What do you do when you have a special needs child and want pictures with the Easter Bunny? Head to a Simon Mall for a Caring Bunny.
Having a child with special needs makes pictures with Santa or the Easter Bunny a lot more complicated. The photographer and staff are not always comfortable with how to work with kiddos that need a little extra time or support. The noise, lights and goings-on at the mall can make a child with sensory issues more anxious or upset, and are less than optimal conditions for smiles.
That’s what makes the Caring Bunny at Simon Malls across the US, promoted by AbilityPath.org and AutismSpeaks.org, an exciting option for parents like me. After years of disappointing and stressful attempts, we’d all but given up on the seasonal photos. That’s what makes it personal for me, and I’m excited to share the efforts of these great organizations.
At a Caring Bunny session, many steps are taken to reduce sensory triggers, creating a more comforting environment for children’s cherished visit with the Bunny. Caring Bunny photos happen prior to the Mall opening for the general public to reduce commotion. In addition, subdued environment is likely to include:
- Turning off in-mall music, stopping escalators located near the photo 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.
- Special activities geared toward the needs of the child during the ‘wait’ period to help the child understand what activities will occur during the visit.
Where can you find a Caring Bunny?
100 Simon Malls across the country offer the Caring Bunny Program. Register today to schedule an appointment with the Easter Bunny in a fun and sensory-friendly environment at this private event just for families with special needs.
Go here to find a Simon Mall with a Caring Bunny near you, and click on the mall nearest you to register for a time. Here’s a link to the Northgate Mall Caring Bunny event in Seattle.
Disclaimer: I am being compensated to get the word out about this event, but these are the kinds of things that make Easter Bunny photos possible for families like mine and I’m happy to share. Hope to see you there!
