Relaxed Functions: Promoting Inclusive Entertainment for Neurodivergent Individuals in Cinemas

talk about inclusion today it encompasses many approaches from the social, when we refer to education, health and people’s rights. But there is almost no approach to the subject when it comes to a natural need for the human being as it is relaxation, fun and moments of relaxation.

Attentive to this problem, specialists in the field and companies committed to change are beginning to make it visible and respond through the generation of entertainment spaces for neurodivergent people.

What is neurodivergence?

All people are different, so each one perceives external and internal stimuli differently through the senses. Faced with this diversity, the reaction of the sensory system varies from person to person, so perceptions can be more or less sensitive depending on the individual. This is called sensory integration disorder.

The way in which our central nervous system processes stimuli impacts all areas of daily life in an uneven way. Social inclusion is what allows people to harmonize their senses when any of these areas of life is affected or interfered with. This condition is called neurodivergence, which is a natural variation between one brain and another in the human species.

Considering that no two brains are the same, all people to a greater or lesser extent are neurodiverse. According to Stanford University’s Neurodiversity at Work program in 2022, between 15% and 20% of the world’s population is considered neurodivergent.

The neurological differences of neurotypical people are considered as valuable abilities that coexist and differ from other people., within a social ecosystem, so neurodiversity may be as crucial to the human race as biodiversity is to life in general. Therefore, who can determine which form of connection will be best at any given time?

It is important that society begins to break down barriers and promote a more inclusive coexistence. Although it is not an easy task, little by little, public and private institutions begin to focus on activities that consider Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI), as a crucial and transformative element for the community.

Those companies that have begun to focus on neurodiversity within their DEI strategies have experienced greater and better communication, which has given rise to more diverse, equitable and inclusive cultures, which directly impact engagement and performance.

Promote change and entertainment is everyone

Each individual with neurodiversity is unique, and their neurodivergence manifests itself in different ways in each case. Sharing this status gives these people a valuable and unique perspective on the world, and offers them the opportunity to enrich society with their diversity.
It is for this reason that, with the purpose of promoting, protecting and ensuring the full and equal enjoyment for all people, where the fun of an outing is pleasant and comfortable; Cinemark Hoyts is committed to bringing entertainment to everyone.

In order to promote individual autonomy, social integration and enjoyment of life, for the full development of neurodivergent people in their community environment, they will subtly adapt their rooms for people with sensory hypersensitivity and/or neurodiversities and carry out ” distended functions.

United in social integration

Within the framework of an alliance with Disney to promote inclusive film screenings in theaters in Argentina, “The Little Mermaid” will be the first film to be screened to carry out this action.
This initiative has the guidance and advice of “Inclusive Outings” (an NGO that was born as an idea to encourage people with Autism, their families and / or support; to go out and feel included in society.

The distended functions are slightly adapted to the needs and preferences of people with challenges in their sensory processing and/or social communication, in order to provide a friendly proposal through reduced stimuli for a pleasant and comfortable enjoyment. The film will be screened in a sensorially pleasant environment, respecting the needs of people with sensory hypersensitivity who attend. The effects of lights and sounds are softened throughout the film and there will be greater freedom of movement.

More information at parati.com.ar