KAUKAUNA, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – Kaukauna is working to make its annual Electric City Christmas Parade more comfortable for everyone, as they plan a quiet area for people who may be extra sensitive to loud noise.
The idea was proposed by Siraya Gloudemans, whose 5-year old son Nolan has autism. She says while the percussion and blasting of horns are exciting for most, there are some people like Nolan who are sensitive to sound.
“What sounds like a little buzz to you and I, may be a blaring to their ears, so something that is blaring to your and my ears, may be an unbearable, almost painful sound to them,” Gloudemans says.
While dealing with a pregnancy and her two-year old daughter as well, Gloudemans says the balancing act can be difficult.
“We try really hard not to avoid everyday things, and big parties and things like that,” she says, “We want him to experience everything our other children and other peers do.”
When Mayor Tony Penterman heard about Nolan’s struggles, he was happy to make arrangements.
“It’s gotta be hard for the kid that’s gotta stay home, when he sees his little sister or brother being able to go to the parade and him not be able to go,” says Penterman.
The December 3rd parade will have a sensory zone in the last section of the route, starting at Verbeten’s Bar. Little Chute also plans to have a quiet zone at its Christmas Parade.
