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RFH 2010, Arts

Theater Offers 'Sensory Friendly' Showings

Mon, Jun 20, 2011

Theater Offers 'Sensory Friendly' Showings

Hamilton Theater will host a series of sensory friendly screenings this summer for moviegoers affected by sensory processing issues. The series kicks off Saturday at 12:30pm with the new Disney feature, Cars 2. Thanks to sponsorship by St. Thomas Episcopal Church, admission is free.

The series is a result of the efforts of Janet O’Flynn (shown in photo), a Hamilton occupational therapist who works with children with Autism and with others with a sensory processing disorder.

O’Flynn proposed the idea based on an article on the American Occupational Therapy website. Quoting the article, “Community awareness of the sensory processing difficulties of children with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) is increasing, Children with Autism often experience normal sounds as too loud, normal textures as too uncomfortable, and high contrasts between dark and light places as alarming. In addition, they may need to move and talk out loud during the showing of a movie.

This is true for many children without autism as well. Sensory Processing Disorder can occur by itself, or in conjunction with Attention Deficit Disorders and other neurological differences. Families with children who become distressed in a movie theater, or who move and talk out loud during a show, will avoid attending movies altogether.”

Hamilton Theater’s Chuck Fox explained the special features of a "sensory friendly" screening:

“Movies will be shown in a partially lighted theater, with the audio turned down. Conversation and movement about the theater will be an expected part of the experience. The immediate result will be an enjoyable family outing, in an air conditioned space during a hot summer. The long term results will be increased community understanding and acceptance of the needs of children and, for some children, increased ability to tolerate a typical movie experience.”

Fox cited O’Flynn for her work in initiating the series. “Janet has done a wonderful job of planning the series, and working with the theater to ensure the best possible experience.” Fox thanked St. Thomas Episcopal Church for sponsoring the first film, and noted that the theater is seeking sponsors for the remaining three films.

The full schedule includes Cars 2 Saturday, Despicable Me (July 16), How To Train Your Dragon (August 6) and Megamind (August 27). All films are on Saturday at 12:30pm. Admission is free.

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