City of Independence brings a mobile sensory room to SantaCaliGon Festival

This year’s SantaCaliGon Festival will now have a sensory activation trailer on site to assist families with sensory needs that may need a short break from the activity. A sensory activation vehicle, (SAVE) is designed to bring a mobile sensory experience to any event that lacks a physical space for a dedicated sensory room. This will give some festivalgoers a cool, quiet space with materials and activities for individuals who may experience overstimulation or sensory overload during the weekend. 

“The SantaCaliGon Festival is a tradition for many families, but loud events with many people, sounds, and smells can be a challenge for families with sensory needs,” Assistant Emergency Manager Janelle Scofield said. “Families with sensory needs have a lot that they are dealing with every day. We are hopeful this support will allow them to have fun and make memories with fewer worries.”

Studies show that one in six individuals in the USA has a sensory processing need proving the need for this important resource. Locating this trailer within SantaCaliGon ensures that all guests can be included in this year’s festivities.

The trailer was a donation to the state of Missouri from KultureCity and City Emergency Management personnel have worked in partnership with the Missouri Developmental Disabilities Council to bring the trailer to this year’s festival.  

Volunteers from the City of Independence Emergency Management Department as well as the Medical Reserve Corp of Greater Kansas City will be on site at the corner of Truman and Main Streets with the sensory trailer during festival hours. These volunteers have a variety of training including inclusion training for individuals with sensory needs.