Framingham's Flag Day Parade To Include Sensory Friendly Section

FRAMINGHAM, MA — Framingham's Flag Day parade is back for the second year, with a brand new section: a sensory friendly section. The new addition was created to help harbor an inclusive experience to those who might not attend because of the noise.

In the first block between Clinton Street (in front of St. Stephen’s Church) and Memorial Plaza (in front of the Memorial Building), parade participants will refrain from using flashing lights and sounding sirens, horns and loud music.

The parade will be at 2 p.m. on Sunday, June 9 to honor the men and women serving in the armed forces and veterans.

“It’s important to me that all feel welcome in the City of Framingham,” said Mayor Yvonne Spicer. “I’m excited about our sensory-friendly section because it will encourage everyone to be a part of our celebration, demonstrating once again my commitment to inclusion.”

Sponsored by The Explorers Program of the Department of Community Resource Development at
Framingham Public Schools, the sensory-friendly area will provide table activities for kids in the parking lot of the Boston Church of Christ (214 Concord Street).

Volunteers will also be distributing fidget toys which can help kids focus, self-regulate, and
provide a calming influence. With support from the Autism Alliance of MetroWest, A Program of
Advocates and their Autism Welcoming Initiative, children will be offered noise-canceling headphones, sunglasses, and a squishy toy to use during the parade.

Framingham Public Schools will provide families with a Social Story (a tool used to prepare people with autism or other sensory disorders for public events) in English, Spanish, and Portuguese so that children know in advance about what to expect of the event. The Autism Alliance of Metrowest created the Social Story.

“I am really excited to be part of the First “Sensory Friendly” Flag Day Parade,” said Allison Daigle, Executive Co-Director of the Autism Alliance, A program of Advocates. “Providing autism-specific supports and accommodations for children and families attending this community event is a testament to the compassion and support the City of Framingham provides to its residents and visitors. This partnership is also extremely timely as we’ve been focused the Autism Welcoming Initiative, where we get to work with businesses and individuals to create a welcoming and accessible community for families and their loved ones with autism. Ultimately, our goal is to lead an increased quality and socially inclusive life for families.”

The parade will progress normally, beginning at the Memorial Building. All sounds and lights will begin once the parade participants round the corner to Union Avenue.