Volunteers with the UNC Autism Research Center will help guests at the Dec. 8 performance.
That special performance is designed for individuals on the autism spectrum, as well as anyone who might benefit from a more relaxed environment. UNC Health Care has donated to DPAC more than 2,000 sensory friendly kits for audience members of all ages with sensory needs.
In addition, volunteers from the UNC Autism Research Center in Chapel Hill will be on hand to help guests and provide more information.
“We recognize that events with loud noises, bright lights and unfamiliar surroundings can make it difficult for some individuals to enjoy their theater experience,” said Allison Zoller, program manager of the UNC Autism Research Center. “We want to offer some respite for those people, their family members and caregivers. This is a terrific holiday show that everyone should be allowed to enjoy.”
Sensory friendly kits will available as guests walk into the entrance of the theater. Volunteers and staff will be around if guests happen to miss the kits at the front door. The kits include a stress ball, fidget spinner, and bendy stick.
DPAC also will provide activity and quiet areas for anyone who becomes restless during the show. Those areas are designed for those who become too overwhelmed with lights and/or noises, and who need a break.
For more information on the autism-friendly performance of “ELF The Musical” at DPAC on Dec. 8, including preshow resources, click here.
For more information on the UNC Autism Research Center, click here. The center is a new model for developing personalized interventions that improve the lives of children and adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder. The center brings together genetics, pharmacology, public health and intervention expertise at UNC to tackle autism’s greatest challenges.
Media contact: Alan M. Wolf, 919-218-7103, alan.wolf@unchealth.unc.edu