Sensory-Friendly Movie Events Create Supportive Environment for All
On October 12, Swank Movie Licensing USA partnered with Easter Seals Midwest and The St. Louis Public Library (SLPL) to host a sensory-friendly movie event so families with children on the autism spectrum could experience a blockbuster film in an accepting and understanding environment. Read on to learn about this unique event!
An afternoon at the movies is an exciting event for every kid. But for children – or even adults – on the autism spectrum, the theater is not always the most welcoming place. Those on the autism spectrum can respond negatively to the theater’s darkness or the movie’s volume, and their excitement or behavior can sometimes lead to complaints from fellow moviegoers.
For this reason, inclusive showings and sensory-friendly events have grown in popularity across the country as more and more families with autistic kids look for ways to enjoy experiences together. Recently, Swank Movie Licensing USA partnered with Easter Seals Midwest to host a sensory-friendly matinee showing of “Toy Story 4.” More than 50 participants showed up enjoy the hit family-friendly blockbuster in an accepting environment.
Easter Seals Midwest provided training and volunteers for the showing making several recommendations, including: softer volume, dim lighting, no trailers, captions, and relaxed rules that allow kids the freedom to move around and express their emotions. Additionally, a separate space where children experiencing sensory overload can take a break is a great thing to include at these types of events, as well as an intermission if your showing includes many young children.
“We became interested in hosting sensory-friendly events because it’s a growing audience…We’ve had very positive feedback from those that attend; they’re glad to see they are represented and we are trying to address their needs in providing programming and spaces for them to participate in the library and the community.” Kyle Knight, Popular Materials Manager at St. Louis’ Central Library.
Kris Krieger, Easter Seals Midwest’s autism training supervisor, says, “These events are very important to have in the community; it makes it accessible to all. And it also brings a greater awareness. People tend to be afraid of what they don’t know. The more we get the word out there and the more we train various places of business on how to do sensory-friendly events, it just makes it more accessible and more enjoyable for everybody.”
While this was the first sensory-friendly movie showing for the Central Library (part of St. Louis Public Library system), the library started Sensory Storytime programming earlier this year.
“We got interested in hosting sensory-friendly events because it’s a growing audience,” says Kyle Knight, popular materials manager at Central Library. “We’ve had very positive feedback from those that attend; they’re glad to see they are represented and we are trying to address their needs in providing programming and spaces for them to participate in the library and the community.”