Sometimes my daughter, S, brings home coloring pages she did at day program. She's 29 years old. I know that she likes to do them and is disappointed if I don't give her positive feedback for them. I also receive gifts of pages colored with crayons from some of my friends with intellectual disabilities. They are proud of their accomplishments and I thank them for thinking of me when they give it to me.
People can do whatever they want with their leisure time. Coloring is probably relaxing, enjoyable, and affordable. And you don't need to make a person feel badly if this is what they have indicated they prefer to do. Just think about why an adult is coloring. Is it because nothing else has been offered? Is it because coloring is what has been taught to them and they have been rewarded for doing it?
Visualize the typical 55-year old coloring in a coloring book, your grandfather, perhaps. If you automatically offer coloring to a person with intellectual disabilities, it is possible you are infantilizing them. It is also an isolating event that does not encourage social interactions.
Individuals with disabilities have so many capabilities. Support them in finding their passion and building upon these capabilities.
Ideas:
1. At least wait for the person to ask to color. Don't offer it if they didn't.
2. Sketch book and coloring pencils - the art-quality kind.
3. Support them in making a connection with others.
4. Play cards - Play War.
5. Don't give coloring books and crayons as a gift to an adult with disabilities unless they asked for it.
6. Go out and see the world. There are lots of fun things to see and do that are free.
7. Bake and decorate a cupcake.
9. Visit a lovely person in a nursing home.
10. Research creative art projects and use media other than crayons.
11. Challenge yourself to help the person find adult crafts that interest them.
12. You can think of a million more ideas....
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