ASMV Newsletter

Autism Society of Mahoning Valley collaborates with Eastwood Mall on Special Event

Special Bunny provides a morning of fun activities for children on the autism spectrum.  Thank you to our 2018 Title Sponsors: Greenwood Chevrolet of Austintown & Kufleitner Columbiana/Chrysler/Jeep/Dodge

YOUNGSTOWN – The Autism Society of Mahoning Valley 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 Special Bunny: An Inclusive Easter celebration. It will take place on Sunday, April 7, 2019 from 9 – 11 AM in the Eastwood Mall Concourse.

FAMILIES MUST REGISTER FOR THIS PRIVATE EVENT.

Started six 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 Marciano, 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.

https://www.facebook.com/events/326579347943045/

April is National Autism Awareness Month!
Join the Autism Society of Mahoning Valley for a Private Sensory Friendly Event at
OhWow! The Roger and Gloria Jones Children’s Center For Science and Technology

Saturday, April 13, 2019 from 4-6pm.

This event is open to all individuals affected by autism and their siblings (due to a very limited amount of attendees that we can have, we ask that each family limits their registrations so we can have as many families as we can join us).

Event Courtesy of: Autism Society of Mahoning Valley.

Special thank you to our 2018 Title Sponsors: Columbiana I Chrysler Jeep Dodge & RAM Trucks & Greenwood Chevrolet of Austintown

The OhWow Event is Free! Online registration required due to limited number of guests. Please check in at the front desk at OhWow. This event is expected to fill up, so please email us at walk@autismmv.org if you register, and then are unable to attend so we can let as many families as possible attend. Thank you!