Summer Adventures with Miriam Smith and Her Son

Miriam Smith, Executive Director of Commonwealth Therapy and a former music therapist with Better2gether, knows firsthand the challenges and joys of raising a child with complex medical needs. Her son, who faces complex illness challenges, has inspired her to develop thoughtful strategies for creating memorable and manageable summer experiences. Here, Miriam shares her insights and practical tips for planning summer activities that ensure safety, accessibility, and fun for her family.

Essential Considerations for Summer Activities

When planning summer outings, Miriam emphasizes the importance of managing expectations and selecting destinations that offer accessibility and comfort. “The biggest thing is managing expectations,” she says. “Whether it’s a day at the beach or a visit to a theme park, it’s crucial to plan for allergy-friendly foods, accessible bathrooms, and cool, shady spaces.”

For Miriam, preparation becomes second nature. She uses apps like Gluten Dude to find allergy-friendly foods and restaurants and seeks out locations that are both enjoyable and accommodating. For instance, Pleasant’s Landing, north of Richmond, features covered pavilions and shallow waters with wheelchair accessibility, providing a perfect spot for a relaxed family day out.

The Power of Tools and Technology

Tools like Google Maps are invaluable in Miriam’s planning process. “Google Maps helps us find small, lesser-known parks that are perfect for our needs,” she explains. A memorable discovery was a park in Palmyra with shady islands and shallow river areas, ideal for her son’s sensory requirements.

Memorable Summer Experiences

One of Miriam’s favorite summer trips was to Williamsburg. They found a “secret beach” on the Colonial Parkway, surrounded by woods, free from the hustle and bustle of vehicles. They enjoyed allergy-friendly takeout from local restaurants, allowing them to “just be” and enjoy a meltdown-free day. “York River Park is our perfect paradise,” Miriam shares. “It’s safe, private, and offers the normalcy we crave.”

When planning overnight or multi-day trips, managing expectations is key. Miriam recalls a trip to the Bahamas where she prioritized a few key activities, understanding that not everything would go as planned. “We had a beautiful moment when my son connected with a blind cat, teaching others how to care for it. It was an unexpected and heartwarming experience,” she remembers.

Practical Tips for Other Caregivers

Miriam advises caregivers to allow their children to connect in their own unique ways, embracing their passions and interests. “Recognize how they connect and feed on their passions,” she suggests. For summer trips, she recommends keeping a well-packed bag with essentials like quiet card games, bouncy balls, and temperature-regulating items.

Finding travel agencies and online support groups specializing in special needs can also be incredibly helpful. Miriam highlights the importance of these resources in planning smooth and enjoyable trips.

Favorite Summer Activities

For Miriam and her son, the best summer activities are those that combine fun with accessibility. Whether it’s a simple day at the beach, a quiet nature walk, or a visit to a sensory-friendly park, the goal is to create meaningful experiences that accommodate her son’s needs.

Miriam’s Top Locations to Visit for Families

Planning a summer outing? Here are Miriam’s favorite spots that are both enjoyable and accommodating for families with complex medical needs:

• Colonial Beach: Features accessible bathrooms and changing rooms, a lovely beach area, and a variety of food and shopping options nearby.

• Chippokes State Park: Offers a short walk to the beach area, which might be challenging for wheelchairs, but has shallow water, lots of shells and shark teeth, and a beautiful ferry ride from Williamsburg.

• Great Shiplock Park: Located in the heart of RVA, it boasts a small beach cove and many accessible trails.

• Fort Harrison: Just south of Richmond, this park has nice trails, lots of shade, and a peaceful atmosphere.

• Darden Towne Park: In Charlottesville, this park has a river beach area with shallow water, perfect for walking and floating, and is close to shops and restaurants.

Explore these locations and create memorable experiences with your family!

Here’s to a safe and enjoyable summer for all B2g families!