Movie Night For Special Needs Children and Families

Special needs children and their families from throughout the Somerset Hills area are invited to a Friday showing of "Wreck-It Ralph" at Ridge High School where they can relax and enjoy the movie. 

The movie will be shown at the high school's Performing Arts Center at 7 p.m. Tickets are $2 per child, and admission includes popcorn. Adults are free, and anyone is welcome to attend, said Linda Valera, transition coordinator for Bernards Township school district's program for learners with autism.

The school district's Comprehensive Behavior Analytic Program and the Bernards Township Parents of Exceptional Children group are co-hosting the movie, Valera said.

"Going to the movies with a child who has a developmental disability, such as autism, is often difficult for many families," Valera said.

At the school performing arts center, the lighting in the auditorium and the volume of the film can be controlled to make the movie-going experience less intimidating for individuals with disabilities, she said.

In addition, students are free to get up and move around the auditorium and lobby if they need a break, since sitting for long periods of time can also be quite challenging, Valera added.

Valera said this is the second movie night for special needs children during this school year, and the first showing in October was a very positive experience for our students and their families.

"For some parents it was the first time they were able to sit and enjoy a movie knowing that their child's unique needs were being met and that they would not be excluded based on their behavior," Valera said. "Nor would the family be subjected to the stares and potential embarrassment they may experience in a local movie theater if their child should engage in problem behavior," she added.

Valera said the evening would involve many non-disabled school "peer mentors" who volunteer time to assist and just spend time with the special needs students.

For further information, contact lvalera@bernardsboe.com.