What Exactly Are Sensory-Friendly Movie Nights? Parent Mentors Across Ohio Help Families Find Out and Enjoy

For many families of children with disabilities, a trip to the movie theater can feel like climbing Mt. Everest. Loud, sudden sounds, dark rooms, and crowded spaces can turn what should be a fun outing into a stressful experience.  

Parent Mentors, as parents of children with disabilities, understand how difficult this can be. Over 125 miles apart, Parent Mentors in Hancock County, the City of Findley, and a Parent Mentor in Coshocton County, decided to work with their communities to create something special and offer sensory-friendly movie nights designed with these families in mind. 

These events offer more than a movie and popcorn. They are an invitation to enjoy an experience that typically developing children get to enjoy all the time.  

A First Movie Experience  

In Hancock County and the City of Findlay, Parent Mentors Theresa Foley-Reed and Cherie Hocanson partnered with local organizations to host a private, sensory-friendly showing of Finding Nemo for families. Ten families and 23 students, along with siblings and caregivers, attended the event in North Baltimore, Ohio.  

Several families shared that it was the first time they had ever attended a movie theater with their child. Thanks to a supportive, judgment-free environment, they were able to relax and enjoy the experience.  

For parents navigating sensory sensitivities, behavioral challenges, or medical needs, events like these offer a space where families feel understood without needing to explain or feel nervous about the potential to have to make a quick exit if things are not going well.  

What Makes a Movie Sensory-Friendly? 

Sensory-friendly movie nights are adapted to meet the needs of individuals with sensory differences. These adjustments often include: 

• Lowered volume 

• Dimmed lighting instead of dark lighting  

• Freedom to move around 

• A smaller, private audience 

• A judgment-free atmosphere where noises or movements are not met with shushes or strange looks  

These changes remove common barriers and open the door for families to participate in everyday experiences together. 

A Countywide Effort in Coshocton 

In Coshocton County, Parent Mentor Staci Berry helped coordinate a large-scale sensory movie event showing of Zootopia 2 that brought together the efforts of schools and community partners. 

This special event was held on January 12, 2026, and welcomed 169 attendees, including 114 students and 55 staff members from multiple districts and programs: 

• Coshocton City School District 

• Ridgewood Local School District 

• River View Local School District 

• Hopewell, the Coshocton County Board of Developmental Disabilities School 

• Coshocton County Career Center 

Students in their Career Skills Investigation (CSI) program also played an important role by helping theater staff prepare and distribute popcorn. This experience allowed them to build real-world job skills while contributing to their community. 

For Staci, this work is also personal. Her son, who has autism, didn’t attend a movie theater until age seven due to sensory challenges. 

Sensory-friendly events help ensure that other families don’t have to wait or miss out on experiences like a first trip to the movies. 

In Coshocton County, these sensory movie nights have been supported for years through collaboration. When a local autism support group could no longer fund the events, school districts stepped in, committing to continue the tradition with coordination from Staci.  

Local businesses also pitched in to keep the momentum going. Shelby Theaters continue to offer sensory-friendly showings throughout the year, showing how inclusive practices can go beyond schools and be a part of the community.  

Beyond entertainment, sensory movie nights help build connection. Families can meet others who share similar experiences and form friendships based on this shared understanding.  

As one Parent Mentor shared, “That understanding can be the most valuable aspect, next to building wonderful family memories.” 

Thank you to Parent Mentors across all of the urban highways and rural county roads of Ohio for going the extra mile to provide memories to families of children with disabilities. Hold these experiences close as you reflect on the important role you play in your community.