Galway

<h4>Sensory-Friendly Santa’s Grotto at University of Galway Brings Christmas Magic to Families of Children with Additional Needs&nbsp;&nbsp;</h4>
<p>More than 40 families of children with additional needs experienced the joy of Christmas with the Sensory Friendly Santa’s Grotto at the University of <a href="https://xploreapp.io/galway" target="_blank">Galway</a> . The two-day event, organised by staff and students from the School of Psychology, offered a specially adapted, magical visit to Santa.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
<p>Running since 2017, this annual tradition has grown into a two day event. Children receive sensory-friendly gifts and have photos taken in a calm, welcoming atmosphere, without the challenges posed by busy shopping centre grottos.&nbsp;</p>
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<h4>A Winter Wonderland</h4>
<p>Dr. Ciara Gunning, Lecturer in Applied Behaviour Analysis at the School of Psychology, oversees the event with a dedicated team of volunteers from the university’s PhD and MSc programs in Applied Behaviour Analysis and its BSc in Psychology. The team transforms the space into a winter wonderland, ensuring a magical experience for every visitor.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
<blockquote>“Visiting Santa is a very special part of every child’s Christmas,” said Dr. Gunning.&nbsp;</blockquote>
<blockquote>“However, for children with additional needs, the noise, bright lights, and queues of traditional grottos can make the experience overwhelming. Our Sensory Friendly Santa’s Grotto provides an accessible and inclusive alternative, allowing families to enjoy this special moment in their own way. For some families, this is their first-ever visit to Santa, which makes it all the more meaningful.”&nbsp;&nbsp;</blockquote>
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<h4>Communication</h4>
<p>Dr. Gunning highlighted the importance of pre-visit communication, where Santa and his helpers connect with families in advance to tailor each child’s experience.&nbsp;</p>
<p>“It’s truly a team effort, and our volunteers work tirelessly to create real-life magic. We are also deeply grateful to our generous sponsors whose support makes this event possible.”&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
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<h4>Collecting for COPE</h4>
<p>This year’s event also included a collection for COPE Galway’s Christmas appeal, with visitors and volunteers donating items for hampers to support those in need during the holiday season.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
<h4>Inspiring Other Businesses</h4>
<p>The organisers hope to expand the initiative by creating a freely available 'How to Guide' for running inclusive and accessible Santa’s Grotto events. Their aim is to inspire businesses and organisations across Ireland to offer similar opportunities for families of children with additional needs.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
<p>Generous sponsorship from businesses in Galway and beyond played a crucial role in making the 2024 event a success. Supporters included Liberty IT, Galway Camera Shop, Little Lane Coffee Company, Charlie Byrne’s Bookshop, and many more.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
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Sensory-Friendly Santa’s Grotto at University of Galway Sparks Joy

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