How To Host a Sensory Friendly Movie Showing
A sensory-friendly movie showing is a movie where special accommodations are made to allow children and families with sensory disorders, autism or any other special needs to enjoy a trip to the movies without the negative stimuli they might experience at a typical theater showing. These unique events provide families with an option to be somewhere they couldn’t be before. They create an inclusive environment so no one in your community has to miss out on enjoying a day – or night – out at the movies with those they cherish most.
-
Partner with a local organization that works with individuals who have sensory-friendly needs. Some options include Autism Speaks, Easter Seals, Special Education Schools, etc. Your partner organization will likely have trained experts who can help volunteer, staff your event and help you promote the event to your intended audience.
-
Choose a date/time. Be mindful that weeknights can be hard when individuals have been sitting at school all day and patience and/or medications might be wearing off. We suggest a matinee showing during the weekend to optimize attendance. You will also want to check for conflicting events in your community.
-
Select a family-friendly movie. New releases often generate a lot of excitement and interest. Experts recommend that you avoid any big special effects, like scenes with flashing strobe lights, as that might be too much for some attendees. Make sure that you obtain the correct movie license for your event. Swank Movie Licensing USA provides licensing options for nearly all of the top Hollywood studios, including Walt Disney, Warner Bros., Columbia Pictures, Universal, Lions Gate, Paramount and many more.
-
Before the event, walk the space where you will be showing the movie. You might want to invite your partner organization so they can make suggestions about what accommodations will be best for your particular space.
-
Start promoting your event! When advertising within your school or library, mailing or emailing families or patrons, or posting on a private social media group, you are allowed to use the studio name, title and images from our promotional materials. When advertising in a public forum, such as newspapers, radio stations or public social media, you are not permitted to use the movie title or studio name. For example, you can say: “Join Us at ABC Library for a Sensory Friendly Movie Event at 7 pm! Call for details."
-
Send out a reminder about a week ahead of time. We also suggest including a social story. A social story is a communication tool used to describe a new or unfamiliar social situation to help individuals with autism.
-
Staff Up. On the day of your event, it’s a good idea to have some extra volunteers on hand to help show folks to the auditorium and the bathroom. You might also want to offer some alternate activities for those who need a break from the movie. Easy ideas including a coloring station, snack station or an open space to have playtime.
SUGGESTED ACCOMMODATIONS
For A Sensory-Friendly Event
Four out of five people living with autism struggle with sensory issues, being over- or under-sensitive to sound, light, smells, textures, temperature or pain. Sensory over-sensitivity can make movie night a challenge. Here are some ways you can make your screening more sensory-friendly.
Lights up. Providing some dim lighting in the room throughout the movie takes the edge off quickly changing colors and lights from the movie itself, which can make it easier for those with visual processing issues to follow the action without becoming overstimulated. It also allows audience members with sensory issues to feel safer because they can see where they are more easily.
Sound down. Many people with autism struggle with loud noises. Turning the volume slightly down on the movie can help, as can providing ear plugs and encouraging audience members to bring noise-cancelling headphones or other sensory aids from home.
Hands busy. Having a fidget item, blanket or stuffed animal can be comforting and allow people with sensory issues to concentrate and enjoy the movie. Consider providing stress balls or other fidget items, and let your audience know they are welcome to bring their own comfort items to the screening.
Rules relaxed. At the movie theater, we’re expected to stay as still and silent as we can. That’s hard to do if your body needs to move in order to stay calm, which is common for people with sensory issues. Let families know their loved one with sensory needs is free to move and vocalize, as long as everyone is safe.
Interested in learning more about hosting a sensory-friendly movie event at your library?
Fill out this simple form to receive more information and resources.