Members of Cullman's special needs community enjoyed an Easter egg hunt at The Field of Miracles Wednesday evening. / W.C. Mann
CULLMAN – Cullman Parks and Recreation (CP&R) Therapeutic Recreation and the Cullman Miracle League joined together for the groups’ annual Easter Egg Hunt at the Field of Miracles on Wednesday evening. At the event, which has taken place for more than 10 years, participants got to try their hands at some fun carnival games, eat a hot dog supper and even got a visit from the Easter Bunny.
CP&R’s Kelly Pulliam told The Tribune, “I think it’s very important (to have events like this). I asked that the only people that hunt the eggs are those with special needs and disabilities. I did have some parents ask, ‘What am I supposed to do with my other children to tell them no?’ And I said we encouraged them to help, but we really wanted this to be just for (the special needs community). They don’t have to compete with ‘typical’ individuals. It’s just something for them.”
Pulliam regularly partners with the Cullman Autism and Special Needs Family Support Group to host events for the special needs community like free swims at the Cullman Wellness and Aquatic Center, and sensory-friendly haircut days at the Cullman Civic Center.
Several volunteers helping out around the Field of Miracles were wearing Cullman Pilot Club shirts.
Pilot Peggy Harris shared, “The Pilot Clubs internationally focus on brain-related disorders; it’s called brain health and wellness. And so, locally, we have zeroed in on agencies that work with brain-related disabled: Margaret Jean Jones Center is one.
“We’ve worked several years with CP&R with Therapeutic Recreation, each time they have an event. We serve the food; sometimes we set up and decorate for whatever event. We have worked with the Field of Miracles, we work with a local Alzheimer’s support group, we’re supportive of mental health here, and autism. So, locally, we seek those groups out, to make contributions to, to assist in their activities.”
“We’re just hoping to bring a little more awareness,” said Pulliam, “because we are trying to do a lot, so the families really have support, because that’s what we really focus on, is doing things for the families, so that they can meet others and just have the support.”
For more information on CP&R Therapeutic Recreation, visit http://cullmanrecreation.org/programs-events/therapeutic-recreation.
For more information on the Cullman Autism and Special Needs Family Support Group, visit www.facebook.com/groups/365701250298039.
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