Top 5 Accessible Hangout Ideas

A few weeks ago, I posted about activities I say no to now that I have learned more about my disabilities. In that post, I talked about how I will suggest other activities that are more accessible for me to do with friends instead. This week, I want to talk about accessible hangout ideas I use for myself when making plans with friends. When I first got diagnosed with HSP, I found that I was saying no to a lot more events. I hope this list can spark ideas of things to do with friends for anyone with a new disability diagnosis, or if you have run out of ideas.

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1. Board game night.

   I love board games, and like how adaptable they can be. Almost any accommodation can be made for board game night. A blind player can be put on a team to have cards read or pieces narrated, a deaf player can play visual games or be placed on a team, food at game night can consist of anything you want, and all games can be played seated. I play board games with friends with a variety of different disabilities and I haven't had any issues yet. Out of all of my suggestions, this one might be my favorite.

2. Movie night

   Movie night can be done at home or at a movie theater. Closed captioning or audio descriptions can make movies accessible, and seating can be selected at a movie theater. I personally need snack food to go to a movie theater, but that is just personal preference. I recently saw the F1 movie, and it was much better than I was expecting it to be.

3. Museums

   I haven't visited a new museum in a while, and I enjoy reviewing them for my blog. Museums are best in a group of at least two people, because then you can talk about the exhibits and provide descriptions to friends who would benefit from that. My favorite museum might be the natural history museum in NYC, but most museums are fairly accessible. The fact that wheelchairs can be used, bathrooms are accessible, and it is out of the house makes this option more adventurous.

4. Video Games

   This suggestion is for those who want to stay connected with a friend or partner but can't leave the house for whatever reason. Video games can be played together, like Jack Box Party Box games, or apart. I don't get sick often, but when I do, I am sick for 7-10 days, and I am tired. I usually quarantine and feel isolated. Playing long-distance video games with my partner, such as Minecraft or Pokémon, helps me feel connected when all I can do is lie in bed and watch TV shows in between sleeping. If you have to be isolated for whatever reason, I recommend collaborative games as a way to stay connected.

5. Zoom or FaceTime Hangouts

   This suggestion is similar to the video game suggestion in that it's a great way to stay connected for those who can't leave the house for whatever reason. It could be sickness, car trouble, exhaustion, being out of state, or something else. I host Zoom study sessions that typically have been less studying and more talking. I use paid Zoom, but Zoom is free for 45 minutes. FaceTime is also free for friends who all have iPhones. It's a great way to stay connected, choose an activity to do together, work, and then update each other on that activity. I wanted to include one practical option because, as a student, this helps me balance being productive for my semester while also staying socially connected with friends.

   
   

   I hope these suggestions help as a base point when picking accessible hangout nights. Sometimes I don't have the energy to go out, but I still want to see friends. As I navigate my energy levels and think about things like walking distances and accessibility to bathrooms, I have been going out less. Hopefully, this list can serve as a starting point for anyone who wants to stay social while being mindful of their body.

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Thank you for reading about accessible hangout ideas. Hopefully, more lists will come out as I think of new things to add. If you have any questions or comments, please comment on the blog, reach out at @Anniekrollblog on Instagram or Facebook, or email me at Anniekrollblog@gmail.com. I hope to see you next week!