CLAY, N.Y. — Families gathered for a day built around inclusion this weekend, as Callahan Entertainment hosted an event welcoming people with special needs and their loved ones to sensory-friendly activities, character appearances and a resource fair connecting attendees with community organizations.
Chris Callahan, owner of Callahan Entertainment, said the idea grew out of conversations with parents who often feel isolated raising a child with a disability.
“When you’re parents of a son with disability, it’s easy to think of yourself on an island, like you’re on your own, you have to do everything yourself,” Callahan said. “But we’re trying to get everyone together. Meet people, make connections, and there is a support system.”
One parent told Callahan it was the first birthday party or community event where their child truly felt included, a comment Callahan said has stuck with the team as they plan future gatherings.
Children and their families spent the afternoon in a bubble play area and met costumed characters, all designed with sensory sensitivities in mind. Alongside the entertainment, organizers set up a resource fair featuring local organizations that support families with disabilities.
Two of those groups, Prime Care Coordination and LifePlan CCO New York, were care coordination organizations that help families navigate state resources in Onondaga County. Representatives were on hand to answer questions and connect parents with services many said they didn’t know existed.
For Callahan, pairing fun with information was the point. Families could let their kids play while also walking away with a plan for support long after the event ended.
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‘ Some details of this article were extracted from the following source cnycentral.com ’
