Ridgewood groups hold ‘sensory-friendly’ event this holiday
RIDGEWOOD — Village agencies banded together Monday to bring a “sensory-friendly” celebration to families who otherwise find December’s noise and crowds a real nightmare before Christmas.
Councilwoman Siobhan Winograd, who heads the village’s Access Ridgewood program, banded together with resident Jaimie Davis, president of Ridgewood’s Special Education Parent Advisory Group, and Parisa East restaurant owner Omid Minokadeh to organize a subdued dinner and celebration for families with a member who suffers from a sensory processing disorder. “This is part of our mission, to make Ridgewood accessible to as many people as possible,” Winograd said.
Davis said the problems encountered by sensory-sensitive family members throughout the year are amplified in December, with all the additional sounds and crowds of special events such as tree lighting ceremonies. “Children may be overwhelmed by loud noise levels, crowded spaces, or unable to tolerate a long wait,” Davis said. “Parents may be concerned that their children are unable to stay at their tables or keep their voices down.”
Winograd and Davis agreed there was a need for dinners in a sympathetic environment, and organized the first of these on Nov. 8 at the Steel Wheel Tavern, owned by Chamber of Commerce President Glenn Carlough. Students from Ridgewood’s STEPSS transitional program for 18-to-21-year-olds participated by making centerpieces and activity playmats for the children.
“Steel Wheel gave us the entire dining room, they lowered the lights and music, and staff brought food out quickly,” Davis said. “Families told me ‘This is our first time trying to go out together’ or ‘We haven’t been out together as a family in years.’ It immediately became apparent we needed to make this a frequent event.”
Parisa East is usually closed on Mondays and is directly across the street from the village Christmas tree, making it a convenient locale for the December dinner. The tree was temporarily darkened so the 80 to 100 attendees could gather at the window for a more subdued tree lighting. This time the STEPSS students contributed blank holiday cards the children decorated for distribution through the village’s Stigma-Free Cards of Joy campaign.
“It’s a win-win,” Mayor Paul Vagianos said. “There’s a whole untapped market of restaurantgoers looking for places where they feel comfortable. And the families get a more supportive space.”
Among those attending the event Monday were Ridgewood Board of Education President Michael Lembo and Michelle Fenwick, director of special programs for Ridgewood Public Schools.
“Individuals with sensory sensitivities often face numerous barriers that prevent them from fully participating in community activities,” Fenwick said. “The acceptance of and participation in these events has reinforced my strong belief in the importance of creating an inclusive society where everyone can participate without barriers.”