Autism charity the Together Trust has joined forces with AMC Cinemas to promote autism friendly screenings in Manchester.
Going to a traditional cinema screening can be a challenge for people with autism and their families. AMC Manchester, situated in the Great Northern in Manchester city centre, offers discrete adaptations to selected movie showings including reduced lighting and sound to provide a calmer and more enjoyable experience.
The screenings, which have been running since World Autism Awareness Day on 2 April this year, are supported by trained staff and are shown at weekends, offering a relaxed environment where guests understand the needs of people with autism, allowing for movement and noise within the audience.
Sue Whitehead, head of therapy services at Together Trust, which provides autism support, specialist education, residential care and community services to over 2,300 young people and families each year, said: “Here at the Together Trust we believe that everybody deserves an equal chance in life. Some people with autism report that the traditional cinema screening experience can be challenging for them.
“The autism friendly screenings offer an alternative sensory friendly and inclusive experience which we hope will encourage families to feel more confident and supported to enjoy their cinema visit.”
Paul Lindsay, general manager at AMC Manchester, added: “‘We want everyone to be able to enjoy the cinema experience in a comfortable and friendly environment and people should not miss out on the joy of seeing films on the big screen.
“Our partnership with the Together Trust ensures we will be able to provide autism friendly screenings every weekend that mean guests young and old with autism will always find that relaxed and supportive environment at AMC Cinemas.”
Listings of autism friendly screenings can be found at www.amctheatres.com and are marked as ‘AF’.
