How to make Easter disability friendly

Key points

• In Australia, over seven percent of children are reported to be living with disability
• Common activities to keep children occupied at Easter include egg hunts, which can sometimes be inaccessible for children living with disability
• Depending on the ability of the child with disability, adapting activities to suit their needs can make Easter celebrations more enjoyable

Easter is just around the corner so now is the perfect time to organise inclusive activities for everyone to enjoy a fun-filled long weekend. 

Over seven percent of Australian children aged between zero and 14 years old live with disability, with a total of around 4.4 million Australians living with disability according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics in 2018.

While we are familiar with egg hunts, decorating and colouring, making these activities accessible for children living with disability may be a relatively new concept for some people. 

Here are some ideas of how to make your Easter inclusive for people living with disability this year.

Egg hunts

Easter egg hunts are a common activity for children to participate in, either in the community or just in the back garden. 

For children with mobility difficulties, finding eggs underneath bushes or in tight spaces could be difficult and frustrating. Tying a balloon to each egg or item for discovery in the hunt means children living with disability can participate like their peers. Another option is ensuring that the eggs are hidden at eye level and can be reached easily. 

If your child has sensory issues, which can occur in disabilities such as autism spectrum disorder, the typical aluminium foil around eggs may not suit their sensory needs. Buying empty plastic eggs that can be filled provides a smooth surface and also means that children with food allergies can have safe treats placed inside. 

Conversely, if a textured surface on the eggs would be better, use a bit of paper and glue to add paper mache. This may also assist children who have difficulty with gripping smooth objects. 

Egg decorating 

Bursts of colour and big smiles are exactly what you want to see on Easter morning. Painting and decorating eggs is a great way to achieve this. 

Depending on your preference, you can buy plastic eggs, make hard-boiled eggs or remove the yolk and egg white from eggs through a small hole. 

If you’re unsure about how well your child can delicately hold the egg, the first two options will reduce the likelihood of a crushed eggshell.

Using fingers for the paint can be great for children who may not have strong hand-eye coordination skills and for children who enjoy getting a little messy. If your child doesn’t like the sensory impact of paint on their hands, using a paintbrush or sponge will be more enjoyable. 

Colouring

As colouring can give children a sense of accomplishment and unleash their creativity, it’s a great way to keep them occupied and calm on an otherwise exciting and busy day.

Easy-grip colouring pencils or crayons can make colouring easier for children who haven’t got enough strength in their hands to use regular pencils.

For more specific ideas on what to do this Easter for children with sensory issues, have a look at the Top 10 sensory activities to do over the Easter holidays.

What are your plans this Easter?

Let the team at Talking Disability know your thoughts on social media. 

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