Thanks to the Champion Autism Network (CAN), Myrtle Beach is host to numerous sensory friendly events.
These sensory friendly events allow children and adults with autism to enjoy the same things that non-autistic people enjoy.
The businesses that hold sensory/autism friendly events are specially trained in handling those within the autistic spectrum. To ensure a sensory friendly events environment, each business is personally met with, including company management. A walk through the property and business procedures are discussed.
Any discount and/or service the business is committed to making is discussed and finalized, which can result in the business becoming CAN Certified.
Champion Autism Network also provides autism awareness seminars for their employees and help to develop a plan for team communication should an episode occur.
Some of the local businesses that hold sensory friendly events are:
– WonderWorks Broadway at the Beach
– Grand 14 Theaters in Market Common
– Fun Warehouse
– Ripley’s Aquarium Broadway at the Beach
Autism Friendly
Champion Autism Network’s autism-friendly travel destination initiative is growing with national and international recognition. Training for management and staff at restaurants, hotels and venues is available for businesses wanting to support this loyal and growing community. It’s a known fact, autism families are extremely loyal. Children/people on the spectrum crave routine and familiar surroundings. Once a family has had a successful visit to your establishment, you can bet they will be back AND tell their friends about the experience.
Once a business becomes CAN Certified, they can expect these perks:
-Support just a phone call away
-A CAN badge for your website
-A CAN Certified sticker for your establishment window
-A listing on the CAN website indicating you’ve completed the training with contact information and link to your website.
-A press release announcing your business’ participation in the CAN program.
-The ability to state you are an autism-friendly business on your MBACC business listing.
As stated earlier, autism families are extremely loyal. The result is that word spreads quickly among the autistic community when they have a good (or bad) experience.
The following sensory friendly events and businesses can be found in the local Myrtle Beach area:
(Some events may have already passed.)
Sensory Friendly means lights up, sound down and children free to move around.
Doors open at 9:30 a.m. Movie starts promptly at 10 a.m.–NO TRAILERS. FREE ADMISSION FOR CAN CARD HOLDERS. $1 drinks and $1 popcorn.
Sensory Friendly Showing of Spies in Disguise
Date: Saturday Dec 28, 2019
Sensory Friendly Showing of Sonic the Hedgehog
Date: Saturday Jan 18, 2020
Sensory Friendly Showing of Onward
Date: Saturday Mar 7, 2020
Sensory Friendly Showing of Peter Rabbit 2
Date: Saturday Apr 4, 2020
Sensory Friendly Showing of Trolls
Date: Saturday Apr 18, 2020
Sensory Friendly Showing of Scoobs
Date: Saturday May 16, 2020
Sensory Friendly means lights up, music down from 3 to 7 p.m. on selected dates listed below.
Skating with basic skate rental OR Inflatables with 1 slice of pizza and a drink for $10. Additional activities for $5. Additional activities can be skating with basic skate rental, inflatables, 1 game of laser tag, or 1 go cart race.
Dates: January 27, February 24, March 16, April 6, May 11, 2020
Sensory Friendly means house lights up and music and sound effects down.
$7 per person.
Noise-canceling headphones are available at guest services. Be amazed as the beautiful Aquarium mermaids show off their skills. This sensory-friendly mermaid show will feature no music and follow with a meet and greet in Friendship Flats.
Doors open at 9 a.m., show starts at 10 a.m. Be sure to visit the CAN table in the lobby for a special Selfie Scavenger Hunt.
Dates: January 11, February 8, March 14, April 11, May 9, 2020.
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