Having a Meaningful Day: Resources

Offering someone a meaningful day means supporting people with developmental disabilities to explore their interests and how they are connected to other people through those interests.

A meaningful day is about self-empowerment, learning, and developing skills, with a goal of helping people realize who they are, what they are capable of, and how they can connect with other people.

Even under the stay-at-home order, a meaningful day made up of planned and purposeful opportunities is possible. An important thing to remember is that these experiences should be goals bigger than just filling time. 

Being at home can still offer the opportunity to

  • explore new interests, hobbies, and ideas that have never been explored before, via the internet, streaming, phone calls, etc.;
  • develop or maintain skills, abilities, and possible opportunities for supported or competitive jobs;
  • explore or maintain skills, abilities, and possible interest in post-secondary educational opportunities or volunteer activities;
  • experience virtual companionship with friends and peers;
  • learn or develop new skills to support and increase independence;
  • and find new skills or interests by creating a discovery journal, which can help people express thoughts and feelings, as well as find and define goals and ambitions.

For ideas on how to help individuals with DD have a meaningful day during this Stay at Home period, visit: