“Yelm Cinemas Offers Sensory Friendly Screening of ‘Toy Story 4’ for Special Needs Families”

“Kasey Gonzalez’s son loves “Toy Story.” Every week, the family watches the first three movies and the six-year-old owns the small, medium and large versions of each toy character. ‘There aren’t too many things he shows such strong interest in,” says Gonzalez, ‘But I was too nervous to take him to see “Toy Story 4.” It was heartbreaking.’ Now due to a special Sensory Friendly showing of the film at Yelm Cinemas on June 29, Gonzalez will be able to take her son, who is autistic, without worrying about the impact on other patrons.

“The special screening will begin at 10:00 a.m. and tickets must be purchased at the theater rather than online to eliminate any potential confusion. During the show, the lights will be turned up and the sound will be turned down for children who are affected by sensory overload. ‘I know we have special needs kids in our community who don’t get to go to the movies,’ says Yelm Cinemas General Manager, Noah Aden. ‘This is an opportunity for them to see a movie in the theater, get up and walk around if they need to, and maybe make some friends. The parents won’t have to worry about disturbing other parents,'” by Heidi Smith, Thurston Talk. Read more