This Is How We Roll! 🛼🛼

Let’s Have Fun Together: Activities for Everyone!

Have you ever been to a super fun event where everyone is welcome, no matter what their abilities are? Well, let me tell you about an awesome event called Spectrum Skate! It was an exciting day filled with skating, games, and lots of smiles, all made just for people with different abilities. But that’s not all—we’ll also talk about other fun activities that people of all abilities can enjoy, so no one is left out of the fun!

What is Spectrum Skate?

Imagine going to a roller-skating party where everyone is invited to roll around the rink, play games, and just have a blast. That’s what happened at Spectrum Skate, an event hosted by Infinite Flow Dance, a super cool group founded by Marisa Hamamoto. The event took place at the Fountain Valley Skating Center in Southern California, and it was co-hosted by a fun skating expert named Dirty Deborah Harry.

What made this day extra special was that it was made for people with all sorts of different abilities. Over 20 friends with disabilities came to skate, play limbo, and enjoy the day with their family and friends. Even if they had never skated before, everyone was able to learn in a way that felt safe and fun!

A Skating Party for Everyone

At Spectrum Skate, the rink was designed to be sensory-friendly. This means that things like bright lights and loud music were kept at just the right level so that nobody felt overwhelmed. People could skate at their own pace, take breaks if they needed to, and just have fun without feeling pressured.

This was the very first time Kyle got on a skating rink! He loved how everyone could join in, whether they were beginners or pros. There was a fun game of limbo where people tried to skate under a bar while staying balanced on their skates. It was a great way to show that skating isn’t just about speed—it’s about having fun with friends!

Adaptive Skating: Skating in a New Way

Some people who attended Spectrum Skate used special roller skate trainers. Adaptive skating sure can help people feel better! It’s all about making sure that everyone, no matter their ability, can enjoy the feeling of gliding across the rink. Whether sitting down on special skates or holding onto a guide for balance, everyone got to feel the freedom of rolling on wheels.

Dirty Deborah Harry was there to cheer people on and help teach them how to skate. With her friendly attitude and years of experience in the skating world, she made sure everyone felt confident to give it a try. It didn’t matter if it was your first time on skates or if you were a pro—everyone was having fun together!

Other Fun Activities for People of All Abilities

Skating isn’t the only fun thing that people with disabilities can do. There are lots of activities out there where everyone can join in. Here are some other cool ideas:

1. Dancing for Everyone

Dancing is an awesome way to move your body and feel the music. Even if you’re in a wheelchair or need help with balance, adaptive dance makes sure everyone can join in. You can move your arms, roll to the beat, or even follow along with a partner. Dancing is all about expressing yourself, and there’s no wrong way to do it!

2. Wheelchair Basketball

Basketball is an exciting sport, and wheelchair basketball makes it easy for people who use wheelchairs to join the game. Just like regular basketball, players pass, dribble, and shoot to score points—but everyone plays sitting down. It’s fast-paced and super fun!

3. Yoga for Relaxation

Did you know that yoga can be adapted for all abilities? Adaptive yoga lets you stretch, breathe, and relax in a way that works for your body. You can do it sitting down, lying down, or using props to help you balance. Yoga helps you feel calm and strong, and it’s a great way to unwind after a busy day.

4. Making Art

Art is a fantastic way to express yourself, and you don’t need to be a professional artist to have fun with it! Art therapy is a way for people with disabilities to create their own artwork, whether through drawing, painting, or making sculptures. It’s a great way to show your feelings without using words, and you can be as creative as you want!

5. Riding Horses

Equine therapy lets people with disabilities spend time with gentle, friendly horses. Riding a horse can help with balance and strength, and it’s also a lot of fun! Plus, spending time with animals can help you feel calm and happy. It’s a special way to connect with nature and try something new.

6. Swimming

Do you love the water? Adaptive swimming is perfect for people who need help moving around. The water helps you float and makes it easier to move your body. Whether you’re swimming laps or just splashing around, it’s a great way to exercise and have fun at the same time.

Why Inclusive Activities Matter

Events like Spectrum Skate show us how important it is for everyone to be able to take part in fun activities, no matter their abilities. When activities are planned with everyone in mind, it means no one gets left out, and that’s how it should be! Everyone deserves to have fun, feel included, and share special moments with friends and family.

By making activities like skating, dancing, and swimming more accessible, we create more chances for people with disabilities to have fun and stay active. And when we all play together, we make our communities stronger and more caring.

How to Make More Fun Events

The best part about events like Spectrum Skate is that they make sure everyone can join in the fun. Whether it’s adjusting the lights and music or using special equipment, there are so many ways to make activities more inclusive.

If you’re thinking of planning a fun event or activity, here are a few things to think about:

• Sensory-friendly spaces: Keep the lights and sounds at a level that’s comfortable for everyone.

• Breaks and rest areas: Make sure there are places where people can take a break if they need to rest.

• Helpful guides and teachers: Have friendly people like Dirty Deborah Harry at the event to help guide and encourage everyone.

• Adapted equipment: Use special gear, like adaptive skates or seated yoga mats, so that everyone can take part.

• Encouragement for all: Celebrate every win, no matter how small—whether it’s learning to skate for the first time or just joining in on the fun!

Wrapping Up the Fun

Spectrum Skate was a huge success because it showed that people of all abilities can come together, have fun, and move their bodies in a way that feels good for them. Whether you’re rolling around on skates, dancing to the beat, or trying out a new sport like wheelchair basketball, there are so many ways to enjoy activities made for everyone.

So next time you think about trying something new, don’t be afraid to join in, even if you need a little extra help. Fun should be for everyone—and when we all play together, that’s when the magic really happens!

An Awesome Pride Month Adventure! 🌈

Hey there, SuperCaptainBraveFans!

It's June, and you know what that means? It's Pride Month! Pride Month is a super special time when we celebrate love, diversity, and being proud of who we are. I’m so excited to tell you all about my fun adventures this month.

What is Pride Month?

First, let me explain what Pride Month is. It's a time when people come together to celebrate LGBTQ+ (that stands for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, and more) pride. We honor the bravery of people who fought for the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals and continue to work towards a world where everyone can be themselves without fear.

A Rainbow Adventure

You may have noticed that the symbol of Pride is a rainbow. 🏳️‍🌈 The rainbow flag was first designed by artist and activist Gilbert Baker in 1978. He was inspired to create a symbol of pride and hope for the LGBTQ+ community. Each color has a different meaning:

1. Red: Life

2. Orange: Healing

3. Yellow: Sunlight

4. Green: Nature

5. Turquoise: Magic/Art

6. Violet: Spirit

Rainbows are often seen as symbols of hope, promise, and new beginnings. For the LGBTQ+ community, the rainbow flag represents the hope for a future where everyone can live openly and authentically without fear of discrimination. The rainbow flag represents the idea that everyone, no matter their identity or orientation, is included and valued.

Big Parades

Highlights of Pride Month typically include festivals and Pride Parades. There are often colorful floats, loud music, and lots of people wearing rainbow clothes and waving flags. The best part about these celebrations is seeing how happy and proud everyone is. It feels like a big, loving family where everyone can be who they are.

Learning and Growing

Pride Month is a great time to learn about some really brave people from history, like Marsha P. Johnson and Harvey Milk, who fought for LGBTQ+ rights. It helps to know how important it is to stand up for what’s right and to support each other.

Spreading the Love

Now, I’m on a mission to spread love and kindness all year round, not just in June. I want to make sure that everyone feels accepted and loved, just like they should. So, I’m going to keep waving my rainbow flag and sharing the things I’ve learned with all my SuperCaptainBraveFriends.

Join the Fun!

If you’ve never celebrated Pride Month before, I totally recommend it. It’s a time filled with love, fun, and learning. Plus, who doesn’t love a good parade and delicious cupcakes?

Thanks for reading about my awesome Pride Month adventure. Remember, love is love, and everyone should be proud of who they are!

Stay colorful and kind! 🌟

Join SuperCaptainBraveMan at the Los Angeles Abilities Expo!

Hello, SuperCaptainBraveFans! We are a week away from the Los Angeles Abilities Expo which will take place at The Los Angeles Convention Center.

This trade event was launched in 1979 and has been America’s leading event for businesses to showcase their advancements in technology, products, and services that help aid and advance people with disabilities’ quality of life.

jenn, kyle and leah at last year’s abilities expo.

We believe that our mission at SuperCaptainBraveMan aligns perfectly with the values of the Abilities Expo. SuperCaptainBraveMan books provide kids with entertainment, representation, and a call to “Lead with Kindness.” We are so honored to be a part of this three-day event!

Catch us at booth 446 where you can purchase SuperCaptainBraveMan books, select merchandise, and meet Kyle and the rest of his Super Team.

The Abilities Expo is in Los Angeles, March 15-17 at the LA Convention Center, West Hall. Doors open at 11 am and admission is free! Just register before the event at abilities.com/losangeles.

We can’t wait to see you there!

Read Across America Week 2024

It’s Read Across America Week and we could not be more excited to share SuperCaptainBraveMan stories with you!

Read Across America Week is celebrated yearly on March 2nd through March 6th and begins on the birthday of author and cartoonist, Dr. Seuss. He wrote great children’s books that you may know, like The Grinch That Stole Christmas, Horton Hears a Who!, and The Cat in the Hat!

A special organization called The National Education Association (N.E.A.) encourages people everywhere to pick up a book and read, especially kids! There are so many great events and celebrations at this time in libraries, schools, and community centers!

The SuperCaptainBraveMan Team kicked off this great time of year at Lokrantz Elementary School in Los Angeles! We were invited to read our SuperCaptainBraveMan Books to the entire school at assembly.

We had a blast sharing SuperCaptainBraveMan’s stories and spreading our lesson about the Super Power of Kindness to all the kids and staff.

We hope you have a great Read Across America Week and you spend time with your friends and family reading amazing stories!

Real Life American Heroes: Ketanji Brown Jackson

Hi, SuperCaptainBraveFans! This is our latest article in our continued celebration of Black History Month about real-life African American Heroes. Today, we celebrate US lawyer and Supreme Court Justice, Ketanji Brown Jackson!

Ketanji Brown Jackson was born in Washington D.C., our nation’s capital, but was raised in Miami, Florida. As a child, she had an interest in law and leadership early on in life. Her mother was a school principal and her father was an attorney. In high school, Ketanji Brown Jackson was on the debate team and was her high school class president. She attended Harvard University where she studied law and government. Ketanji Brown Jackson was the editor of the Harvard Law Review, a very important law journal! She graduated in 1996 and married her husband, Patrick Jackson.

After college, Ketanji Brown Jackson worked as a law clerk for federal judges. She worked for Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer in 1999 and spent many days doing research about cases. As an attorney, Ketanji Brown Jackson worked as a Public Defender. A Public Defender represents people who are accused of crimes but aren’t able to pay for their own attorneys.

Ketanji Brown Jackson was selected to serve in the United States Sentencing Commission in 2010 by President Barack Obama. This governing body is in charge of making the sentences of people who commit crimes fair and just. Here, she advocated for people who had unfair and harsh sentences. Ketanji Brown Jackson was known to help everyone in the Commission find common ground and agree on rules to employ.

In 2022, Ketanji Brown Jackson was nominated by President Joe Biden to be a Justice of the Supreme Court. On June 30th, Ketanji Brown Jackson became Justice Jackson, replacing Justice Breyer as a Supreme Court Justice. The Supreme Court is the highest court in America! This court makes the decisions that every court in the country must follow. Alongside her colleagues, it is Justice Jackson’s responsibility to protect and uphold the rights and freedoms expressed in the Constitution.

Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson has made American history by becoming the first Black Woman to take a seat on the high court. She is an inspirational hero who upholds the oath to defend and protect our nation and democracy by serving our country.

Thanks for reading our article about African American Hero, Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson! Join us again throughout the month of February as we continue to highlight African American Heroes for Black History Month!

Real Life American Heroes: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Hi, SuperCaptainBraveFans! In honor of our continued celebration of Black History Month, we’re highlighting real-life African American Heroes. Our first Hero is Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Martin Luther King Jr. was a courageous man who inspired people everywhere during a time in American History called segregation. Segregation was when people of different races, ethnic groups, and skin colors were separated in their daily lives. This law meant people of different races couldn’t go to the same hospitals, or go to the same schools, or even use the same bathrooms. This separation caused a lot of racial prejudice, or treating other people negatively because of the color of their skin.

Dr. King grew up in Atlanta, Georgia, and experienced a lot of this racial prejudice as a young boy. This inspired his life mission of achieving justice and equality for Americans of all races. Dr. King’s belief in non-violent and peaceful protest against this unjust law was adopted by people across the country to bring social change.

These protests were met with hardships. Dr. King was arrested several times while peacefully protesting segregation. Although it was difficult, Dr. King continued to fight for the rights of equality for Americans everywhere, these liberties are called Civil Rights. In 1964, Dr. King and his supporters achieved the goal of the Civil Rights Act, a law that outlawed racial segregation. This rule was signed into law by President Lyndon B. Johnson with Dr. King by his side.

 Dr. King received the Nobel Peace Prize, a high honor that is given to people who encourage peace around the world, in 1964. In that same year, Dr. King gave his most famous speech, the “I Have A Dream” speech, which was delivered at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. This helped boost nationwide support for the end of segregation. His role in the Civil Rights Movement inspired many to speak out against racial inequality. In 1968, Dr. King was shot at a hotel in Memphis, Tennessee. He passed away that same day.

 Martin Luther King Jr. is remembered today as one of the best speakers in American history, a true leader of the Civil Rights Movement, and a hero for positive change. Every third Monday in January is Martin Luther King Jr. Day, a day when we honor his legacy and the amazing changes he helped make to give all of us the equality we deserve.

 Dr. King once said, “Injustice everywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” This philosophy, or belief, lives on in the hearts of Americans. Martin Luther King Jr. was an American Hero who continues to inspire us to stand up for what’s right.

 Thanks for reading our article about African American Hero, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.! Join us again throughout the month of February as we continue to highlight African American Heroes for Black History Month!

Winter Wonderland! Inclusive Activities for Children of All Abilities

Winter is a magical season filled with snowflakes and the joy of spending time with friends and family. For children of all abilities, the chilly weather provides a perfect canvas for creating lasting memories together. In this article, we'll explore a variety of winter activities that are not only fun but also inclusive, thanks to adaptive equipment provided by companies committed to ensuring every child can participate in the wonders of the snowy season.

1. Let’s Build A Snowman! ☃️ Gather the gang and embark on a snowman-building adventure! This classic winter activity is perfect for fostering teamwork and creativity. For children with mobility challenges, consider providing adaptive tools like molds, making it easier for everyone to contribute to the creation of their unique snow friend. Some can even be made indoors with snow-like materials!

2. Adaptive Ice Skating! ⛸️ For an inclusive ice skating experience, turn to organizations like Inclusive Skating and US Figure Skating for recreational programs that welcome kids of all abilities. Companies like Gliding Stars and Riedell offer great products like adaptive ice skates and stabilizers. Many ice rinks now offer inclusive skating sessions, equipped with these adaptive tools, ensuring that every child can glide gracefully across the ice.

3. Winter Nature Scavenger Hunt! 🔍 Take part in a nature scavenger hunt with inclusive considerations. Here’s how to set up a scavenger hunt using AAC. Here are links from KC Edventures and Green Child Magazine for winter wonderland searching suggestions and printable lists.

4. Sensory Snow Painting! 🎨 Engage in sensory snow painting with adaptive equipment like specially designed spray bottles and tools that allow children with different abilities to create vibrant masterpieces on the snow, providing both a creative and sensory experience. Active Hands is a great website for products to aid in gripping. Here’s a great blog on how to create your own snowy sensory experience for kids.

5. Adaptive Sledding Fun! 🛷 Enjoy the thrill of sledding with adaptive sleds that come in all shapes and sizes. These sleds are designed to accommodate various mobility needs, ensuring that every child can experience the exhilaration of sliding down the hill.

6. Winter Storytime and Crafts! ❄️ Indoor winter activities can be inclusive too. Read the awesome books from the SuperCaptainBraveMan collection — they all celebrate diversity and inclusivity. Make endless crafts using adaptive art supplies from places like Zot Artz and Blick, empowering people of all abilities to express themselves through their creations.

7. Accessible Winter Sports! For those who are ready to take on the slopes or other winter adventures, check out this list of Adaptive Skiing Centers across the US and this list of Winter Adaptive Sports & Recreation Activities for People with Disabilities. These places ensure that folks with different abilities can participate in a variety of winter sports.

Winter is a season for everyone to come together and create joyful memories. With more options now than ever, children of all abilities can enjoy the magic of winter with adaptive equipment, toys, and experiences. So, bundle up, grab your mittens, and let the inclusive winter adventures begin!

Diversity and Inclusivity in Children’s Literature: Educating with Compassion

Make it stand out

Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

Children’s books are our first steps into the adventures of literature. From the earliest of ages, children enter a world filled with authors and characters that become as dear to them as anyone in the real world. They become our children’s first teachers, friends, and companions.

Authors like Dr. Seuss, characters like The Berenstain Bears, and sleepy-time staples like Good Night, Moon help shape our children’s moral compass, compassion, and awareness in loving and entertaining ways. SuperCaptainBraveMan is so proud to be among such literary giants when you and your family choose quality children’s book content.

Diversity and inclusivity are critical aspects of children’s lives, and, in turn, Children’s books can and should reflect the world around them. While the classic tales of our childhoods still hold lessons every child should know, it is essential to ensure that all children, regardless of their abilities, race, sexual orientation, or family background, are represented in the stories they read.

Representation Matters

For children with disabilities, finding characters, they can relate to in books can be challenging. We all love a good superhero story! Where the main character fights the bad guy, saves the friend, and learns new ways to share their powers with others! It is easy to get attached to that character and find ways you’re similar to them. But how about if that superhero has a trach? Or if he’s wearing his cool AFO leg braces? What happens when a child with disabilities sees a superhero with disabilities? When children with disabilities see characters with similar experiences, it can help them feel seen, heard, and validated. We can attest to this fact every time a mother, father, or caretaker tells us that their child with a disability sees themself in SuperCaptainBraveMan.

Similarly, children from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds may not always see themselves reflected in the books they read. By including diverse characters in children’s books, we can help all children feel seen and cherished.

Breaking Stereotypes

Children's books featuring diverse characters can also help to break down stereotypes and biases. For example, children's books that feature characters with disabilities can help to dispel myths about what it means to have a disability. Books that depict characters from different races and ethnic backgrounds can also help to break down stereotypes and promote understanding.

It is important that children's books featuring diverse characters are written and illustrated respectfully and authentically. A refreshing dive into newer children's books showcase authors and illustrators who have lived experience, are diverse, or have done extensive research to create realistic and nuanced portrayals of diverse characters.

Encouraging Empathy

Reading children's books featuring diverse characters can also encourage empathy and understanding in children. When children see characters who are different, it can help them develop a broader perspective and a greater understanding of the world around them. This can lead to greater compassion and empathy for others, encourage kids to learn about customs different from theirs, and lead with kindness.

Promoting Inclusivity

We are so lucky to live in a time where children's books represent various experiences, backgrounds, and abilities. The amount of different voices and stories Children's books provide only helps build our children's view of the ever-changing yet beautiful world we all share. Children's literature can be critical in promoting acceptance and celebrating diversity as we work towards a more inclusive society.

Kindness: A Secret Super Power!

Superheroes like SuperCaptainBraveMan have extraordinary abilities! They can jump high, fly amongst birds, and lift the heaviest objects. But what if we told you that a secret Super Power exists in everyone? It's a simple power that all kids have and can use to save any day. Of course, we're talking about the Super Power of Kindness! While being Kind is an innate action, it is important to remind ourselves now and then to lead with Kindness.

Why is Kindness so important?

Fostering Kindness early in life is vital in raising empathetic and compassionate children. "Kindness helps children's mental health, their resilience, as well as their peak performance," educational psychologist and author of Thrivers: The Surprising Reasons Why Some Kids Struggle and Some Kids Shine, Michele Borba states. "Practicing empathy helps a child develop a kindness mindset. They say, 'I see myself as a kind person,' and then they're more likely to keep doing it."

What is the best way to encourage a Kindness Mindset?

Reading books with your child is a fantastic way to promote their Super Power of Kindness. Reading quality stories to children and analyzing character emotions in real-time can help foster empathy cognition. A simple question of, "What do you think this character is feeling right now?" promotes critical thinking and can develop empathetic thoughts that segue into leading with Kindness.

How can I create a kind environment?

The best way to create and maintain a kind environment is by example! Parents and caretakers are often a child's first teachers. Children can learn to lead with Kindness by employing empathy and compassion in daily interactions.

Another way is to validate a child's emotions. Even during a child's frustration or anger, an excellent method to steer back to Kindness is to talk your child through their frustration. "They also learn a key lesson," Borba says. "Compassion in action is one of the best ways to help another and yourself."

Kindness is a Super Power everyone possesses, and it can assemble bonds, leaders, and lessons essential to creating a better world. Children can share Kindness in so many different ways. Equipping them with healthy and positive Kindness Mindsets can help propel their confidence.

Share your Super Power of Kindness at every opportunity!

https://micheleborba.com/books/thrivers/

We found Michele Borba's book, Thrivers: The Surprising Reasons Why Some Kids Struggle and Some Kids Shine, a great resource.

https://www.supercaptainbraveman.com/shop/hardcover-fab-five

SuperCaptainBraveMan Books are great stories to kick off conversations about Kindness! Check out our bundles by clicking the link!

Going on a Day Trip

Hello SuperCaptainBraveFAM!

Disclaimer: Please be aware that the information below is based on our own experiences and, to our knowledge, correct as of January 2020. Procedures and facilities may change when locations re-open.

Once upon a time, and in a soon-to-be time once again, we went on day trips with Kyle. Living in Southern California, there are many sights to see and places to visit.

Learning about the space shuttle Endeavor at the California Science Center.

We’ve been to the Getty Villa and learned about Greek and Roman artwork. We’ve taken Kyle to the zoo, the Natural History Museum, and our local outdoor theater to watch “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”.

But it’s not just about trips that make any school field trip planner proud. It’s about pure fun, too.

We visit pop up art locations, local amusement parks like Universal Studios and the Disneyland Resort, and—more recently—drive through exhibits like the Holiday Road light show this past Christmas.

Visiting Disneyland in 2018

But for all of these trips, research had to be done to find out the usual details. Where is it located? How much are tickets? Are there tickets? Will we have to pay for parking? Where are the First Aid Stations? Where are the elevators? Are there elevators? Will there be grounded outlets available in case our batteries need to be recharged?

Every family has a checklist. And yours might not include the last 4 on ours. But if it does, I’m here to share some of the tips and tricks we’ve learned over the years to make day trips as fun and safe as possible.

The question at the top of our travel list is always: how long will we be out?

As a ventilator and oxygen dependent child, the amount of battery life and oxygen in his tanks is limited. We’ve definitely had to brush off some math skills to calculate how long an oxygen tank will last on a trip and how many tanks we should bring with us. Along with how many tanks are allowed at any particular venue.

Our rule of thumb is bringing at least 2 extra oxygen tanks when we go out for the day. Depending on where we’re going, oxygen tanks might not be allowed. So, we’ve had to check online and call different locations if we have any questions.

Nurse Brigette with extra oxygen tanks for the day.

Luckily, this information is relatively easy to find out. The majority of locations—museums, amusement parks, even pop-up exhibits—have a “Contact Us” page with an email and phone number. All we have to do is ask our questions.

I can only remember one instance where having an oxygen tank with us posed a bit of a problem. And the issue had to do with a pyrotechnic aspect of the show we watched. The team member I spoke to was extremely helpful in explaining what alternatives were available to us. And we all got to watch the show—with Kyle using his portable oxygen concentrator for a short while in lieu of his oxygen tank.

Another question we need answered when we go out is: how accessible is the location?

Watching The Nightmare Before Christmas LIVE! @ the Hollywood Bowl, Oct. 2018

Thanks to the Americans with Disabilities Act, many buildings have wheelchair access. Disabled parking spaces, ramps, and elevators are among the things we look for when considering a place to visit.

A prime example of how different locations adapt to these accessibility concerns is the movie theater. Kyle loves watching movies and live shows in the theater. And of all the theaters we’ve visited, several are definitely higher on our list of “theaters to visit”.

In the age of online ticket purchasing, I’m sure many of you have had to pick your seats among a grid of colored squares. And on this grid, you’ll find specialized wheelchair and wheelchair companion seats.

Some movie theaters might have these seats on “ground level” or the same level as the entrance to the theater. Some have them in the back row—if the entrance to the theater is near the back row of seats. Some have the seats at or near the very front right by the screen.

And some—like Kyle’s favorite movie theater—have seating near the top of the theater and is accessible through special elevators and hallways.

There were a few times the elevators malfunctioned. These things happen. And each time, the staff at the movie theater did their best to offer us alternatives ranging from ticket vouchers to another showing, to ticket exchanges to a different movie in a theater we could access, to the option of an escort for using the service elevator instead.

Excited to watch Black Panther at our favorite movie theater

Using the service elevator was fun. Every kid has a dream of exploring a cave system at least once in their life. And travelling the echoing, bare cement back hallways of a movie theater was definitely the 21st century equivalent of a cave system. One that smelled of popcorn.

These options were offered to us when we asked what we could do next. So, don’t be afraid to call your local movie theater—when it’s safe to watch movies in theaters again—and ask any questions you have.

Question 3 on our checklist is: where are the First Aid Stations?

It’s along the lines of knowing your fire exits. If you need emergency care, or a quiet place to care for the needs of your child, or a place to store medication that needs to be refrigerated, then knowing where the First Aid Stations are is an important part of going on a day trip with a special-needs member in your group.

When visiting places like museums or theaters, there might not be a dedicated area for first aid that has a qualified employee that can help. In that case, we make sure that we have what we might need with us and that it’s stuff we can carry comfortably.

Jennifer Norman and Kyle at KCON 2017

Being half-Korean, Kyle and his mom, SuperCaptainBraveMan author Jennifer Norman, attended KCON in 2017 with some of his nursing team. KCON is the world’s largest fan celebration of Korean culture and music. And was held that year at the Los Angeles Convention Center. While there, the staff showed us to the First Aid room and were very responsive to our questions during the K-Pop performances at the nearby Staples Center. (The elevators used to get to the seating area are pretty cool.)

Amusement & theme parks, convention centers, and sports complexes often have dedicated First Aid Stations staffed by qualified employees like EMTs, LVNs/LPNs, or even RNs.

The Disneyland Resort, for instance, has a First Aid Station in both parks staffed by Registered Nurses. Universal Studios Hollywood also has one adjacent to the Animal Actors amphitheater in the Upper Lot and a second one in the Lower Lot. There is also an active LAFD Fire Station on the Universal Studios property.

In both cases, we stopped by each First Aid Station and filled out paperwork outlining our equipment and supplies. In the case of Disneyland, we were allowed to store our extra oxygen tanks at the First Aid Station. While there, we were also given a list of rides/attractions that were wheelchair accessible—which was a longer list than I’d anticipated, TBH. (More about that in a future post.)

These stations were also a good place for some quiet when the excitement of the day came close to overstimulating Kyle. But I wouldn’t recommend camping out on a bed when it might be needed for another person. Heat stroke is definitely no joke.

There are usually several semi-hidden spots in theme parks for overstimulated kids and their parents to hang out and rest. Be sure to ask at the ticket counter or guest services and they’re sure to offer a few suggestions. Facebook groups and similar online forums are a good place to ask for specific attractions and events local to you.

Now, it seems like it’s been ages since many of us have gone on a vacation or even a day trip. For many, it was as simple as picking a place to go, making sure we were dressed correctly for the activity, pack a snack, and getting in the car.

For those living adaptive lives and their families, a day out might have a few more steps, but those steps lead to a heap of fun.

What tips and tricks do you use when planning day trips with your family? Comment down below or share them with us on our Facebook page.

As always, stay safe and stay brave, SuperCaptainBraveFAM!

Kyle's decorated stateroom door on our 2019 Disney cruise

Blog preview:

We are a big Disney family. And Kyle has visited Disneyland on multiple occasions and even went on a Disney cruise in 2019! I’ve got a whole blog series planned about our trips, including how we managed a 3-day stint at sea.  

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