Talking encouraged at Kent movie theater
KENT, Wash. -- Normally they would dim the lights, but not at this showing. And normally, my nephew Zachary would be discouraged from talking.
Today, he's a chatterbox, and that's OK.
Welcome to the "sensory-friendly" movie at the Kent Station AMC theater. Once a month, the theater hosts a special version of a popular kids movie, designed to be easier on kids, especially those with developmental difficulties.
"We heard that they were doing this, and we thought it would be awesome to come down and support it," says Dane Crek, who brought his family to watch Madagascar 2. "You didn't feel like you had to worry about them (kids) disturbing the people around you.
And because the lights are up, the volume is lower, and you are free to make noise, special kids like Jaden can really enjoy it.
"Normal movies are really hard for him to sit through," says Jaden's mom, Vicky. "We have taken him to regular movies a few times, but it's a lot of stress on me to try to keep him quiet."
What struck me as most interesting -- children with autism and other disabilities were having a great time alongside non-impaired kids.
"It's a really good experience, and we like to do this whenever we can," said a very thankful dad.
This month's sensory-friendly movie will be Disney's "Bolt," and will start at 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 6 at the Kent Station AMC Theater.
Today, he's a chatterbox, and that's OK.
Welcome to the "sensory-friendly" movie at the Kent Station AMC theater. Once a month, the theater hosts a special version of a popular kids movie, designed to be easier on kids, especially those with developmental difficulties.
"We heard that they were doing this, and we thought it would be awesome to come down and support it," says Dane Crek, who brought his family to watch Madagascar 2. "You didn't feel like you had to worry about them (kids) disturbing the people around you.
And because the lights are up, the volume is lower, and you are free to make noise, special kids like Jaden can really enjoy it.
"Normal movies are really hard for him to sit through," says Jaden's mom, Vicky. "We have taken him to regular movies a few times, but it's a lot of stress on me to try to keep him quiet."
What struck me as most interesting -- children with autism and other disabilities were having a great time alongside non-impaired kids.
"It's a really good experience, and we like to do this whenever we can," said a very thankful dad.
This month's sensory-friendly movie will be Disney's "Bolt," and will start at 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 6 at the Kent Station AMC Theater.