Cinema screenings in Dorchester designed for autism sufferers (From Dorset Echo)

Cinema screenings in Dorchester designed for autism sufferers

1:00pm Sunday 20th November 2011 in News By Catherine Bolado

WELCOME: Lizzie Johnson, information and advice officer from the Wessex Autistic Society and Jamie McDonald, Plaza deputy manager

PEOPLE with autism will now be able to enjoy the latest films in comfort with special screenings.

The Plaza Cinema in Trinity Street, Dorchester has teamed up with the Wessex Autistic Society to offer those with autism and their carers a unique cinema experience.

The National Autism Society says that autism is a lifelong developmental disability that affects how a person communicates with and relates to other people. It also affects how they make sense of the world around them.

It is a spectrum condition, which means that while all people with autism share certain difficulties, their condition will affect them in different ways.

Autistic people may experience an over or under sensitivity to different things like sounds, touch, tastes, smells, light or colours.

All the latest blockbusters will be shown every Tuesday at noon at the cinema. But for the comfort of those with autism, cinema staff will keep the house lights up and turn the sound volume down.

There will also be a special quiet area in the foyer.

Plaza Assistant Manager Jamie McDonald said: “We want to offer a cinema experience that is accessible to all and with the help of The Wessex Autistic Society we are developing our knowledge about how to make a trip to the Plaza a relaxed and comfortable environment for people with autism.”

Advocacy Services Manager Karen Wilmshurst said that the new screenings would help make the cinema experience more relaxed for autistic people and their carers by allowing people to move around freely and make noise without worrying about disturbing others.

She said: “We’re delighted that Plaza Dorchester has shown such an interest in helping local people and families affected by autism.

“Adults with autism and Asperger’s Syndrome are very welcome at the screenings as are children and families.

“We hope that this initiative will encourage other businesses to offer more inclusive services so that people with autism can access and enjoy more local facilities.”

The latest films to be screened include the vampire drama Twilight: Breaking Dawn Part One and Arthur Christmas, some of the other films that have been screened include The Three Musketeers and Tin Tin.

The Plaza also has a parents and babies only screening of films every Wednesday at 12 noon for parents with young ones under 36 months.

Tickets cost £2.50 each. For more information visit the website at www.plazadorchester.com/content/films4all or call 01305 262488.