Inclusive Puppet Shows for Community & Special Needs Events
Puppetry is a universal language of joy. I bring interactive puppet shows and craft workshops to hospitals, special education centers, and community initiatives, ensuring every child feels celebrated, included, and heard.
Getting live feedback from these wonderful students after a puppet show is so rewarding. This workshop was for a group of amazing kids with special needs, and they had a blast making their own puppets.
It was an honor to be invited to St. John's Hospital for a Children's Day puppet show. Seeing the smiles on the faces of the children and their parents was incredibly moving and made my day.
So much fun at the "Walk In My Shoes" event by Inclusion Matters. It's wonderful to be part of a community that celebrates and supports children of all abilities.
I had the opportunity to collaborate with WRRC to educate kids about snakes and wildlife conservation. It was a great learning experience for me too, and a chance to spread a message of kindness towards animals.
I was so happy to be a part of this wonderful initiative to create an inclusive and happy space for kids. Every child deserves to feel included and celebrated.
We had a puppet-making stall at a community event to support a fundraiser for kids with cancer. It was amazing to see the children's creativity and their sensitivity towards supporting a good cause.
Spreading love, smiles, and giggles at an event for children with special needs. The connection and joy in these moments are truly priceless.
I was so touched by this amazing gesture from the kids at Spoorthy Learning Centre. These priceless moments are the biggest rewards of being a puppeteer.
"Inclusion Matters" is a carnival with a difference, an idea born from four passionate friends. It's been a magical experience working to create a space where every child feels welcome and celebrated.
Announcing our "We Shine Together" event, a fun sports day for neurodiverse and neurotypical children. It's all about bringing kids together to have fun and shine.
About Community & Special Needs Outreach
My sessions are fully adaptive. Whether I am performing at a hospital ward, a school, or an inclusion carnival, I adjust the energy, sensory elements, and narrative pace to ensure every child—neurodiverse or neurotypical—can engage comfortably. It is about creating a space where the puppets become friends, and every child feels safe enough to jump in, laugh, and play at their own rhythm.
For over 13 years, I have seen firsthand how the simple act of storytelling can transform a room. My approach to community and special needs outreach goes beyond just an 'entertainment' slot. It is about connection.
How I Adapt My Shows
I understand that environments like hospitals or sensory-sensitive events require a different touch.
- Sensory-Friendly Engagement: I use soft-touch plush puppets, controlled audio volume, and gentle, interactive narration that invites participation without overwhelming the senses.
- Inclusive Craft Workshops: My puppet-making workshops are tactile and designed for all motor skill levels. Every child, regardless of ability, walks away with a creation they made themselves, which builds immense confidence.
- Mobile Setup: I bring everything—the portable stage, sound system, props, and craft materials—directly to your venue. Whether it is a small group in a rehab center or a larger gathering at an event like 'Inclusion Matters' in Bengaluru, I set up a space that feels inviting and fun.
Why This Matters
Every show I have done, from Children's Day at St. John’s Hospital to sessions at the Spoorthy Learning Centre, has taught me that laughter is the strongest bridge. These sessions help children express emotions, practice social cues through the puppet characters, and simply enjoy being kids. I am passionate about supporting foundations and organizations that champion inclusion, and I am always happy to discuss how we can tailor a workshop to your specific community requirements, whether for a non-profit initiative or a school outreach program.
Tickles&Tales
I’m Aarti, and for the last 13 years, Tickles & Tales has been my way of spreading joy where it is needed most. Whether it is a community carnival or a quiet afternoon in a hospital ward, I believe every child deserves a moment to just be themselves and laugh.
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