 Autism Society of Mahoning Valley collaborates with Eastwood Mall on Special Event Caring Bunny provides a morning of fun activities for children on the autism spectrum YOUNGSTOWN - The Autism Society of Mahoning Valley announced today that it is excited to be working with Cafaro Co.'s Eastwood Mall to bring events to Mahoning Valley children with special needs. This includes the Autism Societies annual celebration of Caring Bunny: An Inclusive Easter celebration. It will take place on Sunday, April 9th from 9:30 - 11 AM in the Eastwood Mall Concourse. Families must register for this private event. Started five years ago by the Autism Society, this annual event is dedicated to making sure that families with children with special needs have the opportunity to enjoy seasonal traditions like the Bunny Photo Experience. The project has been expanded into a celebration with the addition of the following activities: Arts & Crafts; Face painting; train rides, Egg Hunt & Roll, plant and garden activities, petting zoo featuring F5RS Bunnies in Baskets - Therapy Rabbits and more! "We are blessed to have a terrific family retail operation here in the Valley that has such a long history and strong ties to the community," says Tracy Workman, ASMV Chairperson of the event. "They care enough to coordinate with their photo operators and staff to lessen potential triggers, open during otherwise closed hours and make other adjustments to provide a great experience for all children to enjoy." Many steps are taken to reduce sensory triggers, creating a more comforting environment for the children's magical visit with the Bunny. This environment is likely to include (specific elements or aesthetics may vary): * Turning off in-mall music, stopping escalators located near the Bunny set, dimming the lights, and shutting down fountains for the duration of the event; * Eliminating queue lines through the use of a numbering system whereby guests approach the set when their number is called; and * Special activities and stories geared toward the needs of the child during the 'wait' period to help the child understand what activities will occur during the visit. 330-333-9609 autismmv@gmail.com http://autismmv.org |