Things to Consider
- Register to vote and for selective services if appropriate
- Obtain non-driver’s state ID (from motor vehicle) if a driver’s license is not an option
- Think about situations that may put your son/daughter at risk
- Provide mentoring or coaching to improve safety and problem solving skills
- Meeting new people based on similar interests can potentially help in expanding his/her support system
Community Options
Your community may have more to offer than what you may think. Have the Circle of Support help in identifying your young adult’s interests. Based on that, look for a local club, a class at the local park and recreations center, a church, local community college or maybe form your own group. Often park and recreation staff support ideas to offer new programs or activities, so don’t rule out sharing your ideas with them. A local coffee house may be a good place to invite people who may have a similar interest. Make fliers and post them in libraries, coffee shops and community centers to find individuals who may want to participate in the activity. Another way to find people who have similar interests is at www.meetup.com
For sports-minded individuals, Special Olympics is available in most counties across Kansas. Paralympics is a program for the physically impaired.
Volunteer Opportunities
Another way to become involved is to volunteer at local events or activities in the community. It is a good way to meet new people and experience different things. For example, if a race/walk for a charity occurs annually, there are many volunteer needs at this type of event. Think about what the possibilities may be such as passing water out to the runners, handing out t-shirts and working the food table to name a few. Throughout the year there are usually many events that would welcome help. Some communities have a volunteer organization for individuals to learn what is needed and to sign-up to help those organizations.
Volunteering is also a way to have a good time learning something new or spending time in places they don’t get to go to very often. If your young adult loves history, go to the local history museum and find out if they could possibly give the tour or help with tour groups. If a sports lover, spend time at the local YMCA. If you have a budding writer on your hands, get to know your librarian and have your son or daughter help out there. If chess is a love, then starting a chess club at the local elementary school, is another way to volunteer and get involved. Take a look at your young adult’s interest and get them out in the community.