Frequently Asked Questions

General Questions

+ Who are medically special/medically fragile children?

Medically special children are kids who require ongoing specialized medical care and equipment to live. They often have:

• Chromosomal or genetic disorders
• Seizure disorders or cerebral palsy
• Cardiac disease or anomaly
• Traumatic brain injury
• An organ transplant
• Quadriplegia or paraplegia
• Autism
• Developmental delays
• Premature births
• Oncological treatments
• Other complex medical needs

Many of these kids function with the help of:

• Enteral (G-tube) feeding
• Tracheostomy
• Ventilator
• Colostomy or ileostomy
• Pulse oximeter
• IV therapies

+ Why is a special event like this needed?

Like all kids, medically special children need to play and have fun. But they don’t often get to. Most play spaces and opportunities — playgrounds, indoor play facilities, organized activities and classes, theme parks and so on — just aren’t designed for them. But a Day to Play is. For an afternoon, these special kids — and their families! — get to experience a magical world of fun and engagement created just for them.

+ Is attendance free?

Yes, A Day to Play is a free community event.

+ Do I need to sign up ahead of time?

Yes, although A Day to Play is free and open to everyone, capacity is limited by venue size and number of volunteers. Please RSVP in advance. A printed copy of your RSVP will serve as your ”ticket.”

+ Can I bring my other kids too?

Absolutely! A Day to Play is designed from the ground up for the whole family — not just medically special kids but also their “super siblings,” parents and caregivers.

+ Is there an age limit?

No, A Day to Play is for medically special kids and kids-at-heart. Activities are generally geared for kids, but all ages are welcome.

+ What kind of accommodations are provided?

Snacks and beverages are provided. We also provide a quiet, private space with a Hoyer lift for sensory downtime and changing. Adapted parking is available.

+ Do I need to be a nurse to volunteer?

No. Although nurses and other healthcare professionals are always welcome, there are plenty of ways for everybody to help!

+ What will I do as a volunteer?

There are lots of specific volunteer roles both interacting with kids and families during the event and helping behind the scenes. Ultimately, though, what you’ll be doing is working side-by-side with other kind volunteers to create a special experience for people who really need it.

+ What should I wear to volunteer?

Whatever makes you feel good. Fun, festive outfits and non-scary costumes (especially that go along with the theme) are perfect.

+ How long will I be there?

Events last two hours and are typically scheduled for early to mid-afternoon. We start setting about an hour and a half early. At the longest, if you chose to help from the beginning of setup to the end of break down, you’d be on site around 5 hours. You can volunteer for as little as an hour or two though, if you prefer.

+ What kinds of organizations/venues host A Day to Play?

Any kind that wants to! In the past, A Day to Play has been hosted by colleges, churches, and public schools.

+ What areas are hosts needed in?

We'd like to bring A Day to Play to venues in Brevard, Orange, Osceola, Seminole, Hardee, Highlands, Hillsborough, Manatee, and Polk counties.

+ What kind of physical space is required for hosting?

Hosting A Day to Play requires:

• Approximately 2,500 to 3,000 square feet in one big room or several small rooms
• A private room large enough to comfortably accommodate a table and a Hoyer lift, which has a footprint of roughly 4 x 4'.
• Parking for at least 30 cars with accommodations for loading and unloading wheelchairs.

+ What are the benefits of hosting A Day to Play?

Pride of service, first and foremost. By hosting A Day to Play, you are stepping up as a kind community member who is creating opportunity, helping kids to be kids and meet new friends, and helping parents to connect with one another. Of course, we’ll also take every opportunity to brag on you on social media, our website, event invitations and event signage, as well as pitching stories to local media. You’ll also have access to our professional footage and photography of your space.

+ How can partnering on a Day to Play event help our nursing students?

We work directly with professors to incorporate what is needed for the event and use their curriculum to provide hands on learning for the students. This provides nursing students with the opportunity to work with special children while simultaneously growing as nurses.

Being able to interact with medically special children or children with special needs in a fun, pressure-free environment allows students to look beyond the medical condition and see the kids as kids. This shows them that when they work with these types of children in medical settings they can provide the best care for not just their medical needs but also their mental and emotional needs.