Fun Activities for Adults with Developmental Disabilities

If you’re looking for activities to enjoy with your loved one or programs they can participate in, this blog highlights ideas to explore.

Group photo of Bello Machre participants on an outing to a museum

Adults with developmental disabilities benefit from engaging indoor, sensory, social, and community-based activities that support connection, confidence, creativity, and independence. This guide explores adaptive recreation ideas, Maryland programs, and meaningful day opportunities for disabled adults.

What you’ll learn more about

Enrichment and fun are crucial components of a full, rewarding life. So, it’s no surprise we’re frequently asked by family and friends of adults with developmental disabilities what activities would be beneficial for both casual and structured leisure.

We sat down with Todd Bonney, Carroll County Community Services Director here at Bello Machre, to talk about the questions he commonly receives and his recommendations for fun activities in and around the local Maryland area.

What are good indoor activities for developmentally disabled adults?

TODD: Many families are eager to find activities their loved ones can enjoy indoors, whether joined by family and friends or shared with other residents living in a group home setting. Arts and crafts, board games, and adaptive games are all popular options with our residents.

CREATIVE ARTS AND CRAFTS 

I’ve found that arts and crafts work best when we focus on creativity and self-expression rather than the end result. It promotes a real sense of accomplishment across all ability levels while encouraging motor skills and independent thinking. Some of our favorite activities include:

  • Painting
  • Clay work
  • Jewelry making
  • Papier mache
  • Scrapbooking
  • Picture frame decorating

BOARD GAMES 

Sensory-friendly board games are a fun, engaging way to pass the time with a loved one. I always suggest looking for games with tactile markers like Velcro or felt, magnetic components to help with dexterity, or large letters and braille for those with visual impairments. Some of the easy-to-learn, low-intensity options we use most often include: 

  • Uno
  • Scrabble
  • Monopoly
  • Connect 4 

ADAPTIVE TOYS AND PUZZLES

Whether a craft, a board game, or other toy, I’ve seen first-hand how extra-large parts, easy-grip textured components, durable materials, and sensory stimulation make activities even more special for our residents by allowing them to have fun while enjoying something specifically designed for their needs. Some of our residents’ current favorites include:

  • Fidget kits
  • Toys activated by switches
  • Toys that respond with light, vibration or sound
  • Large-piece puzzles with easy-to-see designs

What sensory enrichment activities are beneficial for disabled adults?

TODD: We love making sensory enrichment activities available to our residents and group members given how amazingly flexible they are. They can take place indoors or outside; can be done alone or with a group; can be just for fun or used as part of a more formal therapy structure. Music therapy and sensory stimulation activities are our go-to choices here at Bello Machre. 

MUSIC THERAPY 

Music is such a huge part of my life that I’m not surprised how beneficial it’s been for our residents, too. They’re able to participate in activities that focus on musical expression and movement, which not only puts a smile on their faces but also benefits their well-being by helping improve motor skills, encouraging participation, and enhancing feelings of belonging. Lately, we’ve seen great reactions to:

  • Sing-alongs
  • Instrument exploration
  • Songwriting
  • Drum circles

SENSORY STIMULATION ACTIVITIES 

I touched on these earlier in regards to games, but in my opinion the positive impact of sensory stimulation cannot be understated. They truly help with everything from emotional regulation to cognitive function to social engagement. And I love how you can find an activity to cater to touch, sight, sound, smell,  movement, or a combination of these. We highly recommend:

  • Sensory bins
  • Textured crafts or art projects
  • Sound bathing

What sports are best for intellectually disabled adults?

TODD: I’ve seen adaptive sports grow and expand over the last decade, and it makes me so happy. Sports are an important part of physical and emotional health, and with more inclusive options than ever they are opening up a whole new world for adults with developmental disabilities. What makes them a great fit? They follow modified rules and use specialized equipment to cater to the unique needs of participants. You’ll want to check with your loved one’s care team to determine what sport, if any, would be ok to join. If they get the green light, these are a few we’ve seen work well: 

  • Wheelchair basketball
  • Modified soccer
  • Seated volleyball
  • Adaptive hockey and tennis
  • Water-based sports like swimming  

But keep in mind that staying active doesn’t have to mean formally joining a team. Adaptive or chair yoga, guided at-home exercise or stretching routines, and other forms of movement done individually or with friends and family can provide the same physical and mental health benefits as organized sports activities.

Why are group activities recommended for adults with disabilities?

TODD: I’ll say this, I’ve seen with my own eyes how group activities strengthen social skills and foster belonging for developmentally disabled adults. Whether based around sports, dance, gardening, music, art, gaming, or cooking, group-centric pastimes really do contribute to improved quality of life, confidence, physical health, and sense of purpose.

Where can I find community-based activities for disabled adults in Maryland?

TODD: What we (myself and the Bello Machre team) love about the local Maryland area is the variety of activities, programs, and opportunities that exist for adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities. There are so many options for those who want to engage, explore, and expand their social circle, whether as part of community-based programs specifically for the disabled adult population or as part of the everyday recreational options available to all local Maryland residents. 

LOCAL ANNE ARUNDEL + CARROLL COUNTY HIGHLIGHTS

Locally, there are so many places we love to take our Bello Machre Community Day Services groups. The zoo, bowling, local parks—all are great community activities. We even recently had fun doing a special birthday request indoor skydiving event for one of our group members. Here is a list we’ve put together to give you a better idea of local activity options you can look into:

  • Parks/Nature:
    • Lake Waterford Park 
    • Broadneck Park 
    • Hashawha Environmental Center/Bear Branch Nature Center 
    • Piney Run Park/Freedom Park
    • Moonlit Acres Retreat Farm
  • Indoor Recreation:
    • Severn Center/Senior Activity Center
    • The Hangout Crew (Carroll County Recreation and Parks club)
    • Anne Arundel County Therapeutic Recreation
    • Greenmount Bowl
    • The National Aquarium
    • County Libraries
    • iFLY Baltimore 
    • Skill Tree
    • Studios at Downtown: Yoga Barre and Cycle

GIFTS FOR ADULTS WITH INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES

Families often ask us for gift ideas that are more unique than traditional presents. In many cases we’ve found the most meaningful gifts for intellectually disabled adults are experiences, activities, and interest-based items that encourage connection, creativity, community involvement, or independence. Adaptive games, crafts, sensory-friendly activities, and gift cards to favorite local spots can all create opportunities for fun and shared experiences. 

How do I find disability support and activities near me?

TODD: The Maryland Department of Health Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) is a great place to start. Many community-based day programs in Maryland are funded through them, often via a DDA Community Pathways Waiver. We recommend reaching out to the DDA to find out more about day program options and how you can get your loved one signed up.

COMMUNITY-BASED DAY PROGRAMS

Community-based day programs focus on non-residential services for adults with disabilities, offering activities that combine learning, social connection, and recreation. If your loved one qualifies, you can use the DDA Community Pathways waiver to fund the activities highlighted in this blog post through a provider like us, Bello Machre.

Turn activity ideas into a daily reality with Bello Machre 

Bello Machre is committed to helping adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities find meaningful (and fun!) pursuits to enrich their lives and build community. Our Community Development Services (CDS) provide engaging day programs that combine learning, social connection, and recreational activities. 

To learn more about these services or to get your loved one involved, contact us online today or reach out directly to Todd (Todd.Bonney@bellomachre.org).