Christmas is a time for celebration, but it can also present barriers for many disabled people. This may stop someone from engaging actively in the activities and leave someone feeling excluded. There are lots of different barriers that have to be overcome so that Christmas can be enjoyed equally by everyone writes Rosie Buckley.
One of the first steps is to recognise that everyone has different needs and you should ask them what those are. If you are hosting an event, either provide ramps or make sure the venues you choose have step-free access. Make sure you have adequate seating options for everyone, space for wheelchair users or even spaces that offer a sensory-friendly environment (quiet, dim lighting, etc) Make sure to include clear signage as well as accessible parking.
For more information on accessible communications: visit our resources section where you can download the PDF.
Beyond physical accessibility, being inclusive extends to how we plan our celebrations. For instance, making activities and events adaptable for a wide range of different disabled and neurodivergent people fosters participation. Whether that involves tactile crafts or activities for visually impaired people, subtitled or signed holiday performances for D/deaf people or people with hearing loss, or simply taking the time to understand individual needs, such efforts reflect a true commitment to inclusivity.
Learn about different disabilities, attend disability awareness training and ask what you can do to make things easier for disabled or neurodivergent people. Disabled people will be able to help make events and environments more accessible by sharing their access needs.
Don’t forget about elderly guests who are coming to your Christmas celebrations. Older adults may have different access needs due to physical disabilities, hearing and vision impairments or even feelings of loneliness. This can make holiday events difficult for them to enjoy. By making small adjustments, party organisers can make sure that elderly loved ones feel included.
Top Tips for an Inclusive Christmas Celebration:
Accessible Venues: Choose a location that is inclusive to disabled people. Look for step-free access, lifts and handrails.
Comfortable Seating Arrangements: Make sure there are comfortable chairs for older guests. Check that seating arrangements can be accessed easily and that there is space for guests who are wheelchair users to enjoy a show or event.
Dietary Considerations: Keep in mind any dietary restrictions or preferences your guests might have. Include these on the holiday menu.
Gentle Pace: Don’t create overly packed or exhausting schedules. Print the schedule or include on your emails or invites so that neurodivergent people can see what is happening and when.
Want to learn more about accessible events? Visit our resources section where there is a free downloadable resource on event planning from conferences to Christmas parties and more!
Christmas Activities to Try Out!
Online Parties: Online Christmas parties are the perfect way to include everyone. This is especially useful for a family member who can’t attend in person. Virtual games and storytelling are fun activities you can do together. Make sure that the platform you use is suitable by adding live captioning, and cameras on if someone is speaking to enable lip reading.
Sensory-Friendly Decorations: Create decorations with a range of textures and colours. These can be soothing for people who sometimes experience sensory overload. String lights with adjustable brightness or calming music can help neurodivergent people.
Adaptive Christmas Crafting: Organise crafting sessions with family and friends. You could have stations to make ornaments or cards including a range of materials. Having templates or kits is a great idea.
Light Displays: Visit local light displays or organise a drive-through tour to look at Christmas lights.
Discuss Memories: Whether it’s virtual or in-person, you could create a cosy atmosphere for people to share their favourite Christmas memories. It’s a relaxing and fun activity.
Adapted Advent Calendars: Create tactile, audio-based, or customisable calendars to suit various abilities.
Sign Language Carolling: Learn a Christmas carol in sign language. This is a wonderful way to make the experience more meaningful for those who are deaf or hard of hearing.
Advocating for Inclusive Celebrations
Promoting inclusivity requires a collective effort.
Raise Awareness: Start conversations about accessibility during the holidays and throughout the year. Advocate for accessible public spaces, events and venues. Also, consider booking Disability Awareness Training for your organisation in the new year.
Interested in booking Disability Awareness Training? We’ve got you! Visit our disability awareness training page to find out more about our options.
Encourage Community Events: Support initiatives like inclusive local Christmas markets, accessible carolling, and universally designed tree-lighting ceremonies.
This articles has been written by Rosie Buckley for Enhance the UK.
