Sixty-five year old Bill Bradley used to be an avid cinema-goer until it became difficult for him to attend new releases because they are often screened at busy times of day.
Bill who has learning disabilities and a history of mental illness, lives in Essex. He has received one-to-one support from Dimensions, leading learning disability and autism support provider, for three years.
Key Worker, Tracey Ryan, supports Bill to complete chores around his home, access his local community and volunteer in local gift shop, The Four Seasons in Witham; a social enterprise run by Dimensions Community Enterprises.
Bill loves films and has a varied collection of videos and DVDs at home. He enjoys watching westerns and war films. Bill and his Support Worker Tracey heard about the Autism Friendly Films initiative at their local Dimensions’ involvement group. The UK-wide project in partnership with ODEON aims to raise awareness of the sensory differences experienced by people and promote the cinema-going experience for people with autism and learning disabilities.
During these special screenings;
- the lights will be on low
- the sound will be turned down
- and people will be able to move around the cinema.
Tracey thinks the Autism Friendly Film Screenings are a great idea.
“Bill doesn’t like the dark, so these screenings make the cinema a more comfortable experience for him” says Tracey. “Daytime screenings are much better for Bill, and will mean he is able to watch new releases at the cinema at times that fit in with his lifestyle and support.”
