How to Host a Sensory Friendly Santa Event

304 South Main Street,Somerset KY 42501

21 November, 2022

Description

Getting to see Santa and share their wish list is #1 on the kid list of holiday priorities, but that fun and exciting visit can be anything but joyful for kiddos and families who experience sensory differences. From too bright or flashing lights that can cause immediate headaches, music that is too loud or at a pitch that is painful to ears, not knowing what to expect in the environment, and temperatures that cause discomfort are just a few of the sensory challenges that make visiting Santa and other holiday events impossible for many families. There are a few simple updates that can be implemented with little to no cost which make a huge difference and allows more families the opportunity to join in your event. Over 30% of our population experiences sensory differences and that means they are missing out, staying home or worse, they try to attend only to leave early with overwhelmed and crying children. Sadly, this awful experience is what many families will remember about your event if sensory friendly elements aren't there to support them. These aren’t the fun and joyful holiday memories you are hoping to share, but when your event isn’t taking a few simple sensory friendly elements into account and making them part of the event, these 12,000 plus families are staying home, or worse leaving early with memories of an awful experience. Some examples of those who benefit from Sensory Accessible events are: Autistics, ADHDers, Dyslexics, Tourette's, those who have experienced brain injuries, concussions, PTSD, anxiety, many cancer patients after chemo, epileptics, those with hearing loss, dementia, vision challenges, Downs Syndrome and a variety of other people can all benefit from Sensory Accessible events. Join Mind Your Autistic Brain on Monday, November 21st from 4-5pm to learn how your business, school, or community service organization can be a leader in creating sensory friendly and accessible Santa events this year so that more families have an opportunity to participate and build joyful memories this holiday season thanks to your Sensory Friendly Santa Event. This is a FREE training Event. Thank you for helping and being a part of creating wonderful holiday memories for families this year! -Carole Jean Whittington, Founder & Principal of Mind Your Autistic Brain Meet your Sensory Accessibility FacilitatorCarole Jean Whittington is a late identified Autistic ADHD Dyslexic adult who has sensory differences including auditory processing delay. She has been leading educational training for over 20 years in the fields of employment, education, healthcare, community service organizations on topics ranging from Neurodiveresity in the Workforce, Burnout Restoration for Minds of all Kinds, ND Accessibility in Healthcare from in-take to surgical environments, and has presented to companies including Google, Highspot, International Institute for Learning, and global conferences including Thinking Differently About Autism and Autscape. Carole Jean is the author of the upcoming book, “How Spicy is Your ND Burnout?” available exclusively at Mind Your Autistic Brain on Nov 18th.