Summer can be a challenging time for children with disabilities. The reason for this include: pools are not equipped to accommodate children in wheelchairs, on crutches and with mental retardation. In addition to these issues, parents must remain vigilant as children with poor social skills may become targets for bullies and controlling peers.

It is best for parents to find play areas and pools specializing in helping children with disabilities. Some schools for these children offer summer programs. Look into these and see if they offer open play times and days. Do they host special events? Check for fees, supervision and range of ability with equipment.

Summer camps are a dream for almost every child. There are camps for children who cannot physically or emotionally handle the demands of a traditional camp. Easter Seals is a non-profit organization that operates a camp parents may wish to consider.

Equine camps are another great opportunity. Horses, and specially trained staff, handle the challenges these children face. A unique relationship develops between the horses and the children. They build confidence, muscular strength and create memories that last a lifetime.

Baptist and Presbyterian churches offer the most financial help for families who cannot afford the full cost of camp. In addition, many camps have their own financial aid available. Contact non-profit groups and organizations for the names of camps for children with disabilities. Specialized schools may also have information.

At the playground, look for swings with a supportive seat and lap belt. These do not go high like the regular ones and offer a full seat for teh child to sit in versus the ones with only a strip of material and two chains. Check the weight limit before placing the child in the swing.

Parks are becoming more open to children with special needs. Soem of the ideas I know our parks started using include: a digging machine that sits low to the ground and is a nice height for a wheelchair bound child, a sway seat that holds a number of children and has a table for providing a sense of security, and a collection of windchimes to sound.

Water play can be dangerous for children with hearing aids and limited mobility. Water makes surfaces slippery and they can fall as a result. Hold on to children and be prepared to get wet. They will probably get a kick out of this; thereby, increasing their fun!

You can also have them sit on a shower curtain, on the grass for more comfort, and use your finger to create a variety of sprays. My children enjoy big ones that splash smaller drops and they like the "carwash." This is when they pretend to be cars driving through a carwash. I splash them, pretend to "soap" them with bubbles, and rinse with a big spray!

When temperatures rise, and the humidity too, have fun inside with games and books. Act out favorite scenes and imitate characters. Play a guessing game and relax with a short movie or show. Listen to the radio and sing favorite songs.

These activities help children focus, show their skills, develop a tolerance for waiting for a turn and offering positive feedback. They often enjoy being the center of attention for a few minutes. This is especially true when praise follows attempts to socialize.

Here are a few websites offering more information for children with disabilities.

http://www.easterseals.com/

http://www.ymca.net/

http://www.childrensdisabilities.info/

www.summercampsinfo.com/categories/special-needs-summer-camps.asp