By: Amber Brown, OTS, and Morgan Golceker, MPH, OTAS

For many families, the holiday season can be a time of joy, connection, and tradition. Many of us look forward to shared meals, conversation with loved ones, and travel to see family. Yet for individuals who have physical, communication, or mobility challenges, these annual traditions can look and feel very different. Barriers like inaccessible environments, difficulty with travel, or challenges while communicating with loved ones can shift feelings about the holiday season from joy and excitement to frustration and anxiety. These hurdles highlight how much environmental consideration, support, and inclusion matter during this time of year. When families and loved ones understand how these barriers can impact participation, they can adapt their celebrations to honor the full spectrum of abilities and make sure that everyone has a place at the table.

Physical and Mobility Barriers During the Holidays

For individuals facing physical and mobility challenges, transportation and venue access can be significant barriers to holiday participation. Neven and Ectors (2023) highlight that “mobility … is one of the essential conditions to participate in professional, social and economic life” (p. 302). This also applies to being able to attend holiday gatherings. One of the most significant mobility hurdles faced by many year-round is access to public transportation. Many physical problems can arise while utilizing and relying on public transportation, including inaccessible routes and footpaths, inaccessible stations and stops, and limited accessible seating. Some people with disabilities have also reported negative attitudes from drivers, including impatience and intimidation (Neven & Ectors, 2023). Visiting loved ones in their homes for the holidays can present additional hurdles for those with physical and mobility challenges. Scheckler et al. (2022), from the Harvard Joint Center for Housing Studies, report that only about 0.15% of housing units in the United States are fully wheelchair accessible, and that fewer than 4% of residences are considered livable for people with moderate mobility difficulties. Once inside the home, further stressors can arise, such as maneuvering through crowded rooms full of people, food, and decorations (Piscopo, 2023). 

Communication and Social Participation 

Beyond physical access, communication barriers can also greatly affect a person’s ability to engage with loved ones and feel a sense of belonging during the holidays. Socializing can be more emotionally and physically demanding for people with communication difficulties due to challenges with receptive and/or expressive language. Ter Wal et al. (2023) interviewed adults with a range of speech and communication difficulties, including dysarthria, apraxia, aphasia, and voice and/or hearing problems. When asked about some of their greatest barriers with communication, several common themes emerged. Participants reported that the fast pace of some conversations did not give them enough time to properly process and respond to what the speaker was saying. Distractions during conversations, such as loud environments, were also commonly reported as barriers (Ter Wal et al., 2023). Additionally, recent research indicates that adults with expressive aphasia often feel “treated like [they’re] stupid” when communication partners become impatient or are unaware of their needs during conversation, which can lead them to withdraw from interactions altogether (Poirier et al., 2024). These individuals often experience frustration about not feeling heard or understood. Because of these factors, some people may opt to stay home, where there is less chance of feeling overwhelmed and fatigued, which can decrease social participation and connection during this time of year (Pulrang, 2023). 

Creating Inclusive and Supportive Gatherings

In light of these physical and communication barriers, including individuals of all abilities in holiday celebrations can help reduce isolation and promote a strong sense of belonging. Social interaction offers numerous health benefits, such as lowering the risk of chronic and serious illnesses, like stroke and heart disease, and supporting improvements in anxiety, depression, and sleep quality (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2024). Building supportive social connections has also been associated with increased longevity, better physical health, and enhanced overall well-being.

Creating inclusive celebrations not only encourages meaningful participation but also supports emotional wellness, helping everyone feel valued and connected. Below are several helpful recommendations to make holiday gatherings more accessible and welcoming:

Mobility & Physical Accessibility (Advocates for Life Skills & Opportunity, 2023; BraunAbility, 2025):

• Wheelchair-accessible venues with step-free entrances
• Arrange furniture to create wide, clear pathways for mobility devices
• Shovel walkways, clear snow/ice, and ensure safe entrances
• Provide seating options with armrests and varied heights
• Offer transportation assistance or coordinate accessible rides
• Remove or minimize obstacles like loose rugs or clutter
• Keep stair railings free of decorations that may interfere with grip

Communication Support (Hedinger, 2023; Smith, 2023):

• Allow extra time for processing and responding during conversations
• Use simple language; rephrase or repeat as needed without finishing sentences
• Incorporate non-verbal supports: gestures, writing, pictures, or communication boards/apps
• Create quiet, low-stimulation spaces for breaks from noise and crowds
• Face the person directly when speaking and ensure good lighting for lip reading
• Avoid overlapping conversations; take turns speaking
• Encourage family members and guests to initiate inclusive conversations

Hearing Accessibility (American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, n.d.):

• Reduce background noise by turning off music or TV during group conversations
• Seat guests to optimize hearing and visual cues (e.g., circle seating, good lighting)
• Avoid covering your mouth when speaking; use clear facial expressions
• Use assistive hearing devices or personal amplifiers if available
• Provide written summaries or key points for group discussions
• Get their attention first by gently touching their shoulder or directing their attention to you
• Use group conversation management: have one person speak at a time in group settings

Vision Accessibility (MAB Community Services, n.d.): 

• Use high-contrast plates and cups that contrast with the table surface
• Ensure proper lighting to support visibility and safety
• When decorating for the holidays, do not reorganize major items
• Verbally describe key parts of the environment and activities during the gatherings

Sensory & Environmental Accessibility (Advocates for Life Skills & Opportunity, 2023): 

• Set decorative lights to non-flashing, steady modes to reduce overstimulation
• Remove or turn off decorations that make constant sounds or motions if overwhelming
• Create a quiet retreat area for guests who need breaks from sensory input
• Use calming colors and avoid strong scents (for example, scented candles or strong perfumes)

Eating and Swallowing Accessibility (AmeriDisability, 2023):

• Label dishes with ingredients to help guests with dietary needs or allergies feel safe and informed
• Offer foods in different textures such as pureed or soft forms as needed

Importance of Inclusive Holiday Gatherings

Holiday gatherings offer opportunities for connection, reflection, and shared joy. By making intentional adjustments to the physical environment, communication approaches, and social expectations, hosts can create celebrations that support the comfort and dignity of all participants. These modifications do not need to be complex to be meaningful—small considerations often have the greatest impact. Inclusive holiday traditions ensure that every person feels seen, valued, and included. In this way, the holidays become not only a time of celebration but a reflection of care, respect, and community. Below is a simple checklist you can use to help guide your planning and ensure your gathering is welcoming for all:

Before the gathering:

• Communicate with the person and/or their caregivers about specific needs
• Prepare the environment to ensure accessibility
• Plan and label menu accommodations, including dietary or texture modifications

During the gathering:

• Check in regularly about comfort, sensory needs, and any necessary adjustments
• Stay flexible and willing to modify activities or the environment as needed
• Encourage participation in a supportive way, without pressure or expectation
• Share moments of joy together—laugh, connect, and simply enjoy each other’s company

Ultimately, inclusive holiday gatherings support not only comfort but also continued engagement in family and community life. When older adults and people with diverse abilities can join, contribute, and be heard, the holidays become a time when people of all ages and abilities can participate with purpose.

References

Advocates for Life Skills & Opportunity. (2023, November 20). 5 ways you can make your holiday get-togethers more accessible. https://alsoweb.org/nonprofit-blog/5-ways-you-can-make-your-holiday-get-togethers-more-accessible/

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. (n.d.). Around the holiday table: How to help loved ones with hearing loss at Thanksgiving. https://www.asha.org/about/press-room/around-the-holiday-table-how-to-help-loved-ones-with-hearing-loss-at-thanksgiving/

AmeriDisability. (2023, December 8). Holiday tips for individuals with disabilities. https://www.ameridisability.com/holiday-tips-for-individuals-with-disabilities/

BraunAbility. (2025, January 7). Tips for hosting a disability inclusive holiday party. https://www.braunability.com/us/en/blog/accessible-living/accessible-home-for-guests-at-holiday.html

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024, May 15). Social connection. https://www.cdc.gov/social-connectedness/about/index.html

Hedinger, T. (2023, December 5). Making holidays inclusive for people with speech and hearing challenges. Knoxville Moms. https://knoxvillemoms.com/making-holidays-inclusive-for-people-with-speech-and-hearing-challenges/

MAB Community Services. (n.d.). How to make the holiday season brighter for visually impaired relatives. https://www.mabcommunity.org/how-to-make-the-holiday-season-brighter-for-visually-impaired-relatives/

Neven, A., & Ectors, W. (2023). “I am dependent on others to get there”: Mobility barriers and solutions for societal participation by persons with disabilities. Travel Behaviour & Society, 30, 302-311. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tbs.2022.10.009

Piscopo, V. (2023, December 20). Holidays are both exciting and challenging for wheelchair users. United Spinal Association. https://unitedspinal.org/holidays-are-both-exciting-and-challenging-for-wheelchair-users/

Poirier, S.-È., Voyer, L.-A., Poulin, V., Lamontagne, M.-E., & Monetta, L. (2024). Communication challenges for people with chronic aphasia: A systematic qualitative review of barriers and facilitators in local services. Disabilities, 4(3), 616-631. https://doi.org/10.3390/disabilities4030038 

Pulrang, A. (2023, December 21). What the holidays mean to people with disabilities. Forbes. https://www.forbes.com/sites/andrewpulrang/2023/12/21/what-the-holidays-mean-to-people-with-disabilities/

Scheckler, S., Molinsky, J., & Airgood-Obrycki, W. (2022). How well does the housing stock meet accessibility needs? An analysis of the 2019 American Housing Survey. Joint Center for Housing Studies of Harvard University. https://www.jchs.harvard.edu/sites/default/files/research/files/harvard_jchs_housing_stock_accessibility_scheckler_2022_0.pdf

Smith, Z. (2023, November 15). Aphasia-friendly tips for inclusive holidays. Constant Therapy Health. https://constanttherapyhealth.com/brainwire/aphasia-friendly-tips-for-inclusive-holidays/

Ter Wal, N., van Ewijk, L., Dijkhuis, L., Visser-Meily, J. M. A., Terwee, C. B., & Gerrits, E. (2023). Everyday barriers in communicative participation according to people with communication problems. Journal of Speech, Language, and Hearing Research, 66(3), 1033–1050. https://doi.org/10.1044/2022_JSLHR-22-00405