A Special Needs Gift Giving Guide

The excitement of children expressing their desire for new toys and "hot items" are echoing through homes around the country as we come full swing into the holiday season. With that being said, many families are faced with the daunting task of selecting the right gifts for their children or loved ones. This may resonate more deeply for families of children with special needs.

Glenda Hampton Anderson from Glenda's Assistive Technology Information and More...blog shares a comprehensive gift giving guide of what to consider when buying toys for children with disabilities. The guide provides insight into considerations of toy safety, gift giving ideas for toys ideal for younger children to gifts better suited for teens, as well as a long list of helpful resources. 

My hope is you find the guide, as well as the vast resources Glenda offers on her fantastic blog, as a great starting point and hopefully provides some relief during this fun-filled, but at times stressful, time of year. Happy shopping!!! 

Gift Giving Guide for Kids with Special Needs Link

Source: Glenda's Assistive Technology Information and More...blog

Sensory Friendly Santa

The incredible website Autism Speaks is once again joining "holiday forces" with the Noerr Programs Corporation on their Sensory-Friendly Santa programs! Caring Santa (a partnership with SIMON Malls), Santa Cares and Sensitive Santa (a partnership with Washington Prime Group Malls) all provide families that have children with autism and other special needs with the opportunity to connect with Santa in a special way this holiday season! The events provide a more controlled and welcoming environment to visit Noerr’s Santa Photo Experience. 

Be sure to visit the Austism Speaks site to find more information about these events happening in your area. Just another reason to love Santa a little bit more! 

In addition to the NOERR events (hosted at the Walt Whitman and Smithtown Malls on Long Island, NY), please be sure to look into the "Sensitive Santa" event at the Broadway Mall in  Hicksville, NY from 10-11am on December 11, 2016. Following the Santa Event, there is an opportunity for children to partake in a holiday craft hosted by the Hicksville Macaroni Kid. 

As described below, guests who have sent an RSVP or registered on or before December 4th will be provided time set aside with Santa in an environment to support the child's sensory needs. 

If interested contact Ariel Nelson at Anelson@broadwaymall.com .

Source: Autism Speaks, Macaroni Kid, NOERR program