Feb. 23, 2018 (Davenport, Iowa) – The Putnam GIANT Screen Theater will premiere the first sensory-friendly film experience in the Quad Cities on March 11 at 1:45p.m., with the film Wild Africa.
Sensory-friendly screenings of documentaries on the GIANT Screen are offered every second Sunday of the month. On April 8 at 1:45p.m., Dream Big will premiere and additional showings will be announced at a later date.
“Our goal at the Putnam is to make our educational and entertaining documentaries accessible to more people and foster connections amongst families with children who have varied sensory needs,” said Kim Findlay, President and CEO of the Putnam Museum & Science Center.
Each film is modified to be “friendlier” to the senses. Changes to the environment and film experience include: theater lights dimmed but not turned off, volume turned down, all movies in 2D, few to no trailers before the film and handicapped access to theater.
Patrons can move around and make noise during the show as well as bring in outside food and drink to suit their dietary needs.
A designated “chill out zone” is available outside of the theater which will also feature therapy dogs from the Quad Cities Canine Assistance Network – providing additional comfort for all guests.
“The amazing thing about these sensory-friendly screenings is that they provide so much more than just accessible films. They also provide positive social interactions for kids,” said Nora Moriarty store lead at the Putnam. “These films allow the entire family to enjoy the theater experience without excluding anyone.”
Thanks to the Autism Society of the Quad Cities, the Putnam is able to offer the public discounted tickets at $5 per person. This ticket gives patrons access to the film in the theater as well as “chill out zones” if any patron feels the need to leave the theater and to be in a quiet area.
Tickets are available http://putnam.org/Movies/Featured/Sensory-Friendly-Films. Use discount code ASQC at checkout to receive the $5 price.
Sensory-friendly films at the Putnam are proudly sponsored by the Autism Society of the Quad Cities. The Autism Society of America, the national chapter, aided in suggesting the guidelines set in place for the theater showings.
For more information on sensory-friendly film showings on the GIANT screen, visit http://putnam.org/Movies/Featured/Sensory-Friendly-Films or call 563-324-1933.
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