The Baylor Center for Developmental Disabilities hosted a sensory-friendly screening of the film “Inside Out 2” at Cinemark Waco.
The theater made arrangements to make the screening more comfortable for people with disabilities by not showing trailers, turning on the theater lights and lowering the volume. Organizers hope to schedule another screening in the future, but have not yet decided when.
Broadcast transcript:
Derek (parent): “Anytime we can do anything that is considered normal, it’s always nice to be able to share that with our kids.”
Derek de la Cruz took his kids to the movies for the first time on Saturday.
Both of his sons are autistic, and he said he always worried they would impact others’ experiences at the theater.
Derek: “I used to go to the cinema a lot as a kid, so I hope these events will be held two or three times a month so I can go see movies with my kids.”
And they may soon be going to the cinema more often…
The Baylor Center for Developmental Disabilities hosted a sensory-friendly screening of the film “Inside Out 2” at Cinemark Waco.
The theater was more accessible to people with disabilities, with no trailers, theater lights on, and the volume set low.
Anyone can move around the auditorium, stimulate, dance, make sounds, etc., if they wish.
“There’s an expectation of typical behavior in a movie theater, and we’re trying to change that norm so everyone can be themselves. As a parent, I think that’s reassuring,” said Kristen Padilla, director of the Baylor Center for Developmental Disabilities.
Chandler Hooper, a film fan who also works at Bitty’s & Boys, a local coffee shop that employs people with disabilities, told me he’s had experiences where people have turned him down because of his disability.
Hooper said inclusive environments like film screenings and work make her feel good.
Chandler: “Everyone, if you see someone out there who is feeling down, please encourage them and help them become stronger.”
Organizers said nearly 200 people attended and tickets were so sold out that they had to open an extra theater.
Sensory-friendly movie experiences are also offered at various theaters across the United States.
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