MARQUETTE, Mich, (WZMQ) – For some families the traditional mall Santa is too overstimulating or uncomfortable, especially for those with special sensory needs.
This year MARESA’s Special Education Parent Advisory Committee (SEPAC) had a sensory friendly Santa for those with special needs.
This accommodating experience included food, sensory toys, coloring books, and more time than a traditional visit allowing kids to become comfortable with their environment.
“Santa knows their name when they walk in and greets them and takes all the time,” said SEPAC chairperson Andy Haavisto, “he’ll sit on the floor he’ll let them just sit and stare at him for ten minutes, there’s no crunch and rush we just let them have their moment with Santa because every kid really deserves to have that moment.”
The MARESA plans to continue offering the experience in years to come, and possibly even expand it to other holidays.
