Dinner with friends. Bowling. Mini golf. A movie. Sometimes the simplest experiences are the ones that matter most. Friday Night Out helps schools create opportunities for young people with disabilities to spend time with their peers outside the classroom, building friendships, independence and connection along the way.
Belonging and social connection are important to every young person, yet social isolation is a growing concern for youth. For young people with disabilities, the risk can be even greater. Opportunities to spend time with friends outside of school, something many of their peers take for granted, may be limited by transportation, support needs, accessibility or simply a lack of opportunity.
Friday Night Out helps address that gap. By giving schools the resources to create after-school social experiences, students have more opportunities to spend time with friends, participate in their communities and build the relationships that contribute to a sense of belonging.
Schools choose an outing their students will enjoy, from dinner and bowling to movies or games. Students get time with friends, explore their community and make choices for themselves.
An outing gives students a chance to use skills they’ve practiced at school. Therapists and staff can help them prepare for communication, mobility, decision-making and navigating new places.
While students enjoy time with friends, caregivers get a few hours for themselves, knowing their young person is supported and having fun.
Want to give your students more opportunities to connect, have fun and build friendships outside the school day? Friday Night Out grants help make it possible by funding the outing, dinner, transportation and appropriate adult supervision.
The people who know Friday Night Out best are the educators making it happen. Hear why they value the program, what it means to their students and how easy it is to get started.
6809 Main Street, #19
Cincinnati, OH 45244