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Sensory-friendly movie playing at base theater

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Amber R. Kelly-Herard
  • 375th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. --  Rules at most movie theaters include no talking, remaining in your seat and not bringing in outside food. The environment includes low lighting and a high volume which can be a very stimulating experience.

For some Team Scott families with children in the Exceptional Family Member Program, following those rules and experiencing the environmental factors are not always possible, which means they usually cannot attend movies at a theater.

For the first time at Scott, a special needs, sensory-friendly movie showing will be held at the Base Theater Dec. 18 at 1 p.m., featuring "How to Train Your Dragon." Cost is $1 per person and includes a special treat.

The new EFMP Family Support Coordinator is a large part of an Air Force-wide initiative currently approved for 35 bases around the world. Part of the coordinator's role is to put together events for families with exceptional needs to enjoy. The sensory movie is an example of many things to come and showing sensory-friendly movies is at little extra cost to the Air Force.

"Having the lights on and the sound turned down have been adjustments seen as helpful in allowing those with sensory challenges to enjoy the movie experience," said Natalie Jackson, Scott's EFMP coordinator. "A sensory movie environment also acts as an empathetic setting for those with special needs. Moving around, talking, dancing and singing are not recognized as disruptive and an animated reaction to stimuli is met with kindness and understanding."

Sensory integration difficulties are experienced by many individuals with disabilities. Autism, for example, has been seen to have a strong link to sensory discomfort. Noises to one person may be loud but to a person with sensory challenges, they can be painful.
At Scott there are more than 500 people enrolled in the EFMP. The nearest sensory movie experience is about 40 minutes away in Edwardsville, Ill.

"We have many of our parents drive all the way out there so their children can see a movie," said Mrs. Jackson. "Unfortunately, we also have some children who have never experienced what it's like to go to a movie theater.

"This is one way of showing our families how we are working to create a seamless network of care and support," she added.

Families are also invited to bring their own snacks in case their families have special dietary needs. The concession stand will also be open during this time.

The Exchange was also a part of the special showing. The Exchange is working to create a comfortable environment and even ordered a special movie for the event.
The A&FRC is planning for more workshops in the coming year for the EFMP.
For more information on this program or any others, call the A&FRC at 256-8668.