z amount of money left afterwards if this is what I want.”
Exercise
Exercise is important. Going on a walk and exploring the world is important. It is great for the mind and body to get moving and go on a walk. This doesn’t change just because our minds are a little different.
Interactions with others
Interacting with others in the world helps shape us and helps shape how we view the world. It is important for learning things that are and aren’t socially acceptable. Learning how other people work and learning how the word works through others.
Learning about the world
The world is a big and semi scary place. We would never know about it or learn about it if we never step out into it.
Places to go while on a community outing:
Out for food
Food outings are the most simple, easiest to think of but shouldn’t be the only option. This is the best option for teaching about budgeting and money management. Drive thrus are a simple and easy option. Take them to their favorite fast food place and have them pick anything they want with the money they have.
On a trail/hike
Exercis is important and a simple trail is the easiest thing to look at. A simple walk around a lake or a trail over a bridge where you can go out and back, breathing in fresh air and taking in nature while getting in a nice walk is great for the mind and body.
To the store/mall
Going to a store to purchase things needed or wanted also helps with money management.
A museum/zoo/other fun place like this
This is a fun way to look at things while also learning about something new.
Sometimes thinking of what to do or where to go is hard. It’s hard to decide for ourselves let alone for others, who nay not always be able to communicate. Talking about an outing ahead of time and going over the plans and expectations can be extremely helpful. Especially when learning about being in public and other social skills.