Sensory-Friendly Holiday Events in CT
Before I had kids of my own and became a blogger I was a special education teacher. I naturally hold a special place in my heart for children with disabilities, and their families. While working on my recent post, 50 family-friendly holiday activities, I learned that many places are starting to produce sensory-friendly activities for children and adults with disabilities.
The idea behind sensory-friendly activities is that it creates a welcoming environment for individuals with autism and special sensory needs. Modifications have been made to reduce loud noises, keep the lights on during shows, and allow for movement. Often times the staff has received special training. Many of the performances even have guides to familiarize guests with the upcoming show. It’s such a wonderful way to include individuals with disabilities in the joys of the holiday season. I absolutely love this idea and I’m so excited to share these special performances with you. I hope that this idea only continues to grow and become more mainstream.
A Christmas Carol
Enjoy the classic Christmas story with dim lights, reduced haze, opportunity for movement, signal for potentially jarring scenes, a quiet room for breaks.
Hartford Stage – Hartford, CT
Saturday, December 3, 2016 at 2 PM
Sensory Saturday
Imagine Nation Museum opens up its doors early for children with special needs and their families. This is a year-round event that takes place on the second Saturday of each month.
Imagine Nation Museum – Bristol, CT
Saturday, December 10, 2016 from 9 AM – 5 PM
Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer
Enjoy a special performance of the beloved classic. Lights will dimmed, sound will be lowered, reduced strobe lights, opportunity for standing & movement, limited crowds, trained staff. You can schedule an opportunity to preview the theater and seat prior to performance. Use code: SENSORY when purchasing tickets.
The Bushnell Center – Hartford, CT
Sunday, December 11, 2016 at 10 AM
Pinkalicious: The Musical
Pinkalicious isn’t technically a holiday performance, but it’s going on during the holiday season and deserves a shout out. It’s one of my daughters’ favorite series of books and will certainly be a fun show to see live with little ones ages 3 and up. It’s being produced with guidance from The Miracle League of CT and professionals from the local autism community
Playhouse on Park – West Hartford, CT
Sunday, December 18, 2016 at 10 AM
Monday, December 19, 2016 at 10 AM
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