My favorite part about going to the movies is seeing the picture. It is a lot of fun to get out and do something different.”Matthew, moviegoer
CULLMAN – The Cullman Autism and Special Needs Family Support Group joined forces with Cullman’s Carmike Theater to host a sensory-friendly movie night on Friday afternoon, May 6. The special showing was for individuals and their families who are dealing with sensory issues related to delays or disabilities.
“Sensory-friendly movies are wonderful for the families of autistic and special needs individuals,” said Rhonda Davis, Cullman Autism & Special Needs Family Support Group coordinator. “A sensory-friendly movie is a little different than a regular movie showing; the sound is brought down and the lights are brought up about halfway each for those who cannot sit in total darkness,” she explained. “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 smiled.
Close to 100 people with special needs, along with family members and caretakers, were at the movie theater for the event. They munched on popcorn and laughed out loud as they enjoyed the movie, “Ratchet and Clank,” an animated tale set in space complete with a brainy robot and his sidekick.
“We have never been to a sensory-friendly movie before,” said Carla Sandlin, who was there with her 6-year-old son, Tyson. “This is very exciting; he has been talking about this all week.” Tyson goes to school at the Cullman County Child Development Center and he couldn’t wait to get into his seat in the theater!
Admission was free to all attendees with developmental delays and/or special needs. Their family and friends who accompanied them were given a special discounted admission rate of $7.
“My favorite part about going to the movies is seeing the picture,” said Matthew. “It is a lot of fun to get out and do something different.”
“We are going to be on TV! I’m going to have to tell my mom,” said Horace, as he pointed to a news camera that was filming everyone for an upcoming newscast. He and his buddies had a great time hamming it up during the interview before the movie started.
The Cullman Autism & Special Needs Family Support Group ministers to people of all ages and all disabilities, not just autism. It is a family group that supports each other and enjoys different activities together 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. Be sure to follow them on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/groups/365701250298039/.
Cullman Autism & Special Needs Family Support Group is affiliated with the Autism Society of Alabama. They meet on the second Saturday of each month from 5-7 p.m. at the Margaret Jean Jones Center located at 1807 Beech Ave. SE in Cullman.
