By JUDD WEIL
Hutch Post
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Local Hutchinson medical practices, Oz Chiropractic and Clothed in Compassion are partnering up for Sensory and Santa on Dec. 10.
For kids with disabilities accompanied with sensory issues, such as autism or social anxiety disorders, holiday activities, such as meeting Santa, can be a lot.
Something that a lot of people tend to forget.
“We’ll have Santa. It’ll be a nice sensory opportunity for our kiddos who might otherwise not be super excited about engaging with Santa and so it’ll be nice and quiet, in a calm environment, that’ll adjust one family at a time,” Clothed in Compassion’s Dr. Megan Bartley, OTD, OTR/L, said. “We’ll also have ornament decorating, some snacks, and then some short activities they can do in the sensory gym to kind of experience what supports pediatric occupation therapy can offer families.”
Dr. Bartley explained that the places where one might normally see Santa Claus, such as malls or parades can be overwhelming for a variety of reasons, including loud sounds, bright lights, and places with a dense amount of people.
“So, our kiddos that have sensory processing disorders, tend to need less stimulus, less input, to help them process what’s really going on,” explained Dr. Bartley. “We want to make an environment where they feel safe and welcomed and comfortable, so we’re really going to be mindful about how many people are around when they’re engaging with Santa, we’re going to do our best to make sure it’s calm and inviting.”
The way Dr. Bartley and Oz Chiropractic’s Dr. Leslie Osborn, approach includes using soft lights.
Sensory and Santa will also have a photographer present. Kids will able to take their pictures with Santa in a way that is comfortable to them, be it standing or sitting next to him, no physical contact necessary.
“We’re taking donations towards pictures with Santa,” Dr. Osborn, said.
Comfort is a major emphasis in this inclusive measure to a holiday classic, ensuring every child has a chance to enjoy their meeting with Santa.
“The sensory idea is that when you’re overwhelmed you can’t do what you want to do,” Osborn said. “So, when you take that out of it, and you’re comfortable in your situation, then you can participate and interact better.”
The first Sensory and Santa took place in 2019, and was hosted by Dr. Osborn and another chiropractor.
“Then COVID hit and we had parents ask if we were going to do it again, but because of COVID we didn’t do it,” Dr. Osborn said. “This is our second time doing this, but since Dr. Bartley is here, we’re co-hosting it this year.”
Clothed in Compassion opened on Oct. 31.
“We have open spaces, so if there are kiddos or families who would like to seek pediatric OT services outside of the schools, they are welcome to contact us,” Dr. Bartley said. “We’re here, we want to be here for the community, and we’re really excited to be able to partner with Oz Chiropractic. Not only in this way but just on a daily basis, using this space.”
Sensory and Santa will take place from 10 a.m. to noon.
More information about what Clothed in Compassion does can be found at their website or Facebook page. Dr. Megan Bartley, OTD, OTR/L, can be reached at [email protected] or (620) 741-6677.
More information about Oz Chiropractic can be found at their website and Facebook page. Dr. Leslie Osborn can be reached at [email protected] or (620) 665-5100.
Both offices are located at 1529 E. 30th Ave.