1 May 20 1:30 – 3:00 PM ET Michigan Assistive Technology Program (MATP) Assistive Technology for Your Accessible Picnic

2 A disability justice movement working to transform communities. Home of Michigan’s Assistive Technology Program (MATP ) Michigan Disability Rights Coalition (MDRC)

3 Friends & Family: Seating options, shade, quiet spaces, chemical and allergy issues, bathroom access Food: AT for food prep, grilling, serving and eating Fun: Inclusive outdoor games and activities. Friends & Family, Food and Fun!

4 Think it through Ask specific questions Trial run Be prepared to change locations if needed Know Your Guests

5 Parking Options Transportation: Public transportation needed? Accommodate Service Animals Access to home, bathroom Hosting at Your Home

6 Toileting area for service animals Accessible portable restrooms (remember placement) Temporary AT to add accessibility Raised Toilet Seat Grab bars (no drilling required) Loan Closets Basic Business

7 Materials Ramps, Stairs, doorways Railings Lighting Seating - eating area Access to Grill and other cooking areas Room to maneuver Deck and Patio Access

8 Not just rectangular with an extension on the end Have a firm and stable surface surrounding the picnic table Have some accessible seating in the shade Accessible Picnic Tables

9 Pathways/Surfaces Area to Eat Seating Shade Play Area Fire pits Indoor fall back option (Weather ) Your Yard

10 Break Room Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS) Panic, Anxiety, Overload Air Filters Subdued lighting Fans Calm, Fresh Air

11 Use online resources Site visit if possible Questions to ask Parking Surfaces Accessible tables, grills, drinking fountains? Bathroom Access Covered area or can you bring something to set up? Don’t forget fun! Accessible play area? Service Animals issues Hosting at a Park

12 Check the Access from Parking Area Wheeled Coolers Collapsible Carts Moving to Picnic Site

13 “Over there” as a direction means nothing… be specific Alert to steps if for example a tri – level home Let someone know when your moving on Identify yourself in a crowded area A dog in harness is working even at a party Orientation - Vision

14 Ask about food allergies or other food considerations Easy to eat serving sizes: Fun Bites Food on sticks (cake pops!) Ask people to bring food Food! What to Serve

15 At Parks At Home Accessible (expensive) Options DIY Hacks Smaller grill on stable roll-under table Accessible Outdoor Grills

16 Ergonomic Tools Pot Holder – gloves and mitts, some have extra grip or length. Grill Temp to phone Grilling Tools

17 Wheeled Serving Cart Multiple Levels, Turn table Family Style Describe or label food options Ergonomic serving utensils – tongs Easy pour options Serving Food

18 Have straws available Drinking options with handles Don’t assume “finger food” will work for everyone Built-up utensils – foam grips Scooper plates Paper Plate holders Eating Options

19 FUN!

20 Look for activities which allow everyone to participate Not everyone will want to, and that’s ok. Variety of active and less active choices Considerations

21 Beep Ball Frisbees that beep Lawn Darts, Bean Bag Throw, Ring Toss Ball thrower for dogs Boccia Ball Table Games Large Print Playing Cards/Holder/Shuffler Accessible Playgrounds Games

22 “You bring your own weather to the picnic.” - Harlan Coben Final Thoughts/ Questions