Families in the Coastal Bend have the chance to celebrate Easter in an environment intentionally designed to be welcoming, supportive and inclusive. The first annual Inclusive Easter Egg Hunt & Party aims to provide children of all abilities with a space where they can participate comfortably and enjoy the holiday alongside their families and community.
The event is hosted by the South Texas Neurodiversity Association in partnership with Choice Living Community and will be from 2-4 p.m. Saturday, March 27 at Choice Living Community, 3875 S. Staples St., Building 4.
Created by a group of local mothers and community advocates, the event focuses on ensuring that neurodiverse individuals and children with special needs have access to celebrations that feel safe, understanding, and joyful. Organizers say their goal is to create a positive experience where families can feel confident attending and children are able to participate freely.
“We believe every child deserves a place where they feel safe, accepted and celebrated,” organizers said in a statement. “This event was created to remove barriers and provide an inclusive environment where families can come together and simply enjoy the moment.”
The celebration will begin with an inclusive Easter egg hunt at 2 p.m., followed by a variety of activities including arts and crafts, games, food, picnic areas, and a bubble dance space designed to encourage fun interaction in a comfortable setting. A jumping station will also be available for children who enjoy active play.
Organizers have taken care to ensure the event is accessible for wheelchair users and welcoming to individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing. Many of those involved in planning the event are mothers of children with special needs, giving them personal understanding of how meaningful inclusive community spaces can be for families.
The event is open to the public, but its primary focus is creating an environment where individuals with different abilities feel supported, respected, and included. Organizers say the event has been made possible through the generosity of community donors and hope it will become an annual tradition that continues to bring families together.
Community members are encouraged to attend and learn more about local efforts centered on inclusion, accessibility, and support for neurodiverse individuals in the Coastal Bend.
For more information, contact lead event organizer Marissa Alonzo-Ackerman at marissaalonzo2@gmail.com.
