11 minute read

Local Events

BY CHRISTIA WOODFORD — PUBLISHING ASSISTANT AND 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

Impression 5

July 7, 9:30 am- 11:30 am, July 17, 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/

Abrams Planetarium

Sensory Friendly Shows

Phantom of the Universe: The Hunt for Dark Matter

July 21,11:30 a.m.

755 Science Road, East Lansing, MI, United States

Join us as we showcase an exciting exploration of dark matter, from the Big Bang to its anticipated discovery at the Large Hadron Collider. See the first hints of its existence through the eyes of Fritz Zwicky, the scientist who coined the term "dark matter." From there explore the astral choreography witnessed by Vera Rubin in the Andromeda Galaxy and then plummet deep underground to see the most sensitive dark matter detector on Earth, housed in a former gold mine. Finally journey across space and time to the Large Hadron Collider at CERN, to learn how scientists around the world are collaborating to track down the constituents of dark matter.

Beyond the Sun: In Serch of a New Earth

July 21, 1:00 p.m.

While going to sleep, Celeste is visited by a friendly particle of light called Moon. Together, they travel beyond the Sun in search of new worlds and enjoy the delights and mysteries of exoplanet hunting. Find out how to detect exoplanets with Celeste and Moon and learn about all the different types of worlds including rogue planets, oceanic worlds and super-Earths. Even more, learn about real-life exoplanet hunters who observe the sky and search for other planets that are like Earth.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

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

Sensory Friendly Play

August 19, 4:00 pm- 6:00 pm, November 4, 4:00pm- 6:00 pm

Together with Autism Support of Kent County, GRCM welcomes families to play in a calmer, quieter environment outside of regular Museum hours.

Registration required.

Various Events Scheduled

July 1- July 31

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

TheraplayYoga: Therapeutic Playful Yoga for Diverse Abilities  

Adaptive Yoga Studio, 2015 E. Michigan Ave. Lansing, MI 48912

Inclusive & Accessible Yoga for Diverse Bodies, Brains, and Abilities. Check website for schedule. Gloria@TheraPLAYoga.com   https://theraplayoga.com/

Detroit City FC

July 6, 13, 27

Keyworth Stadium, 3201 Roosevelt St, Hamtramck, MI 48212

https://www.detcityfc.com/

Detroit Tigers

July 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30

Comerica Park, 2100 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48201

https://www.mlb.com/tigers

Family Fun

DNR Outdoor Adventure Center

July 1 and August 5, 10:00 am- 12:00 pm

Outdoor Adventure Center, Globe Trading Company Building, 1801 Atwater St, Detroit, MI 

Enjoy the opportunity to explore and experience the OAC with building sounds and ambient noises at a lower volume. During your visit, there will be a quiet room with sensory materials available to use. https://www.michigan.gov/oac

Fascination Factory

Sensory Friendly Play

July 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 $30.00  https://autismallianceofmichigan.org/event/sensory-sensitive/2024-05-07/

Together Let’s Sing, Dance and Jam!!

July 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

Detroit Zoo

Sensory Friendly Evenings

July 7, 3:00 pm- 7:00 pm, August 30, 3:00 pm- 7:00 pm

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/

REC-IT Class: Inclusive Art

July 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/

Let’s Roll Together

July 16, 6:00 pm- 7:30 pm

Roll Arena, 2909 Bay City Road, Midland, MI 48642

Join us for a “rolling” good time! Our goal is to create a fun and accessible environment for individuals with disabilities and their caregivers to enjoy skating and socializing.

This session will include wheelchair-accessible lanes. These lanes can also be used by individuals who may need assistance with a non-skating support person. Caregivers & Direct Support Staff are FREE (free admission valid for one caregiver/support staff per participant). $10 admission  https://autismallianceofmichigan.org/event/lets-roll-together-2/2024-06-18/

RARA Movie Night Out

July 17, August 14

Emagine Theatre Rochester Hills (200 Barclay Circle, Rochester Hills)Hosted by RARA Recreation. Enjoy a movie with your friends at the theater one Friday a month. You will pay for your own ticket and concessions. Plans are based on the current theater schedule. You must pre-register so that enough assistance is provided and space reserved. Ages 14+. Fee is $6 for residents & non-residents. Register via RARARecreation.org

ARC Livingston Dance 2024

July 20, 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/

Blue Heron Bay Spray Park and Splash Pad Sensory Play

July 21 and August 12, 6:00 pm

3200 Jennings Rd, Whitmore Lake, MI 

The park will be staying open exclusively for children with special needs after normal business hours and their families to experience the splash pad in a stress-free, relaxed, accepting environment. Staff will be on sight to have the slides open and gently enforce the rules to keep everyone safe on the spray pads. Concessions will stay open until 7:00pm if your family would like to purchase dinner. Blue Heron Bay will be closing to the general public.

Inclusive Game Night

July 26, 6:00 pm- 7:30 pm

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

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/

MJR Digital Cinema Sensory-Friendly Film

Check the website for movie times

100 East Maple Road, Troy, MI, 48083, United States 

https://www.mjrtheatres.com/sensory-friendly-films?fbclid=IwAR1JnETT-4LqVME0tv0TkWPiYH5lckEcSi4o-u3EcdA4eyfbqJYLgmReJ00

Events

Come Join Girl Scout Troop 1197! First All Inclusive Troop!

4920 Groveland Rd, Ortonville, MI 48462

The ONLY troop of its kind in MI, troop 1197 is being formed right now at O.A.T.S. (Offering Alternative Therapy with Smiles) in Ortonville for those with special needs ages 11 and up. The troop, designed with experienced scout leaders, will include typical scouting activities including camping and outdoor skills. For more information, email walkonoats@gmail.com

Living and Learning Enrichment Center Summer Camp

June 24 through August 15, 9:00 am- 4:00 pm

Living and Learning Enrichment Center801 Griswold St, Northville, MI 48167

Join us this summer for an enriching, fun-filled experience designed specifically for teens and young adults with disabilities.

Our camps are based at our 12-acre property, conveniently located on the border of Novi and Northville, and offer a safe, welcoming environment where campers can explore their interests, develop social and job skills, and make lasting friendships.

Whether you’re new to Living and Learning Enrichment Center or returning for another amazing summer, we’re excited to welcome you!  Contact programs@llecmi.org for more details.  https://livingandlearningcenter.org/summer-camps/

Team GUTS Fun & Fitness Camp

June 17 through July 19   Age 7 to adult 

Hunter Community Center, 509 Fisher Court, Clawson, MI 48017

Team GUTS is offering a summer day camp experience for children, teens and adults with special needs. Our Team GUTS Fun & Fitness Camp will feature a variety of fitness activities including athletic fitness training, sports skills, obstacle courses, martial arts, dance, daily nature walks and more.

Additionally, we will have nutritional activities where campers learn how to prepare tasty, health-conscious snacks to enjoy! Come be a part of Team GUTS Fun & Fitness Camp to make friends and have lasting memories.

For more information and cost www.teamgutsmichigan.com

IEP: A Closer Look

July 8, 9:30 am- 11:00 amRegister at Register at https://tinyurl.com/4we5vftj

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

DiversAbility Day Macomb

July 31, 11:00 am- 2:00 pm

Lake St. Clair Metropark in Harrison Township, 31300 Metro Pkwy, Harrison Twp, MI

DiversAbility Days is a series of events featuring adaptive outdoor recreation opportunities, sports, games and lunch held in collaboration with Oakland County Parks, Disability Network Eastern Michigan, Huron-Clinton Metroparks, Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Rehab Without Walls Neuro Rehabilitation. Enjoy adaptive bikes, archery, kayaking, golf and boat rides as well as yard games, farm animals, beach access, face painting and more.

Register at www.tinyurl.com/DiversAbilityDay. For more information, call 586-268-4160 or email REC-IT@DNEMichigan.org

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