a Social Story for the parade
A social story is a simple, personalized story designed to help individuals, especially those with autism, understand and navigate specific social situations. Social stories use clear, straightforward language and often include visuals to describe what to expect, how to behave, and what emotions or responses might be appropriate in a given scenario. They are important because they provide structure and predictability, reducing anxiety and helping individuals build social skills by teaching them how to interact in a positive, effective way.
The social story here is an example to help someone with a parade-going experience. Feel free to download and print it out; add any specific points that might personalize if for whomever you use it with.
Helpful Information
Parking:
Parking in and around Schenectady can be tricky any time, and this parade draws people from all over. That added to the fact that there are activities during the day, ahead of the event, means that parking will be an extra challenging task this day. Here are some suggestions:
1. Arrive early. The parade starts at 5:00. Don’t let looking for parking take up the time you could be watching the parade.
2.Try the parking lot behind Proctors and the Schenectady Parking Garage.
3. There is often street parking on Veeder and Smith, behind the fire house and jail. This is a short walk to State street, where the parade will take place.
Sensory Sensitive space:
It will be inside the GE Theatre inside Proctors. There will be lowered lighting, seats pushed back to make extra floor space, and possibly floor mats and beanbag chairs. The parade will be shown on the large screen, and sound will be from one source and at a lowered volume. This is an area of NO Judgement, so feel free to visit if your child is having a tough time of being overstimulated. Crossroads team members will be there simply to welcome you and be a friendly face.
10/23/2024
Today we were honored to participate in a press conference organized by Schenectady County and City to launch the annual Schenectady Parade.
https://schenectadycountyny.gov/special-events/holiday-parade
Jason Lecuyer, Director of Special Events, Schenectady County Legislature first reached out to consult with us about incorporating a sensory space into this year’s parade, a few weeks back, and we eagerly shared our ideas and were welcomed into further collaboration.
While parades can be exciting and fun, especially here in Schenectady, for some individuals, particularly those with sensory sensitivities, the experience can be overwhelming. That’s why offering a quieter, sensory-sensitive space for children to enjoy the parade—while still being part of the festivities—is such a brilliant idea.
The GE Theatre of Proctor’s will be a safe and welcoming space for families with children needing a less intense experience. Lowered blue lighting, a large floor space free of excess seating and furniture, and a sole source of sound are some of the “less is more” features of what will be offered. The parade will be shown on the large screen, so that anyone in the space will still be able to experience the parade itself, just without the crowds, loudness and overstimulating effect that the parade can offer. 2-3 team members of Crossroads will be present to welcome families with a friendly and warm presence and a no-judgement spirit. While we won’t be providing therapy, our team will be friendly faces, here to offer a calming and welcoming space to families whose children may be feeling distressed.
https://www.discoverschenectady.com/event/55th-annual-holiday-parade/5030/
This initiative truly aligns with Crossroads’ mission—to help foster understanding, acceptance, and inclusion for our students, as well as for others who face similar challenges.
At Crossroads, we believe in creating opportunities for everyone to be included, and we’re thrilled to support this.
This step is a major one in letting the many families in Schenectady and surrounding counties know that they are seen, accepted, and included. Coming to this parade or any other large public event has unseen barriers for so many families and we’re thrilled to be a part of removing barriers and giving access to families who may have been intimidated prior.
"At Crossroads, we believe in creating opportunities for everyone to be included. Offering a quieter, sensory-sensitive space for children to enjoy the parade—while still being part of the festivities—is such a brilliant idea. This initiative truly aligns with our mission to foster understanding, acceptance, and inclusion for our students and others who face similar challenges."
