This month has been so much fun diving into practical supplies and tools that we can use in disability ministry! In case you missed our emails this month, we've talked about laminators/lamination sheets, Velcro and adhesives, adaptive art supplies, and switch-adapted toys!

Today we are talking about fidgets!

When I worked in the post-secondary inclusive education setting, we would have “Person-Centered Planning Meetings” for students that were very similar to IEP meetings, but for college students. As part of these meetings, the conference room table would be covered in fidgets.

One thing I found very interesting in each of these meetings was that the students weren't the only ones who utilized the fidgets. Everyone did! Parents, contributing professors, advisors, etc. Everyone enjoyed having something to do with their hands.

WHAT ARE FIDGETS?

If you've spent any time in a special education classroom or disability ministry setting, you are probably very familiar with at least the existence of fidgets. Fidgets can be helpful tools for friends with disabilities in a number of ways. They can provide safe, appropriate outlets for stimming (self-stimulating behavior), increase students' focus, and provide sensory input.

There are so many options of fidgets out there, so I've compiled a list of some of my favorites and some subscribers' favorites that you can try out in your own ministry or home!

Brooke's Favorite Fidgets

Tangle Fidgets

I don't know that this is the exact term for this type of fidget, but you probably get what I'm saying. Tangle Fidgets are anything that can be manipulated, stretched, twisted, tied, etc. These allow for tactile exploration and promote fine motor skills! Some of my favorite Tangle Fidgets have been Monkey Noodles, Wacky Tracks, and Pop Tubes.

Fair warning: Pop Tubes can be noisy, but are weirdly still one of my favorites!

Spinners and Poppers

These seem to be the types of fidgets people are most familiar with, as they're often really easy to find in the toy section. Spinners and poppers are great for repetitive tactile input, which can help with self-regulation and focus.

These cool transformer spinners were recommended by curriculum subscriber, Ashley. She said, “These fidgets don’t make noise, don’t come apart easily, and don’t scream sensory support - our inclusion/older participants really like them!”

Visual Fidgets

These are great for friends who need a break from noise. Bubble timers, lava lamps, and sensory bottles provide visual stimulation and calm the mind. Think of it like watching a fish tank on a very small scale!

Adaptive Seating

Okay, okay, this doesn't really count as a “fidget" as we might usually think of one, but adaptive seating does provide sensory input that can help many students be more successful in the classroom. Adaptive seating is one my favorite suggestions for wiggly friends who benefit from movement but can't take a movement break every 5 minutes.

Wiggle seats, Therabands (attached across the front legs of the chair), and yoga balls are great options for this!