Special Considerations
While a family reunion is a great chance for the family to get
together, it's important to remember your elderly or disabled
family members, and take their special needs into consideration.
Although some of these family members may be happy just sitting
around shooting the breeze, others may want to join in the fun.
Organization
If you have elderly or disabled family members that will be
attending, you might want to consider creating a special
subcommittee just for this purpose. This subcommittee would be
responsible for determining if there are any family members with
special needs (disabilities, special diets, etc). This is done
easily enough by adding the following comment to the pre-reunion
survey, reunion announcement, or other early mailing... "If any
family member has special needs that the reunion committee should
be aware of, please contact John Doe". I assume Mister Spiffy
doesn't need to tell you to replace "John Doe" with the name of
the subcommittee chairman, and to add a way to contact him or her.
The subcommittee chairman should make a list of these special needs, and present them to the main reunion committee who can decide how to handle them. The subcommittee is then responsible for following through on whatever decision is made.
Reunion Types and Locations
One of the big considerations is the type (and location) of your
reunion, and whether it is feasible for elderly or disabled family
members. Now Mister Spiffy isn't saying not to have good active
reunions, just make sure that there is something to do for
everyone. For example, if you want to have a reunion at a water
park, make sure that those who can't (or don't want to) slide have
something to do besides sitting around getting sunburned. Make
sure there is plenty of shade, and comfortable places to sit around
and chat. Most importantly, if you are having a reunion at a
public or private site, make sure the facilities are accessible
to all family members who will be attending.
Games and Activities
Make sure that there are at least a few activities that anyone can
participate in, including elderly or disabled family members.
Have a deck of cards or some board games for the less mobile family
members.
Food
One item that many people overlook when planning a reunion is the
special diets of some family members. It isn't necessary to plan
the entire menu around a person's special diet, just make sure
nobody has to go hungry (the number one family reunion sin,
according to Mister Spiffy). Here is the
ultimate resource for people on special diets.
Travel
One of the bigger considerations for elderly or disabled family
members is travel to and from the reunion (as well as any necessary
travel while at the reunion).