West Chester University: Sensory-Friendly Evening With Santa Will Provide Ho-Ho Happiness For Children Needing L ...

Press release from West Chester University:

November 29, 2021

The annual Sensory-Friendly Evening with Santa will feature a quiet room that will
be available throughout the entire experience. Children and youth will have memorable
moments and sensory-friendly pictures with Santa, tailored arts and crafts, a cookie
decorating station, snacks, and goodie-bags. Santa will be assisted throughout the
event by WCU “student elves” from the Dub-C Autism Program (D-CAP), which provides
support to degree-seeking West Chester University students with Autism Spectrum Disorder,
and the Golden Rams Society, a group of 30 student ambassadors from the University.

“Our crafts have been specifically selected with the help of our dedicated staff at
D-CAP and feedback from parents. We have tailored the crafts to the fine motor abilities
and sensory capacities of the children and youth attending, while also providing lots
of options. Santa and his elves are looking forward to one-on-one time with those
present and getting everyone into the holiday spirit before his big trip around the
world,” says Brigid Gallagher, assistant director of alumni engagement.

Celebrating all diversity is at the heart of the holiday event. “We recognize that
our alumni and children have a variety of needs. As the University’s D-CAP program
continues to grow, we are looking forward to this partnership evolving to create an
even more inclusive alumni association,” says Gallagher.

This press release was produced by West Chester University. The views expressed here are the author’s own.