Cineplex Entertainment in partnership with Autism Speaks Canada is delighted to present Sensory Friendly Screenings. This program provides a sensory friendly environment for individuals with autism spectrum disorder or anyone for whom the environment is suitable and their families to view new release films in theatres across the country.These screenings are presented in a lights up, sound down environment.
What do some theatre chains know about educating autistic children that NB educators do not know? Quite a bit actually. Primarily they know that, for some autistic children environments, such as ordinary theatre showings, or the mainstream classroom, that are appropriate for the general population can be overwhelming for some autistic children and others with sensory challenges.
Environment matters. That is why threatre chains have special screenings to accommodate some autistic kids and perhaps other persons who are overwhelmed by loud noises and other sensory challenges. In NB that knowledge is blocked from the mindset of those educators, particularly those educators like high profile and influential inclusion extremist Gordon Porter who believes that inclusion means that ALL children must be educated in the mainstream classroom:
Porter’s session revolved around the theme of parents and teachers working together to make inclusion work.“It means kids go to their neighbourhood schools with kids their own age in regular classes,” said Porter.
“If you’re seven years, old you go to the school just down the street. You go in a class with other seven-year-olds, and you’re supported if you have extra needs.
“It’s so simple, it’s that simple,” said Porter.
Porter ignores the evidence like that of my son who bit his hands daily in the mainstream classroom. Once removed at our request (with the assistance of on the scene educators who were witness to the self injury) the biting stopped. Since then he has received his primary instruction outside the regular classroom and participates with other students in many activities especially his favorite ... swimming. His disability has been accommodated. It is unfortunate that his accommodation is not considered in developing policy for a less extreme version of inclusion that allows for accommodated learning outside the classroom for those for whom the main classroom location is NOT inclusion it is discrimination by failure to accommodate.
There are many other credible sources who take the position that a range of learning environments in addition to the mainstream classroom are necessary to accommodate (as has been done with my son) some for whom the mainstream classroom is not an appropriate learning environment.
1. TEACCH's position on inclusion of children with autism
2. LEARNING DISABILITIES ASSOCIATION OF ONTARIO and CANADA POLICY STATEMENT ON EDUCATIONAL INCLUSION FOR STUDENTS WITH LEARNING DISABILITIES
3. THE FULLY INCLUSIVE CLASSROOM IS ONLY ONE OF THE RIGHT WAYS TO MEET THE BEST INTERESTS OF THE SPECIAL NEEDS CHILD - Yude M. Henteleff, C.M., Q.C.
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