'Bunny Cares' Hops Into 16 Locations on Sunday, April 13 for Families of Children With Special Needs
Arvada, CO (PRWEB) April 07, 2014 -- Bunny Cares is hopping into 16 locations across the country for children with special needs and their families on Sunday, April 13, 2014. The event is held before normal mall hours, so that accommodations can be made to support the sensory, physical and developmental needs of all guests.
Now in its fourth year, Bunny Cares is a partnership between The Noerr Programs, the digital imaging company that provides the Bunny Photo Experience for regional malls and retail venues across the nation, and AbilityPath.org, a national online resource hub and special needs community.
“It is so important to us that all children get to have the same fun and happy moments, special needs and typically developing alike,” said Sheryl Young, CEO of AbilityPath.org, the nonprofit partner in the program.
“This is how and why the Bunny Cares program even exists. Many families of children with special needs realize that mall environments can be overwhelming. As a result, they don’t participate in many time-honored traditions, like taking pictures with the Easter Bunny. With the help of The Noerr Programs and our wonderful mall partners, we are changing that! We have worked together to lessen potential triggers. There are dimmed lights, no music, the water features are turned off, and families can wait at tables with activities instead of in line. All to create a sensory friendly and inclusive environment for the families and children. It’s about the whole family experiencing this together – in an inclusive way.”
For children with a variety of special needs, standing in line, crowds and sounds can create disturbances and distractions. Guests will listen to social stories that explain and anticipate the actions involved during their Bunny visit, then engage in coloring and other activities while they wait for their number to be called for their magical visit.
“We take great care to make sure the Bunny Cares photo setting is conducive to all abilities, allowing these families to participate in a heartwarming tradition that so many take for granted,” said Judy Noerr, CEO of The Noerr Programs. “It’s very rewarding to see the number of siblings who also attend, many for the first time. Bunny Cares is as much for them, as it is for their brother or sister with special needs,” notes Noerr.
To view malls, schedules and to RSVP, visit http://www.BunnyCares.com or http://www.AbilityPath.org.
About The Noerr Programs
From headquarters in scenic Colorado, The Noerr Programs provides turn-key digital event imaging services and productions including The Bunny Photo Experience for hundreds of venues nationwide, including Simon Property Group. Celebrating 25 years in business, every Noerr cast member must invest their heart, soul and experience into representing the spirit and essence of the season, building lasting connections with guests through Noerr’s innovative social media and altruistic platforms. To learn more, visit http://Facebook.com/FollowTheBunny and http://www.noerrprograms.com.
About AbilityPath.org
AbilityPath.org is an online hub and special needs community for parents and professionals to learn, connect and live a more balanced life. The website combines social networking features with expert content from AbilityPath.org’s team of educators, parents, therapists and medical professionals.AbilityPath.org was created by Community Gatepath, a nonprofit with over 90 years of experience serving families and children with special needs by fostering hope, dignity and independence.
Ruth Rosenquist, The Noerr Programs, http://www.noerrprograms.com, 602-505-6844, [email protected]
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