We’ve written about our big events, like annual proms, Miracle League games and Champions Day.
But smaller, but equally fun, outings happen every week. It might be calling balls and strikes with the Springfield Cardinals or throwing strikes at Sunshine Lanes.
We try to change it up 52 times a year because variety doesn’t just spice up life, it adds layers of benefits for our individuals.
Climbing The Pyramid
Everyone knows the base of Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs:
- Food
- Water
- Shelter
The sad truth? We feel too many organizations stop at the bottom.
At Easy Living, Inc., every excursion is one more step towards the pyramid’s pinnacle.
- Security/Safety
- Friendships
- Sense of accomplishment
- Fulfilling one’s potential
The Science Supports Getting Out
Most of the individuals we care for want to do the normal things that make life memorable. But society, by and large, lacks the consistent opportunities and support to fully engage them. Scheduled activities provide benefits we can see… and our individuals can feel.
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Physical Benefits |
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Reduces cardiovascular risks from sedentary lifestyle |
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Improves fine motor skills |
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Strengthens coordination |
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Social Benefits |
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Visible community involvement reduces stigmas and stereotyping |
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Improves communication and awareness in public settings |
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Improves likelihood of employment |
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Emotional Benefits |
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Combats the daily anxiety nearly 51% of adults with IDD experience |
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Outdoor excursions boost mood and lower stress |
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Outings help strengthen coping mechanisms |
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Psychological Benefits |
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Recreation helps overcome the depressive effects afflicting 57% of adults with an IDD |
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Community events lead to a heightened sense of self-meaning |
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Inclusion makes individuals feel more independent and productive |
“Others might think activities like these are a bonus. We think they’re essential to fully developing each individual.”
~Cindy Smith, Vice President Easy Living, inc.
Turning “New” into “Normal”
Some of the activities we plan are relaxing. Some focus on being active. But all are meant to create a deeper sense of familiarity to the world around us.
Some of the extracurriculars our individuals experience include:
- Catching a Cardinals game at Hammons Field
- Watching acrobatics at the Shrine Glow Circus
- Seeing giraffes at Dickerson Park Zoo
- Walking the trail at Phelps Grove Park
- Racking up the score at Sunshine Lanes
- Grabbing some popcorn and a movie at B&B Movie Theater
- Visiting the Bass Pro Aquarium
- Ordering from Joplin Greenhouse Coffee
- Being dazzled at Disney on Ice
- Picking pumpkins
Making the Most of Every Moment
All of our locations: Joplin, Bolivar, El Dorado Springs and Springfield, rotate supervised community outings to provide consistent, life-improving experiences.
If you want to learn more about what your loved one could enjoy, reach out and see why “Living” is our middle name.
