Entertainment- Page 3 of 3- The Disability Ally NYC ™ -

April 18, 2020June 2, 2020

New York City Children’s Theater-Midtown

From time to time it’s fun going to a Family Theater performance with the people you love most. Did you know that the New York Children’s Theater offers a sensory-friendly performance for ALL of their main stage productions? Let me repeat that last part again, sensory-friendly performance for ALL of the main stage productions. No way. Yes, way. Isn’t that fantastic? At the same time, they even have Autism Specialists on-site ready to provide supports if needed during the show. In other words, if you need help they are there for you.

Also no need to worry if you or someone else in the family needs to take a break. Conveniently, patrons are allowed to come and go during the performance with no problem. Just wait until you hear this part. As you know, generally speaking, it’s a must to be quiet in the theater right? Not here, my friend. Instead, New York City Children’s Family Theater states noise, and talking are permitted. Perhaps I read their website all wrong? It almost seems too good to be true. Something tells me you better see for yourself! Enter stage left down below.

https://nycchildrenstheater.org/shows-and-programs/accessibility/

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April 18, 2020June 2, 2020

New Victory Theater- Midtown

inclusivity and accessibility new victory theater

Inclusivity and Accessibility are big parts of the mission of the New Victory Theater. In order to facilitate that mission, NVT has taken profound steps to ensure Theater Shows are available to ALL families. For example, there are no stairs on the Orchestra Level explicitly providing accommodations for wheelchair-bound patrons. Furthermore, lifts are also in the building to get wheelchairs up to higher levels.

To emphasize their commitment to inclusivity and accessibility NVT offers a whole host of other accommodations. Particularly of interest might be their audio described devices. These unique devices provide necessary details in between the actions of the actors. Sometimes it’s easy to get distracted or confused and these are there to help you stay focused.

Chiefly, those on the autism spectrum can also enjoy sensory-friendly performances throughout the year. In addition, sign language interpretation is also available at certain shows. In any event, I would call and talk to them directly to find out any necessary details or ask any other questions you may have. You can call them at 646- 223-3010. As always be sure to give plenty of notice to the theater if you have any specific needs. Look behind the curtain below.

https://newvictory.org/visitor-info/accessibility/

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April 18, 2020June 2, 2020

Theater Development Fund

Theater Access is the main mission for the Theater Development Fund. Since it’s founding in 1968, the TDF non-profit organization has strived to make Broadway shows a reality for all. Usually, due to financial limitations or disabilities, some families are unable to attend NYC theater productions. Because of the organization’s diligence in the area of accessibility, over 900 plays and musicals have been seen so far. As a result, TDF has grown to be the largest national non-profit for the performing arts industry.

Specifically, TDF has done exceptional work in theater access with regard to Autism. For example, shows have been made sensory-friendly. This is done by simply adjusting the lighting and lowering loud sounds. Such a simple tweak can make a huge difference. Additionally, children who need to take a break during the show are welcome to at any time. Families are able to download pictures and narratives from the show before they attend. In this case, the downloads assist in soothing the children before and during the performance. Given these points, I can’t help but express my immense gratitude for this amazing organization. Join me in tipping your hat to Theater Development Fund. Until we meet again, join their mailing list down below. You won’t want to miss any upcoming shows!

https://tdf.org/nyc/40/Autism-Friendly-Performances

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April 17, 2020May 9, 2020

Movies

These are a few of the movies that I have seen that really have had an impact on me. Each offers an inside look as to what it is like to be a person with a disability. My wish is to spread the word on these films so others will be more educated on this population.

This first movie I showed to the entire school body at a jr.high in Galveston, Texas. The movie was part of the school district’s first-ever Disability Awareness Day. More about that in another section of the site. First, let me tell you a little about Mary Temple Grandin. She has autism and is one of the first people that shared her personal journey with the neurodevelopmental disorder. She currently is a professor of animal science at Colorado State University and an Autism spokesperson. If you would like to learn more about her and see the movie you can do so below.

http://templegrandin.com/

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1278469/

In 2017 I decided to check out the Tribeca Film Festival for the first time. I bought a day pass in a rush and really didn’t read the details on the movies included. I found out about midway through the day that I was right where I was supposed to be. The movie shown was Keep the Change. The best way to describe it is as a touching authentic love story about two people on the Autism Spectrum. To my knowledge, this has never been done before on screen. To make things even better there was a Q and A with the director, Rachel Isreal following the showing. The entire cast were all sitting in the front row and couldn’t have been glowing more. As they took to the stage for questions it was obvious that this was their moment and they were rightfully taking it. You see Isreal had chosen and modeled the characters after real people with intellectual disabilities living here in New York City. She had them involved in every step of the process and I have a huge amount of admiration for Isreal bringing this type of romantic comedy to our attention. I have not stopped talking about the film since and I don’t think you will be able to either. ) If you still need more convincing read the article below and then click the link for where to watch. (Please note that the film is NR but if I were to rate it I would say it’s PG-13)

https://www.theguardian.com/film/2018/mar/16/keep-the-change-actors-with-autism-get-the-chance-to-shine-in-romcom

https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/keep_the_change_2018

Now for the big hit of 2019. The Peanut Butter Falcon. The adventure begins when Zak, a 24-year-old with Down syndrome decides he is escaping the facility he has been assigned to live in by the state. Debut directors Tyler Nilson and Michael Schwartz were curious for feedback from the Down syndrome community so they collaborated with Gigi’s Playhouse Center to get together an invite list for the first screening here in NYC. The audience laughed, cried, and cheered with exaltation throughout this heartwarming film. The Peanut Butter Falcon went on to show in select theaters across the country. You can now watch it at home and celebrate the advocacy these types of movies bring to the national forefront. Click below to learn more about this feel-good movie for the whole family.

https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/the_peanut_butter_falcon