Kamloops theatre offers free, sensory-friendly movie for autistic kids

Autism B.C. will be offering a free screening of the 2015 flick Minions this Saturday in Kamloops.

But the flick will specifically cater to those with sensory issues, according to Brock Sheppard, program manager with Autism B.C.

“There was a mother who reached out to our regional coordinator… in the Interior who passed it onto us and said ‘I have this idea, I really want to be able to have a sensory-friendly movie screening that will be able to empower, support and connect the autism community and beyond the autism community,'" Sheppard says.

The movie will play at the Paramount Theatre on Saturday, Feb. 8,  starting at 1 p.m. and Sheppard says the event is open to anyone, not just those with an autism diagnosis.

For Saturday's movie, Sheppard says some lights will be left on so the room isn't completely dark and the volume will be set at about 80 per cent. There will also be no lineup for those attending.

“Instead of needing to wait in a lineup… only one person from a family needs to come and check in so that’s another accommodation,” Sheppard says. “That way you don’t have to wait in a big long queue to be able to come in because those (lineups) can sometimes be challenging for children, youth or adults on the autism spectrum.”

The event is free to Autism B.C. members. To register for a free membership, visit the Autism B.C. website by going here.

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