In the week before Easter, many local parents will be preparing for the Easter Hat Parade. On 28th March, both Minnamurra Public School and Kiama Public School will host their Easter celebrations, which include a chance for young students to create a hat and parade it in front of an audience. The tradition will also be celebrated in many of Kiama’s childcare centres. 

The concept comes from New York in the 1870s when the social elite would parade their Easter fashion after the day’s church services. Over the years, it has evolved into an excuse for school kids to get creative. But, in 2024, the tradition is being updated.

As homemade hats have become more extravagant, with fairy lights, flashing eggs and even motorised parts, steps are being taken to reduce overstimulation for students, and to ensure that everybody can enjoy the celebrations. 

The disability organisation, IDEAs has published advice for schools planning a ‘disability inclusive Easter.’ Tips include, ensuring the parade route is clear of clutter and easy to navigate; practising what will happen on the day in advance, and containing cheering to only part of the celebrations. 

Since COVID-19 restrictions eased, many schools have continued to hold their Easter parades outside instead of holding them in a school hall. This enables people with disabilities to navigate the space more easily and for participants to feel less overwhelmed. 

At local schools, students with a disability are being encouraged to wear noise-reducing headphones if they feel distressed by loud noises. They can even incorporate noise-reducing headphones into their hat designs.

At Minnamurra Public School, one of the highlights for young students is an Easter Colouring Competition. It’s a chance for children who aren’t excited about getting dressed-up to get into the Easter spirit in a way that isn’t as performative. 

But what about another Easter tradition: the Easter egg hunt? The disability service provider Scope has advice for making it more inclusive: keep eggs within easy reach for people with mobility limitations, tie balloons to eggs to make them easier to collect and always include chocolate alternatives. 

Woolworths offers a range of dairy-free Easter eggs and bunnies, as does speciality grocer Stocked on Terralong Street, although, get in quick as they’re expected to sell-out fast. 

This year, Kiama Farmers Market is also expected to return with its annual tradition – the Easter Spud Hunt. Children can search for potatoes hidden on Surf Beach, and then swap them for strawberries or chocolate, or keep the potatoes.

In the spirit of Easter, traditions are being reborn and renewed, making it more accessible for all.