Salisbury Jaycees Adaptive Egg Hunt gives everyone the opportunity to be seen

FRUITLAND, Md. — The Salisbury Jaycees Adaptive Easter Egg Hunt provides children and adults the chance to celebrate Easter in a way that accommodates their unique needs.

Samantha Marshall, chairperson of the Salisbury Jaycees, said, “Some kids may have a hard time with noise. We usually have it outside to minimize some of the noise and how it flows. When it comes to our visual impairments hunt, we have eggs that beep so they can go toward the eggs because they hear the sound.”

From beeping eggs for visually impaired participants to sensory-friendly options with different textures, organizers are ensuring everyone can participate. There’s even a hunt designed specifically for siblings.

“I know that my daughter is considered neurotypical and my son is autistic. He’s a 3-year-old little boy. And it’s so cute because she loves him so much, and I just love seeing them together, doing these special things that are built for him,” Marshall said.

Marshall emphasized that the event is personal and serves as a reminder of how rare inclusive spaces like this one are.

“I know this is just an egg,” she said. “I know it’s a small thing that happens once a year for a couple hours, but even if it’s only for that short time, it highlights what’s just for them.”

While progress is being made, Marshall stressed that more support and resources are needed.

“I would love more than anything to have more resources and ways to help not just children, but their families, too,” she added. “I don’t know if my son’s ever going to be like, ‘I love you, Mom,’ but at the same time, I know he does. Every autistic person is different, and that goes for any disability.”

The event is more than just an egg hunt; it’s a chance for participants to feel seen.

The event will take place Sunday at Falcons Youth Sports from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Registration for the event is already full.