Karaoke to cooking: These new adaptive programs in Shawnee emphasize social factor

Fun is getting a little more accessible, thanks to a new slate of programs from Shawnee Parks and Recreation. The city has recently established a larger slate of adaptive activities for a range of age groups.

Most of the programs started in January. Riki Kisner, adaptive recreation coordinator, said the Shawnee City Council created her position and opened the door for this new set of activities in response to requests from the community.

Kisner previously taught special education in the DeSoto School District.

When she’s creating programs or looking for volunteers and instructors to lead them, she first takes a range of disabilities into account. The programs “meet the participants where they are,” Kisner said.

That can mean taking an existing program and slowing things down, changing the end goals or doing something to make the class environment more comfortable.

Kisner welcomes anyone with special needs or who has a family member in need of this kind of support. You don’t even have to live in Shawnee to reach out to Kisner or take part in the programs.

And these adaptive programs are not exclusively for those with special needs. Anyone can join.

“My hope is that everyone will feel welcome attending programs, even if they don’t have an identified special need. We’d like our community to be as inclusive as possible,” Kisner said.

Ideally, if there is an issue requiring accommodation, it’s a good idea to reach out in advance to make sure organizers have things ready at the event.

But calling ahead isn’t a requirement. Kisner said that they can adapt things as they go, especially with recurring classes, when they see how people are doing with the activities.

Before launching the programs, Kisner surveyed the community to find out what people wanted to make life more enjoyable and what they wished the city could offer. The biggest request? Social events.

They want “an opportunity to come and have fun with friends and peers and have a chance to meet new people and enjoy the company of others,” Kisner said.

Karaoke nights, bingo and dances fall into that category. A recent princess-themed tea for kids had a special adaptive section an hour ahead of the main event that allowed for a less noisy, less crowded environment for a handful of children.

Becky Trower of Basehor has brought her 11-year-old daughter, Jenna, to a self-defense class, karaoke and a breakfast and bingo event.

“Jenna, because she’s a little bit younger than some of the kids, she was a little standoffish (at karaoke), but that’s the great thing about their program,” Trower said. “I feel like it’s a great social time for the kids, but the kids can participate at their own pace.”

Jenna, while not so comfortable singing, was able to get up and mime songs with a friend.

Trower looks all over the community, going to Johnson County Parks and Recreation, Special Olympics, the YMCA Challenger program, Camp Encourage and the Joshua Center to find opportunities for Jenna, and she’s thrilled to have another to add to the mix.

“With Jenna, not everything always goes smoothly, so it’s kind of scary sometimes to put yourself out there and enroll in some of these classes,” Trower said. “From the very first program (at Shawnee), it’s been a great experience every time. No one pushes anybody to do anything. You can make it a very relaxing atmosphere for the child.”

But adaptive programming isn’t just for kids. A lot of adults participate in many social events and opportunities, such as cooking classes.

At one recent class, participants learned to make bacon, eggs and toast, both for themselves and in a way that might help them work in a restaurant.

To discover more, go to https://www.cityofshawnee.org/departments/parks_recreation, choose online registration, then Adaptive Rec.