Bluebird Cafe is hosting the Cookies & Cheer event on Sunday for a day of holiday cheer, cookie decorating, and fun. The event is organized by Challenge Aspen, Cook Inclusive, and the Best Buddies Program.

The event is designed to create a welcoming and accessible environment for individuals with disabilities, as well as their families and friends, to enjoy the holiday season together.

“We called it Sensory Santa last year, so this year we decided to make it more inclusive,” Challenge Aspen Program Director Deb Sullivan said.

---

---

Sullivan said the partnership among Challenge Aspen, Cook Inclusive, and the Best Buddies Program aims to serve more people in the valley. She explained that events like this provide ways to help individuals with disabilities.

“75% of the people we serve have some sort of cognitive disability, like down syndrome or PTSD, and about two thirds of that have autism,” Sullivan said. “Of the people with autism, many have some sort of a sensory issue.”

---

---

Sensory issues can include difficulties with loud sounds, flickering lights, strong smells, or discomfort with being touched or hugged. Sullivan noted that many individuals on the spectrum are not adventurous with food.

“All of us probably have sensory issues,” Sullivan said. “I have light sensitive eyes, I don’t like loud places, like concerts, which I used to love going to. It makes me anxious now.”

Cookies & Cheer offers a way for people with sensory issues to enjoy the holidays without being overwhelmed.

“It’s a drop-in event at Bluebird,” Sullivan said. “Bishop, the owner, will have his coffee and espresso drinks open, you can eat cookies while you’re decorating. We also have holiday and winter type themed coloring, a visit with Santa if you like, it’s all done at your own pace, you can do all or nothing.”

The event will feature a bilingual Santa, with opportunities for photos. Most tables will be set up in the front of the cafe, but the event will extend into the back for anyone who needs a quieter space.

“We got 20-30 people last year, we’re hoping for more this year,” Sullivan said. “We’ll have balloons, but decorations will be light and there won’t be bright lights or loud music.”

Families and friends are encouraged to attend, and the event is free and open to the public.

“One of the things we focus on is the social aspect of the community, to make it a community event,” Sullivan said. “We want to integrate, to get people to know each other and get people more comfortable with others, just a social community place to feel comfortable.”

Cookies & Cheer is a drop-in event running from 3:30 to 6 p.m. on Sunday, where attendees can decorate as many cookies as they like.

Resources for anyone with sensory issues include Challenge Aspen at challengeaspen.org, Cook Inclusive at cookinclusive.org, and the Best Buddies Program in Colorado at bestbuddies.org/colorado/programs.