April marks World Autism Month and to celebrate autism acceptance in our community, the Cranford Police Department and Cranford Fire Department teamed up to host an afternoon of sensory friendly activities including tours and a movie night at Cranford Theater.

From 3:00 PM until 4:00 PM, registrants may take a quick tour of both the Police and Fire Departments to meet local first responders and view emergency equipment in a more intimate, sensory-friendly environment without sirens or traditional overstimulating activities.  Shortly thereafter at 4:30 PM, registrants are invited to view the recently released: Sonic the Hedgehog 2 at the Cranford Movie Theater – with some sensory-friendly accommodations to ensure attendees’ comfort. 

A sensory friendly movie showing is a movie where special accommodations are made to afford families with children with sensory integration disorder, autism, or other special needs to enjoy a trip to the movies without the negative stimuli or restrictions experienced during traditional movie screenings.  During the duration of the movie, Cranford Movie Theater will have the Lights Up to provide dim lighting throughout the theater to take the edge off of changing colors and movie animation lights and Sound Down to reduce movie volume slightly while encouraging attending community members to bring headphones and other sensory aids from home.  Additionally, community members are welcomed to keep their Hands Busy by bringing their own self-soothing stimming tools to the movie screening.  Lastly, Rules Will Be Relaxed so registrants and their loved ones are free to move and vocalize safely during the movie.

This unique event is intended for individuals between the ages of 7 and 17 years old (due to the film’s rating), and is capped at the first 25 registrants ad their parent, guardian or caretaker. It is our hope to create an inclusive experience so no one in the community has to miss out on enjoying a day – or night- out at the movies with those they love most.

To register for the event, visit the Cranford Police Department’s free app and click on the “Sensory Movie” puzzle piece icon.  This free event was made possible due to the generosity of the Cranford Movie Theater and Subology of Cranford.  It is open to Cranford residents between the ages of 7 and 17 years old, but registration is mandatory.  Each registrant must have an adult parent, guardian or caretaker accompany them for the entire duration of these activities.