Thanks to the initiative of one Wilton mom, the Wilton Bow Tie Cinemas will be offering two movie screenings later in March specifically tailored for individuals with special needs. The sensory screenings–with light and sound accommodations–are designed to make the movie less assaulting to children and adults who have sensory sensitivities.
“People with special needs often have sensory processing disorder or difficulties, when sensory signals don’t integrate in the brain to provide appropriate responses. Noises might be intensely loud–the sound of a hair dryer or a fan can be perceived as being as loud as a jackhammer, right next to your ear–or the lights could be extremely bright, like with a camera flash. They can cause panic or can be experienced as physical pain, explained Cali Burton.
Earlier this year, Burton attended a sensory screening of the movie Frozen in Milford with her four-and-a-half year old daughter. “With the sounds and lights down, my daughter lasted an hour. If it were a typical movie, as soon as the opening credits came up she’d be running for the door–it would be too loud, too dark, she’d be so confused. But the sensory screening we went to was such a good experience. I decided we should have something closer for special needs kids who can’t do a lot of travel.”
Burton turned to social media in search of similar screenings closer to home.
“I posted it on Wilton 411 on Facebook, and I got amazing responses. One of the suggestions was to go through the Bow Tie Cinemas corporate offices in Ridgefield. They were so helpful in getting it set up and open to the idea. It was a very positive experience,” she recounted.
As a result, there will be two screenings for individuals with special needs, and their families, friends and caregivers, sponsored by the Parent Advisory Board (PAB) and the Miller-Driscoll PTA.
The first, on Saturday, March 29 at 10 a.m., is for individuals aged 9 and older. The movie will either be Muppets Most Wanted or The Lego Movie. (It will be announced one week prior once the theater knows which movie will be booked at the Wilton location.) Tickets will be $6.00 apiece, with all proceeds going to Bow Tie Cinema.
The second screening will take place Sunday, March 30 at 10 a.m. for children 2-8 years old. The movie that will be screened is Frozen. Tickets will cost $6.00 each, and all proceed will benefit the Miller-Driscoll PTA. PAB cannot do fundraising, so M-D PTA will be the only beneficiary; the donation was made possible, Burton said, because an anonymous donor stepped forward to cover the rental costs of the theater for the second screening.
For the sensory showing the lights will be kept up, rather than off, so children will be able to see their parents and caregivers, to help them feel more safe and comfortable in the environment. Also, sounds will be kept low, so that it’s a more calm environment. Anything in terms of light and sound will be less intrusive. There will also be no commercials or previews.
“The cinema also is allowing children with special dietary restrictions to bring in their own snacks. Sometimes familiar food can be a comfort to help them last longer in the movie,” Burton explained, adding that the movie concession stand will also be open.
The other important element this kind of screening adds is one that helps relieve the social pressure, for everyone–children and parents.
“Everyone who is going to be there is aware of the fact that people in the audience are individuals living with special needs. It’s an environment that is very accepting of differences. If a child has to shout, or get up a million times, everyone will understand. It’s going to be a very positive experience, no one will be staring at a child who might have different behaviors,” Burton said.
She hopes to schedule at least one other sensory screening this year, knowing how helpful it can be as a social and teaching tool. “Because the movie theater will be closed to other patrons, there won’t be too many distractions, so it can be a transition for children to get used to the space and get used to the experience, hopefully, with the main goal to go to a typical showing in the future–with friends, with typical peers. I think it’s going to be amazing, especially as we do it twice a year or even more.”
Burton also anticipates that it will be a very popular event.
“We have an incredibly tight special needs parent community, not just in Wilton but in surrounding areas as well. The communication between parents and schools it’s fabulous. I really think we can get a good showing, friends in other towns are interested, and they’re talking about it with their friends.”
Wilton Cinema 4 is at 21 River Road. Organizers are asking anyone interested in attending to RSVP by Friday, March 28 to wiltonsensoryshowings@gmail.com.