Friday, December 5, 2008

Sensory Friendly Films and Moments (Journal #4)


I know that many of us in the Autism Community already are aware of the "sensory friendly films" that are now being held in theatres, but am excited to share a local one for those of us in the Twin Cities. Below is a copy of an email from our local Autism Society Chapter...Enjoy, Bolt is a great movie, but lots of action and sound, so it is a perfect one to make "sensory friendly"!

Subject: Sensory Friendly Film ³Bolt² Tomorrow!

Lights will be turned up!

Sound will be turned down!

Bring your own snacks!

Silence is not golden!


Join AuSM and AMC Entertainment for ³Bolt², part of the Sensory-Friendly

Film Series!!!

Saturday, December 6 , 2008

10:00 am; doors open at 9:30

AMC Rosedale 14

Roseville, MN 55113

Tickets are $5 per person.


AuSM, ASA and AMC Entertainment have teamed up to bring families affected by autism and other disabilities a special opportunity to enjoy their favorite films in a safe and accepting environment. In order to provide a more accepting and comfortable setting for this unique audience, the movie auditoriums will have their lights brought up and the sound turned down, families will be able to bring in their own gluten-free, casein-free snacks, and no previews or advertisements will be shown before the movie. Additionally, audience members are welcome to get up and dance, walk, shout or sing - in other words, AMC¹s ³Silence is Golden®² policy will not be

enforced unless the safety of the audience is questioned. Sensory-friendly Films will be shown the first Saturday of each month at AMC Rosedale 14. Join us for January¹s film, Marley and Me, on Saturday, January 3, 2009!


Visit www.ausm.org for more information!


A TWIST OF FAITH
In the same manner as a "sensory friendly film", God gives us those "sensory friendly moments" whenever we need them. The "light is turned up" and on when we look to Him. The noisy "sound is turned down" from the world when we pray to Him. And...even though we can "bring our own snacks", bring our own joys, and bring our own sorrows...He always has a place set for us at His table. I am forever thankful for gentle times where our littles ones are afforded less anxiety.

Philippians 4:4-7:

4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (NIV)