A free event for schoolchildren with autism is to be held in 60 cinemas nationwide later this month.
Dimensions, a support provider for people with autism or learning disabilities, has partnered with film and education charity Film Education to put on the event, which will see Disney film The Muppets shown in cinemas that have been altered to be more autism-friendly on April 26. Three cinema chains are taking part in this event: ODEON, Picturehouse and Apollo.
Subtle alterations will be made to the auditorium in participating cinemas, including leaving the lights on low and turning the volume down. Additionally, people will be able to move around the cinema or make noise as they feel comfortable.
Dimensions’ autism lead, executive director of specialist development, Lisa Hopkins, said: “Initiatives such as this require small adjustments that make a big difference to people who experience autism and show just what can be achieved when education and industry come together. I hope other organisations will see Autism Awareness Month as an opportunity to look at how they can become more autism-friendly and we are on hand to provide advice and support on how to do this.”
