For many people with disabilities, carnivals can be a stressful and anxiety-filled experience. Primarily geared toward “typical” community members, they often lack accessibility and can be a breeding ground for sensory overload with loud noises, lights, and crowds. One mom from Butte County decided to change that.
For Lisa Gunn, creating a carnival-type event for children with special needs was a “bucket list” item when her children were younger. The idea was inspired by her 25-year-old son Kevin, who has significant disabilities. “There are not a lot of events for people like my son where they have their own space,” she explains. She made a commitment to herself and her son back then that she would find a way to make it happen, and over the past decade, that dream became a reality.
The Special Needs Carnival has grown into a fun event for all ages
The idea started small. “My thought was that I would do it in my backyard for Kevin’s classmates and some of the other classes in the special ed program.” Lisa says. She decided instead to hold the carnival at Durham Community Park, and since 2012 it has grown to an event that hosts anywhere from 200-300 people every May and October.
Although the carnival was envisioned as an event for children with special needs, Lisa saw how much a group of adults with disabilities enjoyed it during the first year, and she began to market it to all individuals with special needs. “I just love the fact that we can serve adults in the community, and everyone has a great time,” she says.
A labor of love from the community
The carnival, which Lisa calls a “labor of love,” is funded out of her own pocket, along with support through fundraisers and community sponsors; along with 40-50 dedicated volunteers who give their time to the events each year.
Families get the opportunity to connect with other parents
Raising and caring for a loved one with special needs can often be lonely and emotionally draining. It is invaluable to have a support network of people who understand the unique situation many caregivers find themselves in. One of the best things about the carnival, says Lisa, is seeing families have the opportunity to connect. “Our volunteer’s wonderful help allows parents and caregivers to take a break and network with other parents.”
The carnival has grown to be a safe, accepting haven for those with special needs and their families. After a long hiatus during the Covid-19 pandemic, the carnival started up again last year with a strong turnout, as families — many with medically fragile kids — came out to enjoy the fun.
Carnival goers have access to a wide range of activities tailored specifically for individuals with disabilities, including face painting, a bounce house, adapted games and crafts, sensory activities, a cakewalk, superheroes, and other characters.
The event is always free of charge to adults and children with special needs and their immediate families because Lisa does not want cost to be a barrier to anyone. The carnival also includes a free lunch and snacks like popcorn and cotton candy. Because resources are limited, the organizers ask that only immediate family attend the event.
Safety and accessibility are priorities
One of the priorities when putting the carnival together is ensuring it is safe and accessible for everyone.
The booths have wheelchair access, many of the games are adapted, and Lisa says they are always looking for ways to improve and learn from each event. If something doesn’t work or go as planned, they brainstorm how to change or modify it to make it better.
Taking a child or adult with special needs to a new event can make caregivers a little nervous, and Lisa encourages anyone with questions to contact her. “We want everyone to know we will try our best to make accommodations for your friends and loved ones.”
Lisa describes the biannual carnival as her favorite day of the year. “I stand back in the midst of all of it and just, you know, look at everything and see how wonderful it is.”
For more information, visit facebook.com/specialneedscarnival
Posted in: Special Needs, Uniquely Us
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