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May 20 1:30 – 3:00 PM ETMichigan Assistive Technology Program (MATP)

Assistive Technology for Your Accessible Picnic

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•A disability justice movement working to transform communities.

•Home of Michigan’s Assistive Technology Program (MATP)

Michigan Disability Rights Coalition (MDRC)

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• Friends & Family: Seating options, shade, quiet spaces, chemical and allergy issues, bathroom access

• Food: AT for food prep, grilling, serving and eating

• Fun: Inclusive outdoor games and activities.

Friends & Family, Food and Fun!

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• Think it through • Ask specific questions

• Trial run• Be prepared to change locations if needed

Know Your Guests

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• Parking Options• Transportation: Public

transportation needed?• Accommodate Service

Animals• Access to home,

bathroom

Hosting at Your Home

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• Toileting area for service animals

• Accessible portable restrooms (remember placement)

• Temporary AT to add accessibility• Raised Toilet Seat• Grab bars (no drilling required)• Loan Closets

Basic Business

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• Materials• Ramps, Stairs,

doorways• Railings• Lighting• Seating - eating

area• Access to Grill and

other cooking areas• Room to maneuver

Deck and Patio Access

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• Not just rectangular with an extension on the end

• Have a firm and stable surface surrounding the picnic table

• Have some accessible seating in the shade

Accessible Picnic Tables

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• Pathways/Surfaces• Area to Eat• Seating• Shade • Play Area• Fire pits• Indoor fall back option

(Weather)

Your Yard

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• Break Room• Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS)

• Panic, Anxiety, Overload

• Air Filters• Subdued lighting• Fans

Calm, Fresh Air

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• Use online resources • Site visit if possible• Questions to ask

• Parking• Surfaces• Accessible tables, grills, drinking fountains?• Bathroom Access• Covered area or can you bring something to

set up?• Don’t forget fun! Accessible play area?• Service Animals issues

Hosting at a Park

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• Check the Access from Parking Area

• Wheeled Coolers• Collapsible Carts

Moving to Picnic Site

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• “Over there” as a direction means nothing… be specific

• Alert to steps if for example a tri – level home

• Let someone know when your moving on

• Identify yourself in a crowded area

• A dog in harness is working even at a party

Orientation - Vision

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• Ask about food allergies or other food considerations

• Easy to eat serving sizes: Fun Bites

• Food on sticks (cake pops!)

• Ask people to bring food

Food! What to Serve

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• At Parks• At Home

• Accessible (expensive) Options

• DIY Hacks• Smaller grill on

stable roll-under table

Accessible Outdoor Grills

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• Ergonomic Tools• Pot Holder – gloves and mitts, some have extra grip or length.

• Grill Temp to phone

Grilling Tools

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• Wheeled Serving Cart• Multiple Levels, Turn table• Family Style• Describe or label food

options• Ergonomic serving

utensils – tongs• Easy pour options

Serving Food

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• Have straws available• Drinking options with

handles• Don’t assume “finger

food” will work for everyone

• Built-up utensils – foam grips

• Scooper plates• Paper Plate holders

Eating Options

19FUN!

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• Look for activities which allow everyone to participate

• Not everyone will want to, and that’s ok.

• Variety of active and less active choices

Considerations

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• Beep Ball• Frisbees that beep• Lawn Darts, Bean Bag

Throw, Ring Toss• Ball thrower for dogs• Boccia Ball• Table Games• Large Print Playing

Cards/Holder/Shuffler• Accessible Playgrounds

Games

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“You bring your own weather to the picnic.”- Harlan Coben

Final Thoughts/ Questions