I’ve come across this Summer Bucket List (with over 100 ideas I’ll have you know) on Instagram. I think it’s from America but I was wondering how the activities could be adapted to children and adults with PMLD (Profound and Multiple Learning Disabilities) needs. I’ve noticed that not is incredibly hard for parents to play with their children who have complex needs due to their focus on meeting their high medical needs. With this in mind…..and to try and be helpful……here are my thoughts…….

MAKE A TIE-DYE SHIRT - this would be great for people with sight. the water, t-shirt and string and can be explored. Colours can be chosen and the end result worn. Definitely possible, especially if you already have the dye.

CATCH FIREFLIES - I’ve no idea what fireflies are so I’m thinking maybe not this one.

RUN THROUGH SPRINKLERS - Being carried through or wheeled through a sprinkler is great fun and definitely worth a go. When the weather is hot and you’re desperately trying to cool someone down this activity would be great.

PLAY MARCO POLO - no idea so I’ll ignore this one.

HOMEMADE ICE-CREAM - oh yes! Exploring the ingredients would be great…..but so is buying ice-cream and eating it - either works for me! Ice-cream is already pureed and easily orally consumed so a great food (and very tasty too).

DRIVE-IN MOVIE THEATRE - I’m thinking an iPad in the garden will do the same: blankets out, cold drinks and popcorn (to eat or explore) and lights. A lovely evening activity.

HAVE A WATER BALLOON FIGHT - water play is great fun and when the weather is hot it really helps to support people to reduce their temperature when/if they’re too hot: feet in a bowl of water, hands in a tray, mister fan, etc.

STARGAZE - Nope -if the stars are out you should be in bed asleep.

HAVE A PICNIC - oh yes indeed! I’m all about the picnic. Definitely a great activity to do……weekly in my opinion.

VISIT A NURSING HOME - unless you know and/or are related to someone in a nursing home, don’t do this one……definitely one to avoid.

PLAY AT THE PARK WITH FRIENDS - well……this is an interesting one as the concept of ‘friendship’ can be a challenge for people with PMLD needs. Often friendships are heavily constructed and supported by the people that support them. So……going to the park is great - is it accessible? Is there a Changing Places provision? However getting out in the fresh air is so important so I think this is a good one to go for too.

BLOW BUBBLES - bubbles are great. Fact. Lots of my sessions and activities feature bubbles. The bubble machine is a great purchase - I got mine for £5.00 from The Works and it came with a huge bottle of bubbles. So much fun. You can even buy a bubble machine that links to a switch so it can be operated by the individual.

EAT WATERMELON - watermelon is great: easy to eat and great for hydration. One of the families I support adds salt to their watermelon during the heat of the summer to support hydration…..actually really good. Anyway….explore watermelon, blend watermelon, eat/drink it too.

READ AT LEAST 10 BOOKS - As you will probably guess, I like this one: reading to a story to someone is great, basing activities around a story is great for structuring your ideas when everything seems a little impossible or you’re out of ideas. I also like the CD story books as the voices are often really good. Always have a book in your bag to read to someone when you’re out or about. Very handy indeed.

WATCH FIREWORKS - if you like them, great. If not, avoid. Goes without saying.

DANCE IN THE RAIN - forget the rain - just dance! Sing and dance together. Get out the musical instruments and just let loose.

PLAY FRISBEE - getting people with PMLD needs out the house is the goal; go to the park, explore and play with balls, rackets, frisbees, skipping ropes - have fun!

WATCH THE SUNSET AT THE BEACH - or on telly.

ROAST MARSHMALLOWS - yes please. Delicious. If roasting seems too much f a challenge then just eat them or add them to hot chocolate with cream. Delicious.

I’ll stop now for this week - but you get the idea……make it adaptable if you can, follow the person’s interests and do your best. The person wants to spend time with you and have fun together, it does not have to a big, elaborate activity…….the small things in life are important.

Happy Summer! x