Family Connections Newsletter
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Parent Mentor
Eileen Hawkins
January 2020
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Ride Service Offers Independence and Inclusion
By Karlynn Wells Ohio
PUBLISHED 10:26 AM ET Dec. 30, 2019
CLEVELAND, Ohio — Shannon Sapp spends her weekends as a driver for the transportation service Fare-Cle.
- The service provides transportation access to those with developmental, neurological, and cognitive challenges
- Riders can access the biographies of each driver and get to travel in the community on their own
- Fare-Cle hopes to expand past Northeast Ohio and be a model across the country
It's the organization's mission that prompted her to get behind the wheel.
“We’re usually jamming out to
the greatest hits of the 70s 80s and 90s while riding and Carpool Karaoke…they make my day. We have so much fun, and I just leave them with such a feeling of warmth,” said Sapp. Founder Debra Picker
says Fare-Cle is focused on inclusion and independence.
The motto is “Find A Ride Easily.” Fare-Cle provides transportation access to those with developmental, neurological, and cognitive challenges.
“Our kids, they couldn't take Uber because they're a vulnerable population. So very simplistically, I thought, oh, I think I'll develop that. And that's what I did,” said Picker.
Picker worked in education for over 20 years and has two children with special needs.
“As they got older, I noticed both my children and my students didn't have opportunities to go out because they didn't have transportation,” said Picker.
The service, which started in 2017, hires drivers as independent contractors like they would for Uber or Lyft. But the Fare-Cle experience
is a bit more personal. Picker schedules each ride herself and makes sure every driver is vetted.
"We have a limited number of drivers…every single face and biography is on our website,” said Picker. "So, when our riders get a driver, they can see who their driver is going to be, and that driver is not going to just take them for that one trip, that driver may take them for many trips, depending on what their needs are.”
Sapp says there are a lot of people in the special needs community who do not hold driver’s licenses, but still have a desire to live a full and independent life. "Social events and
getting to work, and all sorts of other activities that they're able to do on their own, because of the driving service,” said Sapp.
One weekly passenger is Ben, who has used Fare-Cle for over a year. His mother Sharon, has two other adult children with special needs and says Fare-Cle has helped tremendously.
“They like to keep it active. And sometimes I would just have to say no because I couldn't be in two places at once. And sometimes I didn't do it, but that meant that my husband and I couldn't do what we wanted to do,” said Sharon Peerless, parent.
And knowing exactly who her children are riding with brings peace of mind.
“At Fare-Cle, I know that all the drivers have been screened very well. And many of them have had some experience working with people with special needs,” said Peerless. “It gives them their independence, they're not always relying on me. They have their own activities which they get to by themselves, and it's their own life and I don't always have to be involved in it.”
Fare-Cle hopes to expand past Northeast Ohio, and be a model across the country in order to meet the needs of more people. Scholarships are available.
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The libraries below offer Adapted Story times where children with varying learning styles and abilities learn together in a safe, supportive environment where respect and appreciation for differences is encouraged. This story time, followed by a time for socialization, is designed for children who may not be successful in a typical story time experience. Content is geared toward ages 3 to 7 years, but all ages are welcome. Siblings may also attend but must register separately. Some libraries also offer additional special needs programming.
Branch Locations Offer Special Needs Programming:
Cuyahoga County Public Library, Parma Snow Branch, Euclid Public Library, Lakewood, Rocky River, The Ellet Branch in Summit County, Lorain, Avon, Avon and North Ridgeville offer
Adapted Story Times and other special needs programming. You can register through the
CFK website
or by calling the library directly.
FREE
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P.A.L.S. Sensory Friendly Movie
January 9 from 6:00pm - 8:30pm
Audience
Children, Families
Sponsor: Parma-Snow Library
A sensory-friendly environment including more light, less sound and the option to move around the room will help children with special needs and their families enjoy this
FREE
moving screening. All ages welcome.
Showing: Raiders of the Lost Ark
Location
2121 Snow Road
Parma, OH 44134
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A list of mental health resources including addiction and recovery, anxiety, ADHD, chronic fatigue, depression, developmental disorders, and more.
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The Up Side of Downs (USOD) Bowling Buddies West
Sunday, January 26⋅2:00 – 4:00pm
12859 Brookpark Rd, Cleveland, OH 44130, USA
Description:
USOD will pick up the cost for our buddies with Down syndrome to bowl up to two games per week and shoe rental.
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The Up Side of Downs (USOD) DADS Group
Wednesday, February 5, 2020
7:00 – 9:00pm
Monthly on the first Wednesday
368 W Bagley Rd, Berea, OH 44017, USA
Organizer
: usodneo@gmail.com
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22nd Annual Summer and Beyond Fair for Children, Teens and Young Adults with Disabilities
Saturday February 15, 2020
10:00 am - 1:00 pm
Woodside Event Center at St. Michael’s, 5025 Mill Rd., Broadview Heights, OH 44147
Meet providers across Northern Ohio who provide services, activities and camps for children, teens and young people with disabilities. A free provider directory will be available for all attendees.
Admission is
FREE
and will be held regardless of weather conditions.
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Parent Support Group Meeting @ Independence Civic Center
ASGC Support Group provides an informal forum for discussion and information sharing for anyone impacted by autism. Facilitators are volunteers who have first-hand knowledge of living the autism journey and have completed their training in active listening skills, group dynamics and accessing resources.
Childcare WILL be available at this meeting for those who pre-register at
Game Night will be available for those age 14 through adult.
When:
Tuesday, January 14, 2020
FREE
Time:
6:30 - 8:00 PM
Where
: Independence Civic Center
6363 Selig Dr. Independence, 44131
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Meet & Greet Resource Fair
Date: April 8, 2020
Location: Don Umerley Civic Center, Rocky River
This free public event designed for families who have concerns about their child (ages birth-12) will highlight providers from across Northeast Ohio. Participants can visit with representatives from numerous organizations to discuss services and explore program options such as:
- Adapted recreation programs and camps
- Alternative schools
- Counselors and mental health providers
- Educational advocates
- Grant/financial aid providers
- Music therapy programs
- Occupational and physical therapists
- Respite providers
- Speech-language pathologists
- Social skills programs
- Tutors and learning disability programs
FREE
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Teen Scene Girls
Sponsor: The Friendship Circle
Session: Every Tuesday, except holidays
Cost: $400/year, or $25/session
Ages: 13-18
Teen Scene Girls presents an abundance of social interaction with crafts and enjoyable activities. Special emphasis is placed on developing event-planning skills. Participants will also focus on cooking, menu planning, etiquette and preparing a Café Night for the community.
Location
27900 Gates Mills Blvd
Pepper Pike, OH 44124
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Are you concerned about your child? Whatever the reason.. Connecting for Kids Can Help!
You are not alone...
You’re not alone Connecting for Kids (CFK) provides education and support to families who have concerns about their child. They serve all families, including those children with and without formal diagnoses. CFK offers educational programs, support groups, a Parent Match Program and numerous resources.
Designed for your family Programs are designed to educate and support families of children (birth - 12 years) who are struggling. Look for these icons to choose programs for your family:
Services available for:
Families with young children (0-6 years)
Families with elementary aged children (7-12 years)
All families with children (0-12 years)
All Connecting for Kids programs are
FREE
and open to the public.
For more information: Call/Text: 440-570-5908 (para español 440-907-9130)
info@connectingforkids.org connectingforkids.org/register
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How to Stay Calm When Your Kids are Out of Control
Tuesday, March 24, 6:30 pm, Virtual Coffee and Chat via Facebook Live
Watch from the comfort of your home and post questions for our facilitators, Lisa Ruman, LISW, CHt, and Kristin Swihart, LISW-S, of The Child & Family Counseling Center of Westlake.
They will be addressing one of our most popular topics and you will learn six techniques to help you stay calm in the face of adversity. Connecting for Kids staff will also be part of this Facebook live event to share resources and answer your questions.
This event is open to all and will be live on the CFK main Facebook page.
FREE
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The Many Faces of Autism
January 30 from 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Audience
Families
Sponsor: Orange Recreation
Instructor: Holly Etzkin, MSEd, Intervention Specialist
Cost: $24/individual; $29/couple
Because Autism is a spectrum disorder, each child that has it possesses a distinct set of both strengths and challenges. The ways in which children with autism learn, think and problem-solve can range from highly skilled to severely challenged.
If your child was recently diagnosed or is in the process of being evaluated, we can provide you with information about how the various faces of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) can impact your child’s communication, social interactions, sensory processing skills and ability to learn. As a participant, you will also receive a very handy parent resource guide for families with children that were recently diagnosed
Location
3200 Chagrin Blvd
Pepper Pike, OH 44124
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IDA Central Ohio's first-ever Ohio Summit on Dyslexia
When: February 3, 2020 Time: 8:45am - 4:00pm.
Dyslexia is an issue that demands our attention!
IDA Central Ohio's first-ever Ohio Summit on Dyslexia will serve to:
- Inform and energize people about the issue of dyslexia
- Support the development and work of parents and educational professionals
- Foster and advocate for strategies for serving all of Ohio's children, especially those with dyslexia
Who should attend?
- Teachers, Tutors, Literacy specialists, ESL coordinators, Chief Academic Officers + more
- Superintendents, School Board members, Principals
- Language and special education professionals, Advocates, Psychologists, Pediatricians
- Parents and Community-Based Professionals
- Policy Makers, Legislators and Other Elected Officials
- Anyone Who Wants to Serve Children with Dyslexia!
Highlights include:
Dr. Nadine Gaab - Associate Professor of Pediatrics, Boston Children's Hospital & Harvard Medical School.
Dr. Gaab will talk about the following: The Typical and Atypical Reading Brain: How a Neurobiological Framework of Language and Reading Development Can Inform Clinical and Educational Practice.
Emily Hanford
- Senior Producer and Correspondent for American Public Media; creator of Hard Words: Why Aren't Kids Being Taught to Read?
Emily Hanford will discuss: Discovering the Science of Reading: A Journalist Shares What She Has Learned from Three Years of Reporting on Early Reading Instruction.
They did it, so can you!
- Premiere of the School District Roadmap for Dyslexia Identification, Training and Intervention
IDA Central Ohio and several outstanding Ohio school districts collaborated to create the District Roadmap for Dyslexia Identification, Training and Intervention. District representatives will debut this new Roadmap which identifies policies and practices supporting children with dyslexia.
Panelists:
- Holly Robbertz, District Dyslexia Specialist, Olentangy Local School District
- Steve Griffin, M.A. CCC/SLP, Literacy Director, Marysville Schools
- Andrea Rowson, Instructional Leader, Upper Arlington City Schools
- Kelly Holbrook, Assistant Superintendent, Heath City Schools
- Sue Wieging, Director of Special Education, Gahanna-Jefferson Public Schools
- Kristina Hulse, Director of Special Education, Pickerington Local School District
Breakout session:
I need an answer now! - Parents' Role in Achieving Literacy Success for ALL Children
- How can I support my child who shows signs?
- What are the steps to advocate for my child?
- What questions should I pose to my child's teacher or school?
- What type of instruction do they need?
- What type of reading tutor should I get for my child?
- What should I do if my child continues to struggle?
Join this interactive session with a diverse group of panelists to explore these questions and receive support and guidance. You are not alone! Together, we are stronger!
Panelists:
- Sara Hallerman, Senior Director for Professional Learning, EdLeader21, and member of the Dublin Dyslexia Parent Network
- Brett Tingley, President of Upper Arlington Kids Identified with Dyslexia (UA-KID) and Founder of Ohio Kids Identified with Dyslexia (OH-KID)
- Martha Orbovich, Professional Parent Advocate, Kids First Parent Advocacy
- Dr. Maria Goldman, Pediatric Neuropsychologist
Breakout session:
It Can Be Done! How One School of Education Embraced the Science and Redefined Their Teaching of Reading.
This presentation describes the journey of a School of Education that transformed their reading coursework to systematically teach the Science of Reading across ALL programs. The session will describe this journey and will outline the key actions that led to this transformation.
Key points that will be discussed include: gaining administrative support, getting all faculty on board, the role of K-12 schools, and creating the new curriculum (including Orton Gillingham practicums). Additionally, faculty involvement on a new state-level task force to implement the science of reading in higher education will be discussed.
Panelists:
- Dr. Amy Murdoch, Graduate Chair- School of Education; Associate Professor, Reading Science Program Director, Mount St. Joseph University
- Dr. Beth Corbo, Assistant Professor, Mount St. Joseph University
- Dr. Laura Saylor, Dean of Education and Assistant Professor, School of Education, Mount St. Joseph University
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Epilepsy Association
Kids and Family Services
Services Include:
- One-On-One Resources - Available for families who have a child with epilepsy. Their case managers are available to meet in the community to assess the needs of each family member and connect them with supportive community resources. Their case managers provide general support, epilepsy education, and advocacy.
- Epilepsy Education - Their staff and qualified, trained volunteers provide instructional presentations for students of all grade levels and school staff.
- Kids on the Block Puppet Shows - For children in preschool through 4th grade. The program features the puppet character, “Brian”, who has epilepsy. The goal of the program is to educate students in an age-appropriate way while focusing on dispelling myths surrounding epilepsy. Students have an opportunity to ask Brian questions about having epilepsy. The program also reviews head injury prevention.
- Youth education – For children in 5th through 12th grade. Programming provides age-appropriate epilepsy education, first aid for seizures, and a focus on understanding and acceptance of students with epilepsy.
- School Staff Education – Presentation on epilepsy education, first aid for seizures, recognizing seizures in students, and considerations for having a child with epilepsy in the classroom.
- Be SMART Manual - An Epilepsy education manual designed for school personnel. Click here for download.
Are you living with seizures and need to contact The Epilepsy Association about the services they offer? Do you need to access the resources in our community? No matter your questions, please click on the link and fill out the form and your request will be directed to the correct person.
Click on link below to sign up for The Epilepsy Association Newsletter.
Epilepsy Association
2831 Prospect Ave.,
Cleveland, OH 44115
Telephone: (216) 579-1330
FAX: (216) 771-5114
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Teach Me Play
Do you have questions or concerns about your child’s development? Are you looking for a social opportunity for you and your child in the community? Do you want ideas about how to encourage your child’s learning through play? With fun, new themes each month, Teach Me to Play offers your child a host of new activities and experiences each time he or she attends.
For parents and caregivers, there is a Parent Education Focus every month that provides information on a variety of developmentally appropriate topics. Your child will enjoy playing with other children while practicing language and social skills. Since you attend together, you will have the option of interacting with our experienced Early Intervention Specialist and Speech-Language Pathologist. They can suggest strategies for managing problem behaviors, offer tips for increasing your child’s communication skills, or share appropriate resources.
This program is specifically designed for children ages 18 months-6 years who are struggling in an area of development. Come connect with other families in a supportive and accepting environment.
FREE
Solon Branch of Cuyahoga County Public Library
Solon Preschool Session begins at 10:30 am.
Friday, March 6, 2020
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Westlake Porter Public Library
Westlake - Thursday Preschool Sessions begin at 6:30 pm,
Westlake - Friday Preschool Sessions begin at 9:30 am
Westlake - Friday Toddler Sessions begin at 11:30 am.
Thursday, January 16
Friday, January 17
Thursday, February 20
Friday, February 21
Thursday, March 19
Friday, March 20
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Special Needs Learn to Swim
(5-week session)
January 11 from 11:30am - 1:00pm
Contact: (216) 831-8601 x2316
Audience: Ages 5+
Session: Saturdays, Jan 11-Feb 8
Cost: $109/resident or $129/non-resident
For children with special needs who need individual attention. This program is NOT aquatic therapy; it is one-on-one learn to swim instruction in the water. Children will be scheduled based on the number of swimmers and instructors between the hours of 11:30am and 1:00pm.
Location
32000 Chagrin Blvd
Pepper Pike, OH 44124
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Free Stuff for Kids with Disabilities
We all love free stuff, but sometimes when you are raising a kid with a disability or special need, you REALLY love free stuff – or more accurately, you really NEED the free stuff, because disability or special needs can be expensive.
Here’s a short list of some great free stuff for kids with disabilities or special needs*, focusing on products, services and money.
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Financial Resources and Discounts for Students with Disabilities
Disability discounts, tips, and information for travel, utilities, books, software, and assistive technologies are out there for disabled college students to use. This list can help in the realm of finances to cut both financial costs and the associated unnecessary stress.
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Sensory Friendly Movies at AMC Theaters
AMC Theatres has partnered with the Autism Society in order to make seeing a movie in theaters more accessible to children and adults with special needs. During these select showings, the house lights are left on, the volume is turned down, and customers are welcome to walk around, talk, shout or sing during the movie.
Sensory friendly showings take place on the second and fourth Tuesday and Saturday every month, offering families four sensory friendly days each month. Participating AMC Theatres in Ohio include AMC Ridge Park Square. Address:
4788 Ridge Rd, Brooklyn, OH 44144
, (216) 749-0260.
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Please read...
This newsletter is a resource. Independence Local Schools does not endorse or recommend any providers, methodologies or services from any of the groups or companies listed.
We
urge
you to make independent judgment when selecting a professional to assist you.
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Eileen Hawkins, Parent Mentor
Confidential Help Available for help with IEP's, 504 Plans, Resources, Support and more. Services provided
FREE
of charge by the district.
Call
216-524-0424
for more information or
eileen.hawkins@escneo.org
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ReCharge Respite Ministry
Offered Monthly
Call 440-238-6135 for more information.
Sponsor: Strongsville United Methodist Church
Audience: Infants through 22 years old
Cost:
FREE
Includes activities, food and fun. Parents can drop their child off and have 2.5 hours to relax, run errands, go out to dinner, etc. This program is offered monthly.
Advanced registration is required for all ReCharge nights and a first time interview is mandatory before children may attend
Location: 13500 Royalton Rd., Strongsville
OH
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iCAN Kickball or Walkers Club
City of Independence Field House (Next to High School)
FREE
Walkers Club and Kickball @ The Fieldhouse.
Friday's, January 10, 17, 31, 2020
from 7 - 8:30 PM
Spend a Friday night staying active and then competing in a fun game of kickball!
Ages 10+. All participants under age 18 or in need of 1:1 attention must have a parent or caretaker attend with them at all times. Question, please call Jim Wotowiec @216-524-3262.
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iCAN Game Night
Independence Civic Center, 6363 Selig Dr. Independence, OH 44131
FREE
Tuesday, January 14, 2020 - 6:30 - 8 PM
Have fun and play games with friends! Bring a drink or snack.
For those age High School & Above. Parent Support Group From the ASGC, is at the same time in the same building as Game Night.
Questions, please call Jim Wotowiec 216-524-3262.
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iCAN Movie Night
Independence Civic Center Willow Room, 6363 Selig Dr. Independence, OH 44131
Friday, February 7, 2020 - 7 - 8:30 PM
Friday Night fun at the movies continues with ICan Movie Night!
FREE
Ages 10+. All participants under age 18 or in need of 1:1 attention must have a parent or caretaker attend with them at all times.
Questions, please call Jim Wotowiec 216-524-3262.
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iCAN Adaptive Aerobic
Adaptive Aerobics, Civic Center Aerobics Room, 6363 Selig Dr., Independence OH 44131
Saturdays, January 11, 18, 25, &
February 1, 8, 2020
11:15 AM - 12:15 PM
$5 per Session
Adaptive Aerobics Classes are back by popular demand with Instructor Jamie!
Classes are adapted to meet the need of each individual - sign up for any weeks that you are available!
Ages 10+. All participants under age 18 or in need of 1:1 attention must have a parent or caretaker attend with them at all times. Questions, call Jim Wotowiec at 216-524-3262.
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iCAN Dinner at Harry's
Tuesdays, January 21 & February 18, 2020 6 - 7:30 PM
Pay for dinner on you own.
You must provide your own transportation.
Bring your own money and meet at Harry's Steak House for a great meal and night out with friends.
Ages 10+ All participants under age 18 or in need of 1:1 attention must have a parent or caretaker attend with them at all times. Questions, please call Jim Wotowiec @ 216-524-3262.
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iCAN Adaptive Swimming Workout
Adaptive Swimming Workout @ The Civic Center Indoor Pool, 6363 Selig Dr., Independence OH 44131
FREE
Fridays, January 24, & February 21, 2020 7 - 8:30 PM
Ages 10+. All participants under age 18 or in need of 1:1 attention must have a parent or caretaker attend with them at all times. Questions, please call Jim Wotowiec 216-524-3262.
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iCAN Adapted Yoga
Adapted Yoga at The Independence Civic Center Aerobic Room, 6363 Selig Dr. Independence OH 44131
6-Week Session
Saturdays, February 22, 29, March 7, 14, 21 & 28, 2020
12:15 - 1 PM
$50 per Session
Registration Deadline: February 14, 2020 Min: 6, Max: 10
Instructor: Eden lamacchia, Adapted Fitness & Yoga Plus adapted yoga is a yoga class specifically for individuals with disabilities. Individuals will learn and enjoy the benefits of self-regulation, anxiety, and stress reduction through breathing techniques. Enhance activities of daily living by learning poses that will improve strength, flexibility, mobility, balance, and digestion, whether you are on a yoga mat or sitting in a chair. This class is a great way to achieve better health and wellness as well as making new friends while having fun! Please bring yoga mat, instructor will have a few mats available if needed.
Ages 10+. All participants under age 18 or in need of 1:1 attention must have a parent or caretaker attend with them at all times.
Questions, please call Jim Wotowiec @ 216-524-3262.
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Big Red Tool Kit
National Autism Association Safety Initiative for those caring for someone with an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) who is prone to wandering off from a safe environment, and whose diagnosis may interfere with their ability to recognize danger and/or stay safe. Wandering, elopement, “running” or bolting behaviors among those within our community present unique safety risks, and create extraordinary worry and stress among caregivers. Drowning fatalities following wandering incidents remain a leading cause of death among those with ASD.
Click on the link below for a copy of your tool kit:
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Milestones National Autism Conference June 11 - 12, 2020
Join 1,200 professionals, parents and individuals with autism in Cleveland, OH for world-class speakers, networking and support.
With more than 100 sessions, 10 specialized tracks and 50 exhibitors, this is the must-attend autism event of the year to gain evidence-based, practical strategies for at work, at home or to use in your community. Don't miss this opportunity to connect, learn and raise the bar for what is possible!
Attendee registration opens December 10, 2019.
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Connecting for Kids Virtual Resource Fair
The Connecting for Kids Virtual Resource Fair (VRF) showcases videos from local providers. These short videos offer a unique way for families to:
• Meet providers • Learn about services
• Tour offices/therapy centers New videos will be released regularly.
To see the latest or learn more, visit:
FREE
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How to Meet the Needs of Typical Siblings
Are you feeling guilty over the amount of time you spend focused on your child who struggles versus the amount you can carve out for a typical sibling?
Lisa Ruman, LISW, CHt, of The Child & Family Counseling Center of Westlake, will outline ways to have a conversation with your typically developing child so that he or she can express frustrations and identify at least one need that currently isn’t being met. We will then share practical ways to meet sibling needs given limited time and funds.
FREE
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How to Apply for Grants for Children with Special Needs
Would you like to apply for a grant to help fund your child’s needs but aren’t sure where to begin? Join representatives from Cuyahoga County Board of Developmental Disabilities (CCBDD), Rec2connect Foundation, and Zane’s, Inc. who will discuss the types of therapies, camps or equipment that are typically covered.
They will also walk attendees through the process of applying for financial support. In addition, Amy Clawson of Ohio Family 2 Family will explain how to create your child’s medical summary and write a vision statement to supplement your grant applications.
FREE
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Special Needs Open Jump
January 6, 2020 & Every Monday from 4:30pm - 6:00pm
Sponsor: Sky Zone
Contact: (440) 414-0444
Cost: $10.00
Open jump exclusively for children with special needs and their siblings every Monday.
Location:
31500 Viking Parkway
Westlake, OH 44145
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Crisis Text Line
Throughout Ohio, individuals can text the keyword “4HOPE” to 741 741 to be connected to a Crisis Counselor. Any person may need help in coping with a stressful situation. Reach out by text to communicate with someone trained to listen and respond in a method that is private, secure and confidential.
The Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (OhioMHAS) has entered in to a contract with the national Crisis Text Line to provide Ohioans with a state-specific keyword to access its free, confidential service available 24/7 via text on mobile devices. This resource is intended to broaden the options available through current community crisis hotlines.
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WHAT DO YOU DO WITH AN IDEA? - INLET DANCE THEATRE
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Sensory Friendly
Produced in partnership with Playhouse Square
One day, a child has an idea. At first, they don’t know what to do with it. It seems strange. They don’t know what other people will think of this idea and they attempt to hide it away. But the idea persists and gets stronger – along with the child’s confidence. And then, one day, something amazing happens…
Told through movement, music and narration, an ensemble of dancers creates a magical world where ideas grow and take flight. Based on The New York Times best-selling book, this is a story for anyone, at any age, who has ever had an idea that seemed a little too big, too odd, or too difficult.
This performance will have a sign language interpreter. Guests who need the assistance of the interpreter should request seats on the right side of the auditorium.
Running Time: 45 minutes Recommended Grade Level: K and up
A special sensory-friendly matinee for guests with sensory needs including persons with autism. Children, families and school field trip groups requiring a sensory-friendly environment are most welcome. Sensory-friendly programming at Playhouse Square is presented by Norman and Denise Wells.
What makes a performance sensory-friendly?
- Lower sound levels, especially for startling or loud sounds Guests are free to talk, leave their seats and move freely during the performance
- House lights in the theater will be left on low throughout the performance
- Designated calming areas staffed by volunteer specialists in the theater lobby
- Judgment-free environment, welcoming to all
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