LAMORINDA WEEKLY | Fall family festival focuses on children with special needs


Last year's fall family festival Photo provided

For most children, Halloween is an exciting event that they look forward to with eager anticipation. But for children with special needs, the chaos and unpredictability of the holiday can be intimidating. Because of their differences, which can include anything from sensory processing difficulties, motor skill delays, anxiety or other social/emotional issues, it can be very challenging for children with special needs to take part in activities during the Halloween season.

That's why Lafayette's special education development foundation, known as SEED, will host an inclusive fall family festival from noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 22 at Sienna Ranch. This will be the second year that SEED is hosting this event, which will include a fun family barbecue, pumpkin crafts, hikes, pony rides and much more. The cost is $10 per family, which will include lunch and all of the activities.

SEED was developed by a small group of parents in 2006 after recognizing the need for a foundation to augment special educational services for children and families in Lafayette. With the collaborative efforts of its diverse parent population - stemming from Early Intervention, Lafayette's four elementary schools, Stanley Middle School and members of the Lafayette community - SEED quickly grew, raising money through grant writing, annual fundraising, community partnerships, and individual donations.

The organization provides a wide range of support and resources to families of children with special and diverse learning needs, as well as training programs for educators who work with these children. The programs funded include recess facilitation, after school social skills play groups, educational seminars, support groups and socials for parents and teacher training. For more information and to register for the event, go to www.seedlafayette.org.