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Hobbies, interests, and other activities

Find out what you enjoy and what you are good at. When you focus on what you can do, you'll have a better chance of feeling good and bouncing back when things don't go your way. Of course, it's always okay to make mistakes or lose the game — the most important thing is to enjoy what you are doing!

Try the following:

• Join a school or community service club
• Volunteer at a hospital
• Start a program in your school or community to teach others about your illness or disability
• Help an elderly neighbor plant a garden
• Offer to baby-sit for a neighbor
• Help your parents with chores
• Learn a new kind of exercise or join a sports team
• Play an instrument you’ve never tried before

Ready to find a new hobby, activity, or interest? Here are activities and opportunities that might interest you:

• The Juvenile Diabetes Foundation International Children’s Congress is an opportunity for children with type 1 diabetes to tell their stories to the nation's policymakers in Washington, D.C.
• The magazine Youth in Motion is looking for young people to send their stories, artwork, poetry, photographs, and other items. Learn more about the chance to be published in the Amputee Coalition of America’s magazine!
• Are you born to lead or ready to learn? The National Youth Leadership Network offers leadership training and development for youth with disabilities.
• The Muscular Dystrophy Association has an art program that highlights the work of artists of all ages with disabilities. Be a part of this unique collection of art — and show off your talent!

Content last updated October 21, 2009

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