5 Tips for Hosting an Inclusive Holiday Gathering

Holidays are when loved ones come together to reflect on the year and create new memories. Plenty of planning goes into any holiday gathering. However, families of someone with a disability may have to make additional accommodations so that all feel welcome.

Paraquad’s Inclusive Holiday Gathering Guide

As you search for holiday party ideas in 2024, the Paraquad team is here to help you create an inclusive environment. Read on to discover our top five tips for hosting accessible holidays for people with disabilities. 

1. Consider Maneuverability 

You want to ensure your loved ones are able to traverse your home as much as possible. If your loved one uses an assistive device, such as a wheelchair, cane or arm crutches, it may be helpful to survey your home layout beforehand. 

To account for maneuverability, consider:

• Rearranging furniture to give enough space for assistive devices 

• Securing rugs to avoid slips or snags on loose material 

• Providing comfortable, accessible seating options 

• Making space at the table for assistive devices

2. Account for Sensory Overload

Your holiday gathering may get chaotic, with the noises of cooking appliances, family chats and football games permeating your space. For people with developmental disabilities, this excessive sensory output may quickly become overwhelming. 

Hosts should consider designating a safe space away from the sights, smells and noises. When planning accessible holidays for people with disabilities, you could designate the guest room as a sensory-friendly zone. That way, your loved one will be able to take a break whenever needed.

A sensory-friendly environment often includes:

• Dim lights 

• Reduced noise

• Neutral smells 

• Minimal clutter 

• Comfortable seating

3. Communicate the Schedule 

People with intellectual or developmental disabilities often have a daily schedule they feel comfortable with. Drastically diverting from this routine for new holiday party ideas may be distressing. Be sure to communicate with those involved in your holiday gathering. From there, try to factor in as many elements of your loved one’s routine as possible. 

Whether you’re hosting a gathering at home or attending community festivities, it’s important that you also schedule some downtime. We all need time to decompress amid the chaos of the holidays. A moment of peace will be a welcome addition for all.

4. Review the Menu 

When planning accessible holidays for people with disabilities, it is always important to review the menu. Certain food textures and smells may be triggers for some people with disabilities. Additionally, people with disabilities may be more likely to have food allergies. 

Ask yourself: Are there foods your loved one is unable to eat? Try to share your holiday party ideas with your family beforehand. Then, use their input to plan the menu well before the holiday gathering. 

Remember that food is a big part of culture, identity and inclusion. If there are certain foods you’d like to include but your loved one can’t eat, try to provide similar alternatives. For example, if a guest has celiac disease, you should include a gluten-free dessert.

5. Address Attitudes 

Inclusivity starts with fostering a welcoming mindset. Take time to address any biases or misunderstandings with your guests beforehand. Notably, children may not be used to interacting with someone who has a disability. It may be helpful to explain the situation to them beforehand. 

Additionally, you should ensure everyone understands how your loved one communicates — whether through American Sign Language, an assistive device or writing. 

For example, imagine one of your guests uses communication boards to speak. Before your holiday gathering, you should advise guests to: 

• Give them your full attention

• Pay attention to the picture or symbol they select

• Verbally repeat what they choose 

• Always address the person directly

• Maintain eye contact

• Be patient 

Ring in the Holidays with Paraquad

Planning accessible holidays for people with disabilities is attainable with the right mindset. However, when all else is uncertain, Paraquad is here to connect you to the resources you may need around the holiday season. 

Our friendly information & referral specialists are ready and available to answer questions, provide educational resources and advise on community programming. 

To contact Information & Referral before your holiday gathering, complete our online form or call (314) 289-4266 today.