A special nationwide screening of an ‘Autism Friendly Films’ showing of Mr Popper’s Penguins (PG) will take place later this year to raise awareness of the sensory differences experienced by people with autism, and to promote the cinema-going experience for people on the autism spectrum.
The initiative will be held in ODEON cinemas throughout the country on August 11. It is being jointly run by Dimensions, a not-for-profit provider for people with autism and learning disabilities and ODEON.
The partnership will mean that people who can sometimes be excluded from going to the cinema – due to either the lights or volume – will be able to watch the film in an environment suited to their needs.
Dimensions director of specialist development, Lisa Hopkins, said: “One in 100 people in England and Wales are diagnosed with autism and yet society isn’t always suited to the needs of people on the autism spectrum. The cinema experience can be a particularly challenging environment but it is one that can be made accessible by good partnership working. “The launch of ‘Autism Friendly Films’ is all about inclusion. As an organisation we would like to get people talking and thinking about other ways in which society can be more inclusive to everyone.”
A full list of participating cinemas can be found at www.dimensions-uk.org/autismfilms
