For many, the cosy darkness of the auditorium and the bright lights and dramatic sound effects of the latest blockbuster is half the thrill of the cinema, but for people with sensory sensitivity this can be very off putting. One in a hundred people in England and Wales are diagnosed with autism and yet society isn’t always set up to cater for their needs.
The first Autism Friendly Films screening of Mr Popper’s Penguins is to be held at ODEON Bath on August 11th. Autism Friendly Films is a nationwide initiative between leading social care provider Dimensions and cinema chain ODEON. Subtle differences will be made to the lighting and sound levels inside the auditoriums of 40 UK cinemas, enabling people with learning disabilities and autism to enjoy this new release on the big screen in an environment more conducive with their needs.
Twenty-one year old Tabatha Wright lives in Bath. Tabatha has Aspergers Syndrome and receives daily support from learning disability and autism support provider Dimensions. Tabatha lives in a shared house with three other people. Dimensions provide 24 hour support to the residents of the house helping them to access the community, socialise and work. Tabatha is employed one day a week as a cleaner and volunteers at a Care Home in Bath. In her spare time Tabatha enjoys listening to music, riding her bicycle and swimming. An avid film fan, Tabatha is looking forward to the autism friendly film that is being shown at ODEON Bath on August 11th. The subtle difference that will be made to the cinema setting will allow Tabatha to enjoy the new release of Mr Popper’s Penguins in an environment more conducive with her needs.
Dimensions Support Worker Georgia Fishlock has been working with Tabatha for the last eight months. Georgia said: “Tabatha is a wonderful young woman. She works and volunteers and has an active social life. She is supporting the Autism Friendly Films project because it helps raise awareness of the sensory differences experienced by people with autism and hopefully will get people thinking and talking about other ways that society can become more inclusive.”
Dimensions approached ODEON about the Autism Friendly Films initiative earlier this year with the aim of raising awareness of the sensory differences experienced by people with autism and learning disabilities and enhancing the cinema-going experience for people throughout the country. This is the first time a chain of cinemas the size of ODEON and a leading provider of support for autistic people has teamed up in the UK and it is hoped that the ODEON will make it a regular feature in their film calendar.
