Covid-Safe Activities Within the Autism Community
The global pandemic has had the largest impact on those who are most vulnerable, having especially disproportionate effects on families of children who require particular care and support. The urgency of resources and support systems for children and youth with neurodiversities, medical conditions, and/or physical disabilities has been exposed through the obstacles that families in BC have had to face during the pandemic. At CODE, we wish there was more we could do to help. In the meantime, here are some fun, covid-friendly activities to help you ring in the new year.
BC Therapeutic Riding
The BC Therapeutic Riding Association provides hippotherapy and therapeutic horseback riding lessons for children with disabilities. Therapeutic horseback riding helps children develop their mobility, balance, and coordination while also improving their concentration and physical strength. The facilities within the lower mainland have undergone upgrades to ensure a safe and clean environment amid the pandemic, with new screening areas and sanitation stations. Lessons have also been adapted to reduce any risk of transmission.
BC Adaptive Snowsports
BC Adaptive Snowsports provides opportunities for individuals with physical or cognitive diversities to learn how to ski and snowboard. The organization adapts lesson plans and programs to cater to individual abilities and needs. During the pandemic, BC Adaptive Snowsports has moved to hold multiple smaller scale programs to disperse participants, with reduced group sizes adhering to BC Covid-19 guidelines.
Online Activities
There are tons of online classes that have become available as we have shifted from in person activities over the past few months. Cooking classes, art classes, dance classes—you name it. One perk of the online coding and AI workshops that we offer at CODE is that our lessons are covered by Autism BC funding. Autism BC is also in the process of creating online activities for the community, with the first being their online Minecraft club, taking place on January 28th. This program will consist of a 90 minute session of custom Minecraft mini games on a protected server where children can interact with other kids through a moderated video call.
