Thanksgiving ideas for the blind and visually impaired

Thanksgiving is a time to give thanks for our blessings and to celebrate with loved ones. For blind and visually impaired people, Thanksgiving can be a special time to connect with others and enjoy the holiday.

Here are some ideas for how to do a special Thanksgiving celebration for blind and visually impaired people:

Serve a traditional Thanksgiving meal with modifications for blind and visually impaired people. This could include using descriptive labels on dishes, providing braille menus, and cutting food into small pieces.

‍Plan activities that are accessible to blind and visually impaired people. This could include games, music, and storytelling.

‍Make sure that all decorations and signage are accessible to blind and visually impaired people. This could include using braille labels and tactile signage.

‍Provide transportation for blind and visually impaired people who need it. This could include hiring a bus or van or providing transportation from a local organization.

‍Make sure that the event is inclusive and welcoming to all. This could include providing accommodations for people with other disabilities.

What activities can I do? Here we share ideas:

Games:

• Pin the tail on the turkey (with a tactile tail)
• Bingo (with braille bingo cards)
• Musical chairs (with a musical cue instead of a visual cue)

Music:

• Live music
• Karaoke (with braille song lyrics)
• Dancing (with a dance instructor who can provide verbal cues)

Storytelling:

• Traditional Thanksgiving stories
• Personal stories about Thanksgiving
• Stories from other cultures about Thanksgiving

Here are some additional tips for planning a Thanksgiving celebration for blind and visually impaired people:

• Send out invitations early so that people have time to plan.
• Provide clear directions to the event.
• Make sure that the venue is accessible to blind and visually impaired people.
• Have volunteers on hand to help people with disabilities. Be patient and understanding.

By following these tips, you can help to ensure that everyone has a happy and enjoyable Thanksgiving.