As summer begins winding down and the leaves begin to turn, the Detroit metro area comes alive with activities designed to engage and inspire adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities (IDDs). Whether you’re looking to stay active, explore the outdoors with good accessibility accommodations, or just get creative, there are plenty of things to do in Detroit and its surrounding communities with your family and friends.
Here are some fantastic events happening in August and September 2024 that promise fun, inclusivity, and community spirit.
Fun Run
Step Up to 5K fun run. This inclusive fun run welcomes participants of all abilities and takes place on August 3 in Frankenmuth, Michigan.
Adaptive Recreation and Outdoor Events in Oakland County
Each summer, Oakland County organizes adaptive recreational events for people with developmental disabilities and their families. August through September, these include:
Adaptive Kayaking Workshop series. On August 7 at Lake St. Clair Metropark, and on September 12 at Independence Oaks County Park, get adventurous with the Adaptive Kayaking Workshop series. All equipment is provided, and beginners are welcome.
Slice of Summer. On August 8, at Oak Park Community Center, get your party on with music, dancing, hot dogs, and miniature golf.
DiversAbility Days. On July 31 and August 22, the DiversAbility Days event series features outdoor recreational activities, including adaptive biking, archery, and kayaking. Enjoy sports, yard games, boat rides, farm animals, beach access, face painting, and lunch.
Disability Dirt Days. On September 21 and October 20, leave your worries in the dust with off-roading rides at Holly Oaks ORV Park. Volunteers will drive the fun for one participant and one guest per vehicle.
Arts and Crafts
The Peacock Art Club (PAC). Every Tuesday evening, your family can join the PAC at the Village Fine Arts Association in Milford for two hours of multimedia art fun. Instructors have experience with teens and adults with IDDs and will work with each participant to let their abilities shine in their art creations.
KultureCity Certified Locations in Detroit
During the summer and throughout the year, individuals with sensory sensitivities can visit any of Detroit’s KultureCity Certified locations for accessible entertainment, education, and more with sensory-savvy accommodations. Certified venues include:
Belle Isle Nature Center
Comerica Park
The Detroit Zoo
Dossin Great Lakes Museum
Fox Theatre
Little Caesars Arena
Michigan’s DNR Outdoor Adventure Center
Motor City Casino’s Sound Board
Meadow Brook Amphitheatre
Michigan Lottery Amphitheatre at Freedom Hill
Pine Knob Music Theatre
Make Summer Fun More Accessible With Progressive Lifestyles
Progressive Lifestyles, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation based in Waterford, Michigan, and we have been in operation since 1983. Our mission is to provide supportive and caring residential opportunities for individuals with IDDs throughout Oakland County.
We support small, licensed adult foster care homes and private residences with community living supports, home help services, and private-duty nurses.
A primary focus of our organization is to interact with the individuals we support through the Culture of Gentleness Model. We seek to create a positive environment to help them feel safe and valued by maximizing praise, limiting demands, maintaining consistent structure, and reducing stress during transitions. Contact us today to learn more about living the Progressive Lifestyle!