Nutley Barber Is A Game-Changer For Kids With Special Needs

NUTLEY, NJ — Your Kind of Cuts isn’t just an ordinary barber shop: it’s a haven for children with special needs. That’s how township officials describe the work of Billy Dinnerstein, who has transformed what it means to get a haircut for countless young people in Nutley.

Dinnerstein, a special needs and sensory-friendly barber, has transformed his workplace at 382 Centre Street into a welcoming environment for his clients, many of whom have ADHD, Down syndrome, social anxieties or sensory sensitivities.

Part of Dinnerstein’s success lies in his ability to immerse himself in the world of a child, whether that means lying on the floor or playing with Paw Patrol toys. The goal is simple: gain their trust.

“If all I have to do is show up and just be Billy and help a child, I’m all in,” Dinnerstein says.

According to Dinnerstein, it’s an approach that is paying off. Parents will often call him up with a similar message: “You’re like this kid’s best friend; he won’t stop talking about you – and that means the world to me.”

One memorable moment for Dinnerstein took place when the shop first displayed its puzzle piece logo: a symbol for autism awareness. A woman recognized its meaning and was moved to tears – something that gives the North Jersey barber something to think about when he rides to work: “Whose life are we going to change today?”

• See Related: Raising An Autistic Child In NJ Is Harder Than It Has To Be, Mom Says
• See Related: New Jersey Makes Progress On Disability Access: 8 Encouraging Stories

Parents in Nutley aren’t the only ones who have found a lifeline at Your Kind of Cuts. The shop has attracted customers from across the country, and attention from supporters like Mattel, which donated 5,000 Hot Wheels cars to be handed out to kids getting haircuts – a token of encouragement for doing something brave.

Your Kind of Cuts has also seen support from George Oliphant, the host of NBC’s “George to the Rescue,” who recently surprised Dinnerstein with modern furnishings, new floors and helpful sensory and therapeutic tools (watch the video here).

Dinnerstien has raised more than $25,000 to spur the effort along through a GoFundMe campaign, which can be seen online here. It reads:

“Hi, my name is Billy Dinnerstien, owner of Your Kind of Cuts. We are a ‘Sensory Friendly’ barber shop located in Nutley, NJ. We have been in business for only three years, but our team has been involved in creating community events for Autism Awareness, Special Needs Children and Adults, plus numerous other incredibly fun and all-inclusive events. Those who have read about our shop have expressed a desire to help Your Kind of Cuts and bring the best experience possible to our clients. We desperately need barbers trained to work in a sensory friendly atmosphere and with your help we would be able to pay the tuition to send the right people to barber school. We could also stay current with the most updated tools, which will make the experience of getting a haircut less frightening and easier for both staff and clients. The monies will also go to hold unique events for our autism and special needs community. We appreciate your kindness and concern for our mission and thank you for reaching out.”

Does Your Kind of Cuts sound like a place that’s right up your alley? Learn more about this local business here.

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