Beacon of Hope ABA has upgraded the Santa Claus in Candyland cottage located on the Square that includes a larger and more interactive structure that visitors can take advantage of.
The cottage this year has more space than the prior year’s house, and is located next to the current one.
“This year, we will have more room for our home. We are thrilled about this space because it’s all in one place and is accessible to all. The city has built an elevator in place for us. The interactions take place within the walls, at the children’s eyes level. Everyone will be able join in and be entertained,” said Beacon of Hope owner Shelby DiPilla.
If children go to the cottage, they’ll be able to participate in activities that stimulate the senses.
“When you first enter there, you’ll find a touch wall located on the right. The squares are different shapes of squares. Some are sequined, while others are smooth and some are textured. There are a lot different kinds of. There are also sound buttons that are on the back wall and you’ll be able to hear an entirely different tune whenever you press each button. There are also spinners that you can spin, as well as many different activities boards as well as small instruments. The left wall is filled with various magnets and children can put tiny gears together to turn them.”
According to DiPilla’s analysis Fine and gross motor skills are extremely important.
“For children who have autism, these skills are often fun for them and to keep their focus. We also have special lights both the inside and outside that can be projectors. The good aspect of christmas lights is the fact that they’re not extremely flashy, and that’s the way that people with autism tend to prefer,” she said.
The cabin this year features an exterior of blue with a variety of shades of puzzle pieces that represent autism and other learning disabilities.
“We were hoping that people would know that this as the house that represents autism. There are puzzle pieces on three sides, and a neurodiversity symbol on the backside that faces the road towards the Square. It is not just a symbol for autism, but also represents all brain differences, such as ADHD learning disabilities since we believe in inclusiveness and making sure that everyone takes part.”
DiPilla said that a lot of effort was put into the preparation of this year’s cottage thanks to the assistance of her team.
“We are very fortunate to have Kayla Craig is exceptionally skilled in the hands of her. She was able to put it together and the rest us have come up with ideas for decorating it. I’m not even sure how much effort we spent on it, but we did spend many days getting it set up. Sometimes, people who have autism aren’t well recognized, especially in events which are popular with people, such as Candyland. I believe that our decorations can let them know that they’re a member of our community also, and help create awareness and hopefully acceptance. Autism diagnose rates are rising upwards, and it’s vital to remind people that they’re a part of it, too,” she said.
Beacon of Hope ABA held the “Sensory Santa” event before this year’s Christmas Parade.
“This is an event that is unique because the kids don’t stand in lines for a place to sit, and Santa will be able to get down on the floor to play with the children. Parents are able to take these special photos because usually there’s an incredibly long line waiting for children to be seated on Santa’s lap. It’s not a good idea at all. We try to make it a little more flexible for the children and aim to make sure that the children are content. We would like to provide our parents the best opportunities to see and see pictures of us.” DiPilla said.
The Beacon of Hope clinic in Andalusia is open from Monday to Friday, from 8:30 a.m. till five p.m. The clinic is at the address The clinic is located at 109 O’Neal Court. Other clinics are Opp, Enterprise, and Ozark.
For more information email beaconofhopeaba@gmail.com, visit www.ababeaconofhope.com, or call 334-477-4686.
The article Be the Rebuilding Beacon of Hope builds larger interconnected Candyland cottage was first published in The Andalusia Star-News.
