10 minute read
Local Events
Visit a Museum through Museums for All
Due to COVID-19, many museums participating in Museums for All have adjusted their hours and ticket purchasing policies. Before visiting a museum, please call or check their website to see if they are open or require advance registrations. Many museums are offering virtual resources—check your local museum’s website for more information.
Through Museums for All, those receiving food assistance (SNAP benefits) can gain free or reduced admission to more than 1,000 museums throughout the United States simply by presenting their EBT card and a photo ID. Check here for participating museums. https://museums4all.org/
Museums
Abrams Planetarium
Sensory Friendly Shows
One Sky Project
Apr. 21,11:30 a.m.
755 Science Road, East Lansing, MI, United States
One Sky Project is an international collaboration focused on increasing understanding about cultural and indigenous astronomy, its historical and modern applications, and how our One Sky connects us all. Each short film represents the perspective of a different culture or Indigenous society from around the globe. Each film stands alone as a short story or in combination as a longer narrative – organized around themes of "Finding Patterns" and developing tools, or as we say, "To Seek Far."
The Little Star That Could
Apr.21, 1:00 pm
The story about an average yellow star on a search for planets of his own to warm and protect. Along his way, he encounters other stars, learns what makes each star special, and discovers that stars can combine to form clusters and galaxies. Eventually, Little Star finds his planets, and each is introduced to audiences along with basic information about the Solar System.
These shows will run with the lights up, the sound down, and the theater doors open so people can move about as needed. We also provide a place to “chill out” in our lobby. All shows include a live star talk about what is up in the sky that night. We will include a short break between the main show and the star talk. Information about what to expect during the show will be provided when you purchase tickets.
Cost: Adults, $5.50, Students and senior citizens, $5.00, Children (age 12 and under), $4.50Friends of Abrams Planetarium Members, FreeFree with Museums For All (with valid EBT, Medicaid, or WIC card and photo ID)
https://www.abramsplanetarium.org/Programs/Sensory.html
Impression 5
April, 17, May 15, 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm
Impression 5 Science Center, 200 Museum Dr., Lansing, MI 48933
Explore your Science Center with select exhibits altered to reduce sounds, scents, and lighting stimuli. Guests can expect a limited building capacity, pop-up activity, and map designating the sensory experiences in each exhibit. Thank you to MiABLE for supporting Sensory Friendly.
Admission: Regular admission prices apply. Free for members.
https://autismallianceofmichigan.org/event/sensory-friendly-hours/2024-03-20/
Ella Sharp Museum
Sensory Time
Every Saturday at 9:00 am
3225 4th Street, Jackson, Michigan 49203
During Sensory Friendly Hours, the Ella Sharp Museum will open its galleries at 9 a.m., an hour before the museum opens to the public. Families with members who are neurodiverse, autistic, or have other sensory processing disorders or cognitive disabilities are welcome to visit the museum for a quieter experience in a more controlled environment. Designated quiet zones will allow visitors to decompress and experience the museum at their own pace.
Before each program, families are invited to browse our “pre-visit” materials to help them prepare for their visit including social narratives and maps of our facility. These pre-visit materials are also available to help families plan for visits that take place outside of program hours and a sensory backpack is available at the front desk for use.
To provide the most sensory-friendly environment possible, we will limit the capacity for these special times to 50 people. https://ellasharpmuseum.org/classes-and-events/sensory-time/
Grand Rapids Children’s Museum
Various Events Scheduled
Apr.1- Apr. 30
Grand Rapids Children’s Museum, 11 Sheldon Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Check calendar for Sensory Friendly evenings https://www.grpm.org/visit/
https://www.autismsupportofkentcounty.org/new-products/p/2024-night-at-the-gr-childrens-museum
Sports
Buddy Soccer League
Tuesdays April 16, 2024 through May 21 from 5:30p-6:30p
Sashabaw Plains Park, 5620 Maybee Rd, Clarkston, MI 48348
6 week soccer league for boys and girls ages 7-14 with cognitive disabilities with or without physical impairments. Each player will be paired with a buddy, ages 10-17, to assist as needed. Minimum of 10 players/buddies. Hosted by www.itpr.org
Detroit Red Wings
Apr. 5, 7, 9, 15
Little Caesars Arena, 2645 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48201
Detroit Pistons
Apr. 1, 11,
Little Caesars Arena, 2645 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48201
https://www.nba.com/team/1610612765
Detroit City FC
Apr. 6, 20
Keyworth Stadium, 3201 Roosevelt St, Hamtramck, MI 48212
Detroit Tigers
Apr. 5, 6, 7, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30
Comerica Park, 2100 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48201
Family Fun
Detroit Zoo
Yoga at the Zoo
Select Tuesdays in April, 5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. Check website
What Can I Expect During Yoga at the Zoo?
Meditative flow that is suitable for all skill levels
A featured animal or Zoo department for each session
An engaging chat about the featured animal or Zoo department
Yoga sessions are coed and limited to guests ages 13 years and older. Guests under the age of 18 require parental consent to participate. Guests must be at least 16 years old to attend without a parent or guardian. Yoga at the Zoo Tickets Advance ticket purchase is required as space is limited, and the event may sell out.
A la Carte Sessions: Members • $25 | General public • $30
Sensory Friendly EveningsCheck the website for the day!
As part of our work to create accessible and welcoming spaces for all, the Detroit Zoo will turn down the music and adjust the lights during special evenings this summer.
Starting in June, the Detroit Zoo is hosting three Sensory Friendly Evenings for guests with different sensory needs. Sensory Friendly Evenings will take place from 3 to 7 p.m. on Aug. 30. During these times, the Zoo and its attractions will be open to all visitors, but special accommodations will be in place to ensure the Zoo can be enjoyed by families and individuals of all abilities. Sensory bags and a dedicated sensory room is available for those who may need a quieter and more secure space.
Included with Zoo admission | Free for members | No event registration required
https://detroitzoo.org/events/zoo-events/sensory-friendly-evenings/
Legoland Discovery Center Michigan
Sensory Friendly Mornings Check the website for upcoming Mornings
4240 Baldwin Rd, Auburn Hills, MI 48326
During Sensory Friendly Mornings, we’ll reduce the lighting, turn off music & disable distracting stimuli for an hour before we open to the general public. This event is perfect for our friends on the autism spectrum.
Sensory-sensitive adults are welcome to visit during Sensory Friendly Mornings without a child (age 16 or under) in the party until the attraction opens to the general public at 10 am. Adults who are not accompanied by a child must exit the attraction upon opening. Groups that are accompanied by a child are welcome to stay past 10 am.
Tickets are limited and must be purchased online in advance for this special event.
https://www.legolanddiscoverycenter.com/michigan/tickets-passes/
Sealife Michigan
Sensory Friendly Mornings Check the website for upcoming mornings
4316 Baldwin Road, Auburn Hills, MI 48326
During Sensory Friendly Mornings, we’ll reduce the lighting, turn off music & disable distracting stimuli for an hour before we open to the general public. This event is perfect for our friends on the autism spectrum.
The aquarium will open to the general public with normal lighting, sound, etc. at 10 am, but you're welcome to stay as long as you like and do not have to leave when the event ends at 10 am.
Tickets are limited and must be purchased online in advance for this special event. Please check https://www.visitsealife.com/michigan/what-s-inside/events/sensory-friendly-mornings/
Fascination Factory
Apr. 2, 2:30 pm- 5:30 pm
2295 E Lincoln St; Suite 150, Birmingham, MI
What to expect in our new sensory sensitive hours: Back door locked for safety No music Noise Cancelling Headphones Oral chews offered at check-in Calming corner tent Minimized Capacity Families $30 https://autismallianceofmichigan.org/event/sensory-sensitive/2024-04-02/
Together Let’s Sing, Dance and Jam!!
Apr. 3, 6:30 pm- 7:30 pm Virtual
Please join us for our monthly "virtual" music therapy event!! Please RSVP by February 25 to Cathy Blatnik at blatsie63@yahoo.com with your name, age, contact phone number and e-mail address
REC-IT Class: Inclusive Art
Apr., 11 and 25, 1:00 pm-2:00 pm
Disability Network Eastern Michigan - Troy 1709 John R Road, Troy, MI
Join us for in-person art classes. Participants will learn new artistic skills using a variety of mediums, such as: acrylic painting, oil pastels, watercolor, and mixed media. Class includes group and individual instruction and meets on the 2nd and 4th Thursday of each month. In order to promote inclusion for all, we request a maximum of 4 individuals from any one agency. All levels of experience and ability are welcome. https://autismallianceofmichigan.org/event/rec-it-class-inclusive-art-2/2024-04-11/
Grand Slam Frenzy
Apr. 11, 6:00 pm- 8:00 pm
Southfield Civic Center 26000 Evergreen Road, Southfield, MI 48076
Seasonal, social dances and events hosted by Oakland County Parks and Recreation. $10 per person / $5 per caregiver. Registration opens six weeks prior to each event date. Pre-registration required. Call 248-221-8040 for questions and to register.
Friday Frolic Dance
Apr. 12, 7:00 pm- 9:00 pm
Troy Community Center 3179 Livernois Rd, Troy, MI 48083
Dancing with DJ with a fun holiday theme and refreshments. $6 admission via punch card. The Friday Frolic Punch Card costs $36, is good for 6 admissions, and can only be used for Friday Frolic Dances. For more info, visit rec.troymi.gov
Inclusive Game Night
Apr. 26, 6:00 pm to 7:30pm
Therapeutic Concepts, LLC 38257 Mound Road, Building D, Sterling Heights, MI
For the whole family focusing on inclusion, safety, and enjoyment! $10 per family, register online https://therapeuticconceptsllc.com
ARC Livingston Dance 2024
Apr., 27, 6:00 pm- 8:00 pm
Howell Elks Lodge 2830 E Grand River Ave, Howell, MI
The Arc Livingston Dances Schedule for 2024 is Here!! Mark your Calendars!! Arc Dances are held monthly at different locations throughout the community. There is a charge of $3
https://autismallianceofmichigan.org/event/arc-livingston-dance-2024/2024-04-27/
MJR Digital Cinema Sensory-Friendly Film
Check the website for movie times
100 East Maple Road, Troy, MI, 48083, United States
Events
4th Annual Detroit Autism Day Walk
Apr. 6, 1:00 pm- 4:00 pm
Durfee Innovation Society,2470 Collingwood Street Detroit, MI 48206
Join Autism in the D, Au-Some City 313, & Hezikiah Kidz as we present Detroit's 4th Annual World Autism Day Walk featuring:
Live Q & A | Local Resource & Vendors | Sensory Activities| Child Care aAssistance | Meet Local Professionals | & MORE!
For more info on becoming a sponsor, vendor, or gifting a donation, please email: autisminthed@gmail.com For tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/4th-annual-detroit-autism-day-walk-tickets-828392904477?aff=ebdssbdestsearch
See the World a Different Way 1M 5K 10K 13.1 26.2
Apr. 16, 7:00 pm and Apr. 30, 11:00 pm
Around the World!
Participate from home! Detroit, MI 48233
Michigan Virtual Resource Fair for the Special Needs Community
Apr. 23, 6:30 pm- 8:00 pm
Register to attend this virtual resource fair to learn more about resources and supports tailored to the special needs community. After each speaker we will do a drawing and give away to lucky winners who are on the call.
Register at: https://form.jotform.com/222155827350049
Sibshops 2024
Apr. 18, 6:30 pm- 8:00 pm Washtenaw online and Apr. 22, 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm
2/42 Community Center, 7526 Grand River Avenue, Brighton, MI 48114
What are Sibshops? Sibshops provide support and guidance to siblings (ages 8-12) of children with special medical or developmental needs. Siblings are encouraged to share the challenges and celebrate the joy with brothers and sisters in similar situations. Each session will meet in person for roughly two hours. We will play games, talk about life with a sibling with disabilities, and play a few more games! A light dinner is provided.
Fee: $10 per session (covers activity supplies and dinner) Special note: If your child would not be able to attend due to the fee, please contact our office at 517.546.1228 for financial assistance. Register at: https://autismallianceofmichigan.org/event/sibshops-2024/2024-03-18/
Apr. 18th session https://autismallianceofmichigan.org/event/sibshops-washtenaw/2024-04-18/
2nd Annual 5k Walk-N-Talk for Autism Awareness
Apr. 27, 11:00 am- 4:00 pm
15501 Couzens Avenue Eastpointe, MI 48021
For tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2nd-annual-5k-walk-n-talk-for-autism-awareness-tickets-808021332557?aff=ebdssbdestsearch
IEP: A Closer Look
Apr. 29, 12:00 pm- 1:3 0pmRegister at https://autismallianceofmichigan.org/event/iep-a-closer-look-11/2024-04-29/
This free, online workshop takes a closer look at the Individualized Education Program (IEP) process. This workshop will help you:• take a more in depth look at the core areas of the IEP• prioritize your greatest concerns• learn how to address those concerns through the IEP process• improve your ability to have productive conversationsThere will also be time set aside to ask questions.
Who should attend? Families with a child or young adult with an IEP or IFSP.
Questions? info@michiganallianceforfamilies.org
