In partnership with the Cleveland International Film Festival (CIFF), the Cuyahoga County Board of Developmental Disabilities (Cuyahoga DD) sponsored two Relaxed Screenings of family friendly films at the Allen Theater at Playhouse Square in April. 

“We proudly support the people we serve,” says Amber C. Gibbs, Superintendent & CEO of Cuyahoga DD. “To support them by partnering with CIFF on their 50th anniversary — it’s an incredible opportunity for all.”

The”Relaxed Family-Friendly Screening”, held at Playhouse Square’s Allen Theater, was for two films, “Stick Man and Room on the Broom, Tabby McTat” and “The Gruffalo, The Snail and the Whale, Tabby McTat.” 

A calming space for attendees was set up in the lobby. The Cuyahoga DD staff and volunteers were also on hand to help and provided travel-size sensory kits for families to be used during the Relaxed Screening. Each sensory kit included calming tools to manage overstimulation and engaging items for focus and enjoyment, and was packed in an accessible bag for on-the-go support.

The screenings also featured:
ASL interpretation
Assistive listening devices
Fidget and noise-cancelling headphones available
House lights in the theater are left on low
Lower sound level or advance notice for startling or loud sounds
Judgement-free zone

Guests were free to talk, leave their seats and move freely during the performance and doors to the theater were left open.