Solving the Problem

The opportunity that has been presented is the need for special needs families to have services and/or activities that involve the whole family. 

As the Special Needs community grows, more and more families are affected in their daily lives.  With added doctor visits, therapies and exclusions from typical activities it can be an added stress to the caregivers and siblings.  This exposed an issue with quality activities that involve the entire family while also not adding to their already hectic schedule.  To solve the problem a service should be offered that can facilitate activities with a buddy/family member in order to encourage new experiences for both to enjoy. 

Options to solve the problem:

·        A center to offer adaptive activities in a facility that is tailored to those with special needs.  Activities including music, art, adaptive sports, special craft classes, life-skills training and additional classes including Yoga, gym, and therapy services.  Additional offerings could include a relaxing area, therapy rooms, café employing adult disabled individuals and monthly fairs for them to sell their creations. 

·        Another option would be to think outside the box and open a place in a location that already includes multiple other activities, such as a shopping mall.  With retail stores closing, the larger malls have expanded the types of offerings available.  Opening a therapy/life skills center in the mall would allow the families to shop/see a movie/visit a spa/eat at a restaurant while their loved one attends to therapy or a class.  There would also be activities that would include all members of the family or buddies as well.  Additional offerings could include working at a kiosk, represented by the center, to sell their creations or sell refreshments.  Giving the special needs adult a chance at earn an income and being involved in society.

·        If opening a center is not feasible, possibly forming a non-profit charity to partner with existing service providers and sponsor adaptive opportunities.  Additional offerings could be to partner with festivals and county/city sponsored festivities and offer a safe space location with sensory friendly activities and crowd control.  Encouraging the special needs family to participate and the community to be more inclusive.