The music festival scene has embedded itself in our country’s rich history through the decades—from Woodstock to Lilith Fair to Coachella, there truly is a festival for everyone…or is there?
That’s the question that Amy Pinder continued to think about as she fell in love with music festivals. She combined her passion for music festival culture with her background in Speech and Language Pathology to ensure that EVERYONE had access to the musical festivals she herself loved so much. Thus became the “Inclusion Festival” that began in 2018 and is heading into another season this summer in Kempton, PA.
Amy was first introduced to music festivals by her husband. While overwhelming at first, Amy saw the unique experiences that music festivals had to offer. It showed her that “community exists, people can be kind, and I can be exactly who I am,” she said. In Amy’s heart, an idea began to sprout, and she realized that what was needed in the music festival scene was one that was inclusive to ALL people.
“There was so much opportunity to create a recreational space that welcomes everyone, that brings people together…inclusive fun,” Amy said.
Years later, Amy met Leah, a local special education teacher, who shared the desire to create an inclusive musical festival. Amy and Leah placed the autism community in the forefront of their planning, as they worked with many clients who were diagnosed with autism. She and Leah combined their experiences and backgrounds to create the Inclusion Festival: a music and craft festival that is accessible to all people and highlights the talents of neurodivergent and neurotypical artists on fairgrounds in the Lehigh Valley.
Inclusion Festival itself makes many accommodations for the autism community and those with special abilities:
Other accessible experiences at Inclusion Festival:
For Amy, one of the most rewarding experiences is the organic growth she has seen when it comes to the abilities of her participants. On applications, she is now noticing more and more artists openly disclosing their own special abilities, such as autism, ADHD, and sight impairment, among others. Amy is observing the evidence of the community she wanted to support growing in its own way. She and Leah have created a festival that is building a new community bonded in their love of the arts, and in the support of the abilities of one another.
Inclusion Festival will take place in Kempton, PA from July 14-16 (with events on the 16th being held for those camping on the fairgrounds only).
Follow @most_au_some_journey on Instagram for future giveaways on Inclusion Festival tickets for a group of 4!
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Do your kids love Bluey as much as mine?!
Bluey x CAMP is coming to the Philadelphia Area from December 2024 through the beginning of May 2025!
Explore a recreation of the Heeler`s house with hands-on experiences and end your day meeting Bluey and Bingo!
Each month there will be Sensory Friendly times available that were designed by occupational therapists. There will be increased staff to help support those who need it, as well as:
💡Dimmed lights
🎧 Lowered sounds
🎲 Modified games
📍King of Prussia Mall
160 N Gulph Rd, Level 3
King of Prussia, PA 19406
#bluey #kingofprussiamall #sensoryfriendlyphilly #sensoryfriendly #sensoryplay #autismfun #autismacceptance #sensoryprocessingdisorder #spd #autismfriendly #autismfamily
Families in the Bucks County, PA area - check out @lucentreflections for your family photos!
Lucy was so engaged with my children, and gave my son time to warm up to her and the idea of photos. She was so flexible with our ever changing schedule, and even came to our house where my son was more comfortable.
She is a blessing to the neurodivergent population and giving space and time so that every family member feels comfortable!
Thanks for the beautiful photos, Lucy ❤️
#buckscountypa #buckscountyphotographer #familyphotography #autismfriendly #autismfamily
Did you know that select @chuckecheese locations offer Sensory Sensitive Sundays on the 1st Sunday of each month?
🌟 Opens 2 hours early
🔦 Reduced lighting and noise
🎮 Food and games offered
♾️ Trained and caring staff
Save this reel for locations around the Philadelphia area that offer Sensory Sensitive Sundays! (Not all locations participate so check before you go 🙂)
#autismfamily #sensoryfriendlyphilly #sensoryfriendly #chuckecheese #autismmom #explorebuckscounty #visitphilly #visitnj #cherryhillnj #dover #princeton #visitdelaware #phillyparents
Looking for advice on IEPs, 504 Plans, or special education in general? We have you covered!
Come join Bucks County Neurodivergent Family Connects - a FREE monthly support group for parents and caregivers of neurodivergent children.
My dear friend @bethiesue23 and I have found so much strength with fellow caregivers and hope to meet more of you as our group continues to expand.
Our July 18th meeting will be a bit different - Educational Advocate, Suzie Showalter, will be coming to speak on all things special education and answer any questions on the need for advocacy in IEP/504 meetings and the rights of our children.
This event is FREE, but please email BUCKSCONDFAMilyconnections@gmail.com or DM me to RSVP. Space is limited!
#educationaladvocate #IEP #specialeducation #504plan #specialedsupport #buckscountypa #buckscondfamilyconnections
🚨 AU-SOME DESTINATION ALERT 🚨
Did you know @legoland.newyork is a Certified Autism Center?
If you are looking for a great deal on tickets for this summer, I have two for you that are available!
- Kids tickets are currently $29 with purchase of a full price adult ticket via the Legoland New York Resort website
- @groupon is also running a 36% savings special with tickets starting at $55.10 for select days this summer
It is hard traveling, especially with loved ones who have extra needs to keep in mind. But finding a great deal on a Certified Autism Center is a great place to start!
#autismfamily #autismtravel #legolandny #legoland #sensoryfriendly #certifiedautismcenter #familytravel #autismacceptance #autismmom #autismfun #ausomedestination #mostausomejourney