Blue Man group holding sensory-free show to raise awareness of autism

CHICAGO (WLS) -- The Blue Man Group is teaming up with Autism Speaks this Sunday and is raising awareness about autism with a sensory-friendly show.

The show has all the excitement of the Blue Man Group with just a few modifications, a show kids and adults will enjoy.

You know the faces, the sound and all the action. You can expect all that with just slight modifications with the sensory friendly show on Sunday.

"We take down the sound a bit so it's a little bit easier on the ears, take down the lights a bit so it's a little bit easier on the eyes. It's a little gentler so we don't shock people with the lights. We ease them into the lights. We don't walk into the audience for this show because that can be kind of scary and intimidating for people," said Blue Man Scott Bishop.

Beyond that there is a calming area in the lobby and other special accommodations for anyone that may feel overwhelmed.

"There is also ear protection that people can wear if it gets a bit loud or if it's getting a bit overwhelming. The ear protection can take down the volume a bit," said Bishop

Bishop has been volunteering for the show for the past few years and says it's an incredible experience not only for the audience but for him as well.

"You can see how excited they get and how it's really effecting them and that's really fun to see that. It's really fun for us as performers to really make that connection and to be able to see so immediately that you're having an effect. You treat that with reverence," Bishop said.

In the end it's about more than just the show. It's a welcoming community environment.

"It's not just for the kids that are on the spectrum or the families. It's for the family members to go out and be in a welcoming environment ad in community that understands. Look if somebody has a meltdown its cool there's no judgement here. This is what we're all here for, we're all a part of one community," said Keith McCormick, Executive Director of Autism Speaks.

There is a free app that goes along with the show to enhance the experience. For more information, visit www.blueman.com/autismspeaks.