Autism-Friendly Activities in
Alabama
Fantasy Playhouse Children's Theater & Academy
Sensory Friendly Performance: Snow White & the 7 Littles
Snow White is not waiting for a knight in shining armor! She's much too busy working to provide clean water for the Littles and all the creatures of the Nysland Woods. But when her mission is halted by the jealous Queen and her magic mirror, Snow will need the help of her forest friends to save herself and the entire village. Can the Littles rescue her in time, or will the Queen's vanity reign supreme? Find out in this new twist on a classic about kindness, community, and the true meaning of beauty. Written by Stephen Tyler Davis, Huntsville native, and Fantasy Playhouse Alumni. Suitable for all ages.
Sensory Friendly Performances make space for audiences with special access needs. Visual and sound effects are lowered, fidget toys and other sensory assistance tools will be distributed, and house lights will stay dimly lit to accommodate first time patrons with sensory disabilities. This new sensory friendly season is part of Fantasy Playhouse’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, one of the first initiatives of its kind to take place in Alabama. Tickets are on sale to the general public to these special performances.
Fantasy Playhouse Children's Theater & Academy
700 Monroe St SW
Huntsville, AL 35801
Dance Without Limits
Dance Studio for Special Needs
All of our dancers participate to their maximum potential. Wheelchairs are forgotten, tight muscles are stretched, social skills and confidence are enhanced and no speech is needed in dance. It is truly an art form that we believe EVERYONE can participate in!
Each dancer gets a “helper” to assist them through class. Some need no assistance, just some encouragement. Others need help standing, staying with the beat or just help staying on task. These “helpers” are all incredible volunteers ranging from Occupational or Physical Therapy school students, Camp Smile Volunteers, Special Ed teachers, moms, or just really incredible individuals with a heart for special needs kids. They are what make DWL work and we love them!
Dance Without Limits
4715 Airport Blvd.
Mobile, AL 36608
Red Mountain Theatre Company
You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown (Sensory-Friendly Performance)
You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown (Revised) is a fresh approach to the all-time 1967 classic, based on the beloved comic strip by Charles Schultz. Sally Brown joins Charlie Brown, Linus, Lucy, Schroeder, and Snoopy in this charming revue of vignettes and songs. Two new songs, “Beethoven Day” and “My New Philosophy,” have been added to the twelve numbers from the original version, which include “My Blanket and Me,” “The Baseball Game,” “Little Known Facts,” “Suppertime,” and “Happiness.”
A significant portion of RMTC’s mission is inclusion and accessibility to the performing arts for all people, including those with disabilities. RMTC is pleased to partner with the Autism Society of Alabama to offer a Sensory-Friendly Performance of You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown for patrons affected by Autism Spectrum Disorders and other sensory, social, and cognitive disabilities. While the integrity of the performance is maintained, certain elements of the production are modified in an effort to create a welcoming and inclusive experience for patrons on the autism spectrum and their families.
Among the modifications are:
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Reduction of loud sounds
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House lights stay on creating a dim light in the audience for the entire show
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Audience members are free to talk, make noise, and/or be active
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Extra staff and volunteer support
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“Quiet Room” available during the show
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Opportunity to “Meet Your Seat” a few day(s) prior to the show by arranging an appointment (call 205-324- 2424 or email slikis@redmountaintheatre.org)
Red Mountain Theatre Company
301 19th St. N
Birmingham, AL 35203
Alabama Symphony Orchestra
Sensory Friendly Concert
From the orchestra: Sensory Friendly Concerts are public events facilitated by credentialed music therapists. Sensory Friendly Concerts are performances of the fine arts, which include those with disabilities who may not be able to sit still in a traditional concert venue, such as a symphony hall or jazz club.
Alys Stephens Performing Arts Center
1200 10th Ave South
Birmingham, AL 35205
Birmingham Zoo
Sensory Sensitivities
From their website:
"Sensory Sensitivities—Birmingham Zoo’s Sensory Inclusive Zoo Initiative
The Birmingham Zoo has partnered with KultureCity to develop the Sensory Inclusive Zoo Initiative to improve our capacity to serve visitors with sensory processing needs. As a result, the Zoo has been designated a “sensory inclusive facility.”
The goals of this initiative are to:
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Raise Awareness of challenges facing people with sensory processing needs among Zoo staff and throughout the community
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Increase Accessibility throughout the Zoo grounds for visitors with sensory processing needs
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Promote Inclusive Experience for visitors with sensory processing needs "
Birmingham Zoo
2630 Cahaba Rd
Birmingham, AL 35223
National Chains That May Have Sensory-Friendly Activities in Your Area:
Glass Slipper Initiative
Summer Art Paradise
Join Glass Slipper Initiative and Friends of Children with Special Needs for a free accommodating online art event for children with disabilities! It will be on July 22nd from 10 AM to 12 PM, where we'll have multiple stations for different crafts for any skill level. All you'll need is paper, scissors, and some coloring supplies! Sign up at bit.ly/GSI-Summer. If you can't make the event, but you'd like to be notified about other ones in the future, go to glassslipperinitiative.org and click "sign up" to join our mailing list for future events and opportunities for your kids.
RockonMusic School
RockonMusic Lessons
Use the positive power of music to learn to play instruments, sing and create. Each one-on-one session is tailored to the individual's skills and motivations. I specialize in those impacted by autism or other disabilities. Live Westchester & Putnam Counties, NY and on Zoom, anywhere....since 2016.
RockonMusicSchool
Proud to Be Me
Free Dance Therapy Classes for Children with Developmental Disabilities!
This dance class is designed for elementary and middle schoolers with any intellectual, developmental, or sensory impairments! Our beginner-level dance and movement classes currently take place through Zoom and provide a fun outlet for children to let out energy and meet new people. The free class is also designed to help refine and improve things like motor skills, concentration, social/communication abilities, and general happiness.
More information on website (linked above).
Proud to Be Me
Alamo Theatre
Alamo for All
From their website: "Welcome to Alamo for All - a movie program for young families and guests with special needs. All shows starting before 2 pm on Tuesdays follow Alamo for All rules, with more shows on the weekends. Schedule may vary during holidays. At sensory-friendly Alamo for All shows,
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Lights are turned up and sound is turned down
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All ages are welcome (including infants)
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Talking and noise is allowed and guests can move around
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Latecomers are admitted
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Adaptive technology is welcome (but no other electronics, please)
Bought a ticket to an Alamo for All show by mistake? No problem! Contact the theater and we'll be glad to refund or exchange your ticket for another show.
Check the link above for dates and locations.
We Rock the Spectrum Kid's Gym
The Gym for All Kids
From their website: "We Rock the Spectrum Kids Gyms was founded to provide a place for children of all ability levels to play and grow together. As the only kids gym that offers an inclusive philosophy we have found all children can benefit from our uniquely designed sensory equipment that is specifically designed to aid children with sensory processing disorders. However, in our experience, all children are able to benefit greatly from this equipment and by allowing children of all ability levels to play together they are able to learn a great deal from each other and become the best motivation for success on every level.
Our Gym Includes:
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Suspended equipment with swings – for balance and vestibular treatment
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Crash mats and crash pillows – for fun, motor planning, and strength
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Zip line – for stress release and joint and body relaxation
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Trampoline – for building leg and core strength
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Indoor play structure – for climbing and increasing playground skills
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Sensory-based toys – for improved auditory processing and fine motor skills
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Fine Motor and Arts and Crafts Area – for improved hand-eye coordination"
Check the link above for locations.
Autism Eats
Autism Friendly Dining
From their webpage: Providing autism-friendly non-judgmental environments for family dining, socializing and connecting with others who share similar joys and challenges. ALL behaviors are welcomed!
Check the website above for restaurants and dates!
Cobb Theatres
Sensory Friendly Films
Sensory Friendly showings provide families with varying abilities the opportunity to enjoy a family friendly film where kids can be kids in a safe and accepting environment. The auditoriums are made comfortable by brighter lights and the sound level is turned down. The audience is encouraged to be themselves and interact with the movie, while having fun without the worry of disturbing others. Dance, sing and enjoy the show!!!
All shows will begin at 10am local time. Films, dates and program are subject to change. Tickets are available in person only the Wednesday prior to each showing.
Check the link above for dates and locations.
Marcus Theaters
REEL MOVIES FOR Real Needs
A Special Showing for Families and Individuals with Special Needs. We understand that sometimes it is difficult or uncomfortable for families with special needs children to attend movies together.
Marcus Theatres Reel Movies for Reel Needs is a specially designed program to serve families with special needs such as autism or other challenges, who seldom attend movies. Reel Movies for Real Needs creates a welcoming and comfortable environment – lower sound, lights up – where families with children who need accommodations will be able to share the experience of seeing family friendly films at a theatre.
Check the link above for dates and locations.
Urban Air Adventure Park
Sensory Friendly Jump
NEW sensory friendly jump time for our special needs community only, every First Sunday of the month from 10am-12n (time/date varies per location).
No flashing lights, no whistles, low music level, and less crowded. We invite you and your families to join us! Reduced rates available (varies per location). Open to sensory-sensitive individuals, their siblings and care-givers only.
Check the link above for dates and locations.
Studio Movie Grill
Sensory Friendly Screenings
A pillar of SMG’s Outreach since 2003, our monthly Special Needs Screenings are designed for families raising children with special needs. Special Needs Screenings are shown with the lights up and the volume lowered and children are free to move around, talk, or even dance in the aisles during the movie.
The sensory friendly screenings are free for children with special needs and their siblings. Adult tickets are available at before-noon price. There are no advance ticket sales. Parental guidance is always suggested.
Special Needs Screenings are shown at 11:00am at all SMG locations except EpiCentre. SMG Downey, Monrovia and Redlands look forward to offering our special needs screening program in the near future. We are currently in process of installing new seating and will subsequently undergo remodeling to our full concept. These locations will offer special needs screenings as soon as this work has been completed.
Check the link above for dates and locations.
Regal Cinemas
My Way Matinee
Sensory friendly movie screenings with sounds lower, lights brighter.
Check the link above for dates and locations.
AMC Theaters
Sensory Friendly Films
AMC is proud to partner with the Autism Society to offer unique movie showings where we turn the lights up, and turn the sound down, so you can get up, dance, walk, shout or sing! Our Sensory Friendly Film program is available on the second and fourth Saturday (family-friendly) and Tuesday evenings (mature audiences) of every month. Please check your local theatre listings for specific showtimes, and don't forget to share your family fun with #AMCSensoryFriendly.
Check the link above for dates and locations.
Major Airports
Wings for Autism®/Wings for All®
Wings for Autism®/Wings for All® are airport “rehearsals” specially designed for individuals with autism spectrum disorders and individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities. The programs are designed to alleviate the stress that families who have a child with autism or intellectual/developmental disabilities experience when flying. It provides families the opportunity to practice entering the airport, obtaining boarding passes, going through security and boarding a plane. Airport, airline, Transportation Security Administration professionals, and other personnel also have the opportunity to observe, interact, and deliver their services in a structured learning environment.
Check the link above for dates and locations.
Sky Zone
Sensory Hours
Enjoy the freedom of jumping. Sensory hours provide a quieter, toned-down jumping experience for those with special needs.
Check the link above for dates and locations.
Chuck E. Cheese
Sensory Sensitive Sundays
Chuck E. Cheese's is proud to support families who have children with autism and special needs. We now offer a sensory-friendly experience on the first Sunday of every month. Our trained and caring staff is there to make sure each guest has a fun filled visit. The Sensory Sensitive Sundays experience includes:
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Less crowding and noise
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Dimmed lighting
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Show and music turned off or down
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Limited appearances by Chuck E.
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Food and games are offered
Check the link above for dates and locations.
iFly
All Abilities Night
All Abilities Night at iFLY is a unique event that makes the dream of flight a reality for those in the special needs community. This program has been custom designed for those with physical and cognitive challenges to create an environment of support and inclusion, while focusing on making what seems impossible, possible.
Check the link above for dates and locations.