- Age: 47
- Gender: female
- Location: Slovakia
- Audience type: parent of a child with autism
Michaela works as a peer counselor at the Platform of Families of Children with Disabilities in Košice. Together with her fifteen-year-old son Riško, she lives an active life full of sports, social gatherings, and organises various community events. They live just a few meters from Kino Úsmev.
“For me, the ideal space is one where people are kind. Kino Úsmev is such an ideal space — we know it here, we feel at home. It is a safe space where I know nothing will happen if Riško shouts or expresses himself in a non-standard way. There is a respectful community here, and that is liberating for me.”
Accessibility
- Before visiting the cinema, families with children on the autism spectrum (as well as with other disabilities) need as much information as possible: how to get to the venue, how the event runs, how long it lasts, what the space looks like — ideally with photos. This information should be clearly available on the website or in social media posts.
- Autism is a broad spectrum, but in general it is helpful to: avoid overly loud or intense music in the space, provide visual aids (e.g., a picture-based drink menu), ideally offer physical assistance in the form of volunteers who provide information
- Friendly staff can make many situations easier for parents of children with autism and encourage them to return.
- It is beneficial not to frequently change the space — its design, furniture layout, or orientation. People with autism appreciate routine, predictability, and familiar staff.
- Barrier-free elements (elevator, platform lift) are important, depending on spatial needs.
Programming
- The structure of autism-friendly screenings is well designed, and it is important not to change the rhythm of the screening because of ritual and predictability.
- Dimmed lighting, freedom of expression, and freedom of movement are very important.
- Sound jingles or advertisements before the film should not be too loud.
- For most children with autism, films with fewer dialogues and more visual action are more suitable. In general, it is not about the storyline, but about the overall atmosphere and a positive experience — both for the child and for the parent.
- Watching a film in adapted conditions is a pleasant and safe social experience. It helps parents step out of their daily routine and relax.
- Discounted ticket prices for the whole family are welcome.
- The possibility to arrive halfway through the film is an advantage.
- A block of short films can be very suitable for this target group.
Communication
- Families with children with disabilities ideally need to know well in advance when an autism-friendly screening will take place. They need time to prepare.
- Most parents use standard online tools: websites, social media (Facebook, Instagram), and Facebook groups.
- It is very rare for children with intellectual disabilities (teenagers) to use social media.
- Many parents would find it easier to decide whether to attend if video invitations were shared directly by visitors. They can communicate their own experiences and describe how autism-friendly screenings work.
Communication
- Families with children with disabilities ideally need to know well in advance when an autism-friendly screening will take place. They need time to prepare.
- Most parents use standard online tools: websites, social media (Facebook, Instagram), and Facebook groups.
- It is very rare for children with intellectual disabilities (teenagers) to use social media.
- Many parents would find it easier to decide whether to attend if video invitations were shared directly by visitors. They can communicate their own experiences and describe how autism-friendly screenings work.
Spaces
- Cultural spaces open important topics and bring benefits for both parents and children, directly influencing wellbeing.
- In cultural environments, difference is often most respected. That is why families with children with disabilities feel safe in cultural and community spaces — and feel like “part of society.”
- Through shared cultural and community experiences, it is possible to move from social isolation and uncertainty toward greater freedom as a parent of a child with a disability — to push one’s own boundaries in a space full of support and respect.
- Community cinemas (compared to multiplexes) represent safe spaces with friendly and kind staff. Relationships are more personal, and the staff does not constantly change — which is important.
- Michaela and her son do not watch films at home. It is not the same experience for him — even if she gave him popcorn and cola, he would not be able to stay focused on the film. In the cinema, it is about the overall atmosphere, which is different — and he enjoys it.