There’s no denying that mini golf is a fun game for every age group, which is just one of the many reasons that starting your own mini golf course establishment could be an exciting business venture for you. While all the courses we design and construct at Harris Mini Golf abide by the Americans with Disabilities (ADA) Act, there are several things you can do to make sure that kids with special needs are able to have just as much fun as everyone else while playing. Read on to find out how to make the game of mini golf more inclusive for kids with special needs.
Mini Golf for Kids with Hearing Loss
Hearing loss is one of the most common disabilities in America. There are some simple steps you can take to help kids with hearing loss enjoy mini golf:
- Schedule lessons or sessions for off-peak hours to allow for more personalized attention.
- Focus on visual, demonstrative instructions and guidance instead of auditory cues.
- Stand as close to the child as possible when conveying instructions and make use of gestures where necessary.
- Inform all necessary parties about the child’s hearing loss so everyone stays safe
Mini Golf for Kids with Vision Impairments
There’s no reason that kids with vision impairments cannot enjoy mini golf. Some tips for helping children with impaired vision enjoy the game include:
- Give the child some time to explore the mini golf course before starting the game. Encourage them to use tactile sensory awareness to get familiar with the layout of the land and the equipment.
- Use brightly colored balls or balls with a bell in them if necessary.
- Reduce the range of the playing space as needed.
- Implement a buddy system.
Mini Golf for Kids in Wheelchairs
Children who rely on a wheelchair to get around can certainly join in the game of mini golf. Try out the following tips to make the game a more enjoyable experience for them:
- When conveying instructions, lower yourself to the child’s level so that you are making eye contact with the child.
- Use shorter clubs if necessary and allow the child some time to practice.
- Whenever possible, introduce new rules into the game to limit quick wheelchair movements and ensure safety.
Mini Golf for Kids with Limited Mobility
Limited mobility in the arms and legs can mean different things to different children. If a child has limited movement in their legs and/or arms, the following adaptations can help:
- Use the lightest clubs possible.
- Introduce a Velcro mitt to help with gripping if needed.
- Modify the rules according to the child’s abilities. For example, allowing the child an extra swing or two per shot.
Harris Miniature Golf Builds Fully Accessible Mini Golf Courses
Everyone deserves to have a fun and rewarding mini golf experience, no matter their abilities. Harris Mini Golf is proud to design ADA compliant miniature golf courses for kids with special needs to keep them engaged and involved in the game.
We have over 60 years of experience in building mini golf courses to suit our clients’ needs, and we will always work around the unique contours of your grounds. Work with us to build a fully accessible miniature golf course that encourages an enjoyable experience for all.
Feel free to take a look at our gallery for past projects we have worked on and contact us today to get started!
