Let It Snow!

By Catherine Steele

"Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!" is from a song often heard during the winter season. But whoever wrote this cheery song probably did not have a physical disability!

Now, snow is okay! The outdoors is beautiful after a fresh snowfall. The world is turned into a winter wonderland, covered in a white blanket of snow crystals that sparkle in the sunlight. But the charm sometimes disappears when you need to venture into the whiteness and move about.

So what can you do? A lot! For starters, you can have fun indoors! There are all kinds of fun things you might do by yourself or with family and friends. You can curl up with a good book (or listen to a book on tape), and let your imagination go. You can read mysteries, science fiction, biographies. Or you can try brain teasers.

You can also try art -- drawing, painting, or working with clay or silly putty. It may be a bit messy, but just cover yourself and the area with newspaper, and have fun!

You can play your favourite music. If the rest of the household does not appreciate your fine taste in music, use earphones!

Those are a few indoor activities. But there are lots more! How about: helping with baking (and licking the beaters); working on a hobby (train sets, indoor gardening, card, coin or stamp collecting); playing board games or card games; doing jigsaw puzzles (with knobs and/or large pieces for easier use); cleaning up your space; or playing with a pet?

Then, you can always do homework -- nobody will tell you to stop that. Or do exercises and become more fit. Finally, you might turn on the television... but try not to become a couch potato!

Here’s one last suggestion to beat winter: Try venturing out and enjoying the winter’s outdoor activities. You might try tobogganing, making snow angels or building a snowman. Consider volunteering at your local arena. Many communities have winter recreational groups for youth with disabilities (skiing groups, sledge hockey teams). Having fun outdoors gives you a different view -- you actually hope it will snow!

Whatever you decide to do this winter, don’t miss looking out the window after a snowfall and seeing the wonder of nature. Then go and have some fun!

(For more information, call Catherine Steele toll-free at Bloorview MacMillan Centre in Toronto, 1-800-363-2440, ext. 3642; or send e-mail to: ortccs@oise.utoronto.ca.)

Thanks to the Easter Seal Research Institute for its support, and to Christine Stapleford for many activity suggestions.