The Doris Klaussen Developmental Center is hosting a special sensory-friendly Halloween “trunk-or-treat” event later this month.
This free community and family event will be held in the parking lot of the Doris Klaussen Developmental Center at 408 E Jameson Ave. in Battle Creek from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 27.
Visitors are advised to turn east onto Jameson Avenue from Raymond Road, directly across from the Kellogg’s Distribution Center; the school is about a quarter of a mile further.
The DKDC is a branch of the Calhoun County Intermediary School District and serves the families of cognitively and emotionally impaired children by providing the children and their families specialized education.
Many of these children, including those with autism spectrum disorder, are uncomfortable or unable to participate in traditional door-to-door trick-or-treating due to potential over-stimulation from the lights, sounds and sights of Halloween.
The event at DKDC, however, is sensory-friendly, accommodating the needs of people with sensory dysfunction by adjusting certain aspects of the environment: speaking and playing music quietly, dimming the lights or providing ample walking space.
Faculty and staff will be onsite to oversee the event and ensure safety. Event coordinators noted other activities for children, including a coloring contest and sensory table, will also be available.
Those interested in volunteering for this event or learning more may contact DKDC at 269-964-9426.
