The movie was great; it had some wonderful life lessons in it. All ages that were there enjoyed it, including myself.”Sabrina Hudson, Cullman resident
CULLMAN — On Friday, Dec. 4, Cullman Carmike 10 had a sensory-friendly showing of “The Good Dinosaur” for individuals and their families who are dealing with sensory issues related to delays or disabilities. The event was sponsored by the Cullman Autism & Special Needs Family Support Group.
“A sensory-friendly movie is a little different than a regular movie showing,” said Rhonda Davis, Cullman Autism & Special Needs Family Support Group coordinator. “The sound is brought down and the lights are brought up about halfway each for those who cannot sit in total darkness. A lot of them need to get up and walk around, especially if they have a lot of sensory issues. We also don’t show the previews, we go right to the movie because a lot of them have short attention spans,” she added.
Davis said that sensory-friendly movies are wonderful for the families of autistic and special needs individuals.
“Some special needs or autistic friends are a little louder than others, so everyone is very understanding,” Davis explained. “We don’t say, ‘Please keep your child quiet!’ which has happened to a lot of our families. In fact, when we started doing this two years ago, it was the first time some of our families had actually gone to the movies as a family. It’s been such a blessing.”
The event was a huge success. The entire group sat together like one big happy family, eating popcorn, sipping cokes and watching the show.
“The movie was great, it had some wonderful life lessons in it,” said Sabrina Hudson, who was there to help support the group. “All ages that were there enjoyed it, including myself,” she smiled. “It teaches children and adults valuable lessons.”
“I am having fun,” said Louie Wright, an attendee who was at the theater early in anticipation. “I really like the movies and my friends,” he grinned.
Davis, who has a son with autism, says that the support group ministers to all ages and all disabilities.
”We want to make sure everyone understands that just because they have a disability, though it may not be autism related, they have a family group they can come and enjoy outings and different things (with) throughout the year.”
For more information about the Cullman Autism & Special Needs Family Support Group and any upcoming events, call Rhonda Davis at 256-962-2208 or email pdrd@hotmail.com or CullmanNetworkingGroup@autism-alabama.org.
Cullman Autism & Special Needs Family Support Group is affiliated with the Autism Society of Alabama. They meet on the second Saturday of each month (except for this month) from 5-7:00 p.m. at the Margaret Jean Jones Center located at 1807 Beech Ave. S.E. in Cullman. Their next meeting is scheduled for Saturday, Jan. 9.
