Summer is in full swing, and if you’re parenting a child with a disability, you know that “summer fun” often comes with a whole lot of planning, prep, and pivoting. While many kids count down the days to backyard parties and fourth of July fireworks, those same summer highlights can be overwhelming for our kiddos. Not to mention the challenge of finding accessible activity ideas across California — indoors and out — that keep kids engaged, building skills, and still soaking up the joy of summer.
In this newsletter:
☀️ Tips for creating your own sensory-friendly summer
🛝 25+ activities to keep kids moving and learning all summer
🕶️ Your screen time survival guide
⚠️ Undivided Updates: Medi-Cal, IHSS, Medicaid, & more!
🎒 July 9 office hours: life after high school
🍦 Undivided Conversations: device addiction + sensory diets
For many families, summer means added challenges and a whole lot of planning. That’s why we’ve pulled together ideas and resources to help your family build a summer that actually works — and feels good — for your child. Whether you’re looking for quiet ways to explore the outdoors, searching for accessible activities that don’t involve screens or video games, tips for managing sensory overload on the go, or just a few ways to fill those long hours with learning, social interaction, exercise, we’ve got you covered.
Sensory-friendly summer, here we come!
Worried about sensory overload this summer? You’re not alone — the season’s typical fun can quickly become too much for our kiddos. Even to-do’s like getting a haircut or dentist visit can feel overwhelming. But with a little planning, you can create a summer that works for your child. Whether you’re after fun, structure, or a bit of low-key learning, we’ve got expert tips for everything from beach days and parties to sensory needs, sleep, travel, and more! Catch the full article online or hear the highlights in our bite-sized, AI-powered podcast!
Keep kids moving and learning all summer!
- 25+ fun, skill-building summer activities→🎡 Explore our list of 25+ Activities to Keep Kids Moving & Learning All Summer for fun, budget-friendly activities that help kids stay active and build skills, including fine and gross motor skills, executive functioning, language development, and imaginative play.
- Don’t miss our ultimate screen time guide!→📱 Read our article Device Addiction and Screen Time Survival Guide for Parents of Kids with Disabilities for insights on what to do if your child connects more online than in person, how technology can be a positive force, tips for fostering a healthy, balanced relationship with devices, and much more!
- Socialization summer!→🌴 Summer’s calling, and while everyone’s eager to enjoy the sunshine, many parents are also thinking about how to keep kids learning, growing, and making friends during the break. Find tons of tips in our article Socialization and Inclusion: Nurturing Authentic Peer Relationships.
⚠️ This week in Undivided Updates⚠️
California→ On June 24, Governor Gavin Newsom and state lawmakers announced a budget deal that brings some relief for families relying on Medi-Cal and IHSS. California is dipping into its “rainy day” savings to cover the rising costs of Medi-Cal. Here’s what you need to know:
- The current IHSS overtime cap will stay at 66 and 70 hours/week.
- IHSS will continue to be available regardless of immigration status.
- Medi-Cal will still be frozen for new, undocumented applicants.
- Existing Medi-Cal recipients will receive a $30/month copay instead of $100 and a 3-month grace period for renewal.
- The asset limit for individuals on Medi-Cal will be restored but at the higher figure of $130,000. Most people can avoid this by saving in an Able Account.
What can you do?→ Unfortunately, millions in cuts to the Self-Determination Program are still in the California budget. Lawmakers are now working on a bill to finalize new restrictions. Now’s the time to email your Assemblymember and share how SDP has helped your family, especially the ability of SDP to address your child’s unmet needs. Get more details about these updates in our article on California budget proposals.
Federal→ Good news! This morning, the Senate’s nonpartisan rules expert (called the parliamentarian) said no to some major Medicaid cuts in Trump’s ‘One Big, Beautiful Bill,’ including a plan to limit how states raise money for Medicaid through provider taxes — a common way states get more federal funding to keep services going. Also blocked, for now, is a proposal that would have banned Medicaid from covering gender-affirming care, and a rule that would have cut off Medicaid for some non-citizen recipients. There is still time for Senators to propose other ways to cut Medicaid. Let’s keep the pressure up to say no to any Medicaid cuts!
What can you do?→ Lawmakers still have several meetings ahead before anything becomes final and your voice can still make a difference, so please write to your representatives. The administration is pushing to sign the final bill on July 4, but it’s not clear if that deadline will stick. See details in our article here.
Join us for expert office hours→ Do you have a teen preparing for future plans after high school? Join us on Wednesday, July 9, 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. PT for office hours with Undivided’s Transition Specialist, Nicole Morris. Nicole will be available to answer Undivided member questions about work experiences and career counseling through the Department of Rehabilitation, planning for public benefits after age 18, and more. If you’re not an Undivided member yet, get started here to join us for office hours every week.
- Saturday, June 28 at 10:00 a.m. PT→ Device Addiction. Join us for this re-streamed conversation with Erin Cantwell, PhD, and Alishia Qadri, doctoral extern, as they share insights on managing device addiction in kids.
- Sunday, June 29 at 10:00 a.m. PT→ Creating Effective Sensory Diets. Tune in to this re-streamed conversation with Kelli Smith, MS, OTR/L, and Dr. Marielly Mitchell, OTD, OTR/L, SIPT, SWC, as they share expert tips on building a sensory diet that fits your child’s unique needs.
One of our parent members told us, “I no longer have to worry about spending hours researching information online. I can go to one place and find what I need. It’s been wonderful.”
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If you’re scheduling appointments for non-preferred activities this summer, Navigator Jen has tips for getting things done without burning out your kiddo! Check out the video on our YouTube channel→
If your to-do list has been piling up for summertime, you’re not alone! What tasks are you tackling during the school break? Join the discussion in our private Facebook group→
How do we help our children socialize and make friends while school is out? Hear tips for summer from Navigator Gabi on our Instagram→
Join us in our mission to share empowering resources for parents, providers, and anyone who cares for children with disabilities. Connect with Undivided on LinkedIn→
