Chatham theater offers sensory-friendly screenings of kids' movies

CHICAGO (WLS) -- A film series for children with special needs. Studio Movie Grill in Chatham offers sensory-friendly screenings of kids' movies.

An inclusive way to spend time with the family. The Studio Movie Grill is offering special screenings for kids with special needs and their families.

"The children are allowed to walk around talk dance whatever they like to do because it's a special opportunity to enjoy the film just like any other kid," said Venisha White-Johnson of the Studio Movie Grill.

The idea for the program has a personal connection.

"An employee was unable to see a movie with his children. He thought it would be a great idea to create a place and time when children with special needs would be able to see the movie and enjoy it with their families. So that would have been more than 10 years ago that we started this program," White Johnson said.

In the theater, the sound is lowered, the lights are up instead of down and kids are encouraged to just be themselves.

It's something that parents Laurie Veits really appreciate.

"It's so nice to be able to come somewhere and not have to apologize and feel free to be ourselves. Sometimes the kids will have to wear sensory friendly headphones or they might make noises during the movie and you might feel uncomfortable during a general showing. It's nice that people are looking out for opportunities to contribute and they choose families like mine," Veits said.

Movies rated G, PG and PG-13 are offered to families at a discounted rate. For a list of showings, visit www.studiomoviegrill.com/Locations/Illinois/Chatham.