Dimensions Autism Campaign Breaks The Mould

A national campaign launched by Dimensions to improve cinema access for people with learning disabilities and people with autism has been so successful that autism friendly film screenings are to take place at ODEON cinemas each month.
Of the first film shown, Lisa Hopkins, Dimensions Autism Lead, said: “The pilot screening was a great success and we have been inundated with messages from people sharing their personal experiences with us. There were people at the screening that had never been to the cinemas before. I met a dad who had autism and he was able to take his non-autistic children to see a film for the first time. People who needed to get up and move around or go in and out of the screening were able to do so in an accepting environment. People were clapping and cheering at the funny parts of the film, it truly was inspiring. The turnout and enthusiasm of the people that attended clearly shows the demand for these types of screenings.”
More than 3000 support workers, carers, people with learning disabilities, people with autism and their families came out in support of the first special screening, which took place in 40 cinemas nationwide in August.
After the success of this summer’s pilot of Autism Friendly Film Screenings, Dimensions and ODEON are pleased to announce their continued partnership. Sensory friendly screenings will be taking place monthly in 55 ODEON cinemas across the UK.
Dimensions is a leading specialist provider of support for people with autism and people with learning disabilities and their partnership with cinema group ODEON will mean that thousands of people will now have better access and improved choice to watch films in an environment more conducive with their needs. Lights are left on low, the volume is turned down, trailers are omitted and people can move around the cinema or make a noise as they feel comfortable.
The next screening will be of Johnny English Reborn (PG) week commencing 14th October, followed by Arthur Christmas week commencing 18th November. The films are recommended to anyone that would benefit from the subtle alterations made to the cinema auditorium; because of their sensory differences and because it allows them to attend newly released films with friends and family in an inclusive environment.

Roger Harris, COO of ODEON & UCI Cinemas Group, said: "We’ve been delighted with the recent success of our Autism Friendly Screening of Mr Popper’s Penguins and are delighted to extend our partnership with Dimensions having received some great feedback from our guests and as part of our commitment to providing the best cinema experience for all our guests."
The Autism Friendly Screening partnership between Dimensions and ODEON aims to raise awareness of the sensory differences experienced by people and promote the cinema-going experience for people with autism and people with learning disabilities.
People can find their closest participating cinema and the date of the Autism Friendly Screening at:
www.dimensions-uk.org/autismfriendly
(BMcN)