Caribbean Cinemas Guyana will today host its pilot of a programme which caters to viewers with special needs, particularly those with autism and Down syndrome disorder.
Under the “Movies for All” programme, children and adults with autism and Down syndrome disorders that characteristically result in a sensitivity to light and sound, as well as those with other special needs, will be able to view a selected movie in an accommodating and comfortable environment.
Caribbean Cinemas Guyana, in a Facebook post, explained that today’s screening will take place in one of its auditoriums, where it will keep their wall lights slightly bright and the sound will be regulated to a standard volume.
The film that will be screened today is the newly released Disney feature “Ralph breaks the internet.” All tickets for the screening will be sold at the reduced cost of $800.
Rawle Alleyne, General Manager of Caribbean Cinemas Guyana’s operations, on Friday explained that they wanted to provide the opportunity for persons with autism and Down syndrome to enjoy the cinematic experience.
“Because we want everyone to enjoy this form of entertainment, we decided to bring it to Guyana and give it a try and see the outcome, after which, the decision will be made to see whether the screening will be repeated,” Alleyne explained.
He noted that the programme is currently implemented in Trinidad, where it was introduced in October.
According to Alleyne, they are prepared to host today’s special screening as they were able to achieve a successful trial run. “We have done a trial run and we are well set. We will use one of the small auditoriums that are easily accessible for the screening,” he said.
Asked if any special measures are put in place to facilitate such a programme, Alleyne responded in the negative, noting that the building is already accommodating to persons with disabilities.
Nonetheless, he explained that the theatre ushers will be in a position to assist persons who need it, and said that anyone who is dependent on a wheel chair will be assisted into the theaters and escorted to the front.
“I will push for this programme to continue here because it is going to do a good for this group of persons. The [determination of the] frequency [of the screenings] will have to be made between myself and the head office who has the final decision,” Alleyne indicated.
Following the announcement of this new programme, persons on Facebook praised the company for the initiative being piloted.
