Kaleidoscope Thinking: Twist and Turn the Activity Program in 2026

“Kaleidoscope Thinking” encourages activity professionals to rethink traditional approaches and design programs centered on the individual stories and identities of those they serve. Instead of relying on preset or generic themes, this philosophy emphasizes creativity, adaptability, and person-centered care — finding ways to make meaningful engagement possible through both innovation and resourcefulness. Participants will learn to “twist” by adapting materials and methods, and to “turn” by reimagining or reshaping familiar skills into new activities. The focus is on building dynamic, personalized programs. Secondarily, this course focuses on resources available in the Dallas metroplex - vendors and entertainers, trip/outing locations, dementia/Alzheimer's resources, community events of interest, and other resources and ideas the participants bring to the session!

• Identify ways to shift from theme-based to person-centered activity planning.

• Explain the concept of Kaleidoscope Thinking and how it applies to creative program development.

• Demonstrate how to “twist” activities through material and procedural adaptations.

• Apply the “turn” method to redesign existing activities…