Last year, around Christmas, several places offered “sensory friendly” or “sensitive” Santas. This enabled kids who have autism, or sensory integration dysfunction issues, to visit with Santa. Now, there are “sensitive” Easter Bunny events being held, for the same group of kids with special needs.
On March 31, 2012, there will be a Sensitive Easter Bunny at the Timothy Hill Ranch / Apple Day Camp, which is located in Riverhead, New York. This event is for children who need to visit the Easter Bunny in a sensory friendly environment. The event will begin at 10:00 in the morning, and will end at 1:00 in the afternoon. There will be an Easter Egg hunt, pony rides, arts and crafts, and storytelling.
On April 1, 2012, the Timothy Hill Ranch / Apple Day Camp will again have the same Sensitive Easter Bunny event going on, at the same times as the day before.
On April 1, 2012, the Caring Bunny will be at Burlington Mall, which is located in Burlington, Massachusetts. The Bunny will be there from 9:00 in the morning until 11:00 in the morning. This event will be held before the mall opens, so that accommodations can be
made to support the sensory, physical, and other developmental needs of all guests.
On April 1, 2012, the Caring Bunny will be at Cielo Vista Mall, which is located in El Paso, Texas. The Bunny will be there from 9:00 in the morning until 11:00 in the morning. Children with special needs can have a private photo session with the Easter Bunny. The event will not have bright flashing lights, crowds, or sounds that can create major disturbances and distractions for kids who have special needs. Children will not have to wait in line.
On April 1, 2012, the Caring Bunny will be at South Hills Village, which is located in Bethel Park, Pennsylvania. This event is being held by the Autism Society of Pittsburgh. The event will start at 9:00 in the morning and will continue through 11:00 in the morning. There will be a special photo session in an environment with no lines, no crowds, and no loud music. This event will be held before the mall opens for the day.
On April 1, 2012, the Caring Bunny will hop on over to the Irving Mall, which is located in Irving, Texas. This event is being held by AbilityPath. The event will start at 9:00 in the morning, and will end at 11:00 in the morning. It will take place before the mall is open. Kids with special needs can have their photo taken with the Easter Bunny in an environment that is free from crowds, loud noises, and bright lights.
These are just a few of the “sensory friendly” Easter Bunny events that I have found so far. Some require you to RSVP. Check your local mall to see if the Caring Bunny will be there.
Image by Theresa on Flickr