LOCAL EVENTS

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

Abrams Planetarium Sensory Friendly

Shows Totality

Mar. 17,11:30 a.m.

755 Science Road, East Lansing, MI, United States

Two eclipses cross the US in 2023 and 2024 - an annular on October 14, 2023 and a total eclipse on April 8, 2024! Everyone in the continental US will experience at least a partial solar eclipse on April 8. Total solar eclipses are rare and beautiful phenomena, and in this new planetarium show, you will learn how eclipses happen, how to safely view one, and where these two eclipses take place.

You will learn the history of eclipse watchers and how to observe safely. Texas is the nexus where the annular eclipse of 2023 and the total solar eclipse of 2024 cross! The next solar eclipse to cross the US is in 2045 so do not miss this one!

Our Place In Space

Mar. 17, 1:00 pm

While solving a crossword puzzle about the sky, Scarlet Macaw and her friends explore the cause of day and night, the importance of our star the Sun, the beauty of the constellations, and the variety of objects that make up the Universe.

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), $4.50

Friends of Abrams Planetarium Members, Free Free with Museums For All (with valid EBT, Medicaid, or WIC card and photo ID)

https://www. abramsplanetarium.org/ Programs/Sensory.html

Impression 5

March 20, 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-friendlyhours/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

Mar.1- Mar. 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-thegr-childrens-museum

Sports

Detroit Red Wings

Mar. 2, 14, 16, 19, 21

Little Caesars Arena, 2645 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48201

https://www.nhl.com/redwings

Detroit Pistons

Mar. 1, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15, 17, 20, 22, 24

Little Caesars Arena, 2645 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48201

https://www.nba.com/ team/1610612765

Family Fun

Detroit Zoo

Yoga at the Zoo

Select Tuesdays in February and March | 4 p.m. – 5 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 is a rain or shine event. All locations are subject to change.

To support the highest level of well-being, animals living at the Detroit Zoo choose where to spend time within their habitats. This includes both their indoor and outdoor living spaces, as well as parts of their habitats that are hidden from public view. While habitats will be open for this event, animals may choose to be out of sight. We appreciate your understanding and support of our goal to provide the best possible care for the animals who call the Detroit Zoo home.

What’s New at Yoga at the Zoo

The Ron Kagan Wildlife Interpretive Gallery is back as one of the locations in this year’s lineup! This serene indoor space which is home to beautiful butterflies and birds is the perfect place to connect with your inner flow.

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 Evenings

Check 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.

What accommodations can I expect during Sensory Friendly Evenings?

• Reduced music volume at gate entry

• Reduced volume and adjusted lighting inside the Polk Penguin Conservation Center’s Shackleton experience

• Limited effects and adjusted lighting in the 4D Theater

• Reduced sound on the BRICKLIVE trail

• Altered music on the Carousel

KultureCity sensory bags equipped with noise-canceling headphones, fidget tools and verbal cue cards will be available to guests who may feel overwhelmed by the environment. Guests can check out the bags at Customer Care and the Park Safety Office. Weighted lap pads and strobe glasses are available upon request. 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/sensoryfriendly-evenings/

World of Winter Festival

Mar. 1- 20, All day

Downtown Grand Rapids,29 Pearl St NW Suite 1, Grand Rapids

The World of Winter is a FREE, outdoor winter festival in downtown Grand Rapids that features over 100 events, activities and outdoor art installations. Enjoy the displays during the day and stick around in the evening to see them illuminated. The outdoor art is on display along the Grand River and this year’s installations include John Ball Zoo Lantern, Grand Legacy Mural Immersive Experience, Sonic Runway, Nightwalkers and more. Most of the art is on display throughout the entire run of the festival. For Daily events https://worldofwintergr.com/

St. Patrick’s Day Event hosted by Therapeutic Concepts

Mar. 1, 6:00 pm- 8:00 pm 38257 Mound Rd., Building D, Sterling Heights, MI Join us for a festive and fun musical evening! Led by Board-Certified Music Therapist, Claire, enjoy singing with live music, musical activities and performing Karoke! All Activities Adapted for All abilities in a clinical setting. Register at https:// therapeuticconceptsllc.com/ event/st-patricks-day-event/

DNR Outdoor Adventure Center

Mar. 3, 10:00 am- 12:00 pm 1801 Atwater, Detroit, MI

The DNR Outdoor Adventure Center welcomes friends and families with sensory processing differences to our sensory-friendly building hours! 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, and a limited building capacity. At noon, the building will open to the public, with volumes returning to standard operating levels. All staff are KultureCity-certified to ensure the best possible experience. https://www.facebook.com/ events/753233823348589/ 753233840015254/

Together Let’s Sing, Dance and Jam!! Sponsored by Mid-Michigan Autism Association Mar. 6, 6:30 pm- 7:30 pm Please join us for our monthly “virtual” music therapy event!! Please to Cathy Blatnik at blatsie63@yahoo. com with your name, age, contact phone number and e-mail address you would like the Zoom link sent.

Village Arts Factory Leprechaun Traps Workshop

Mar. 9, 2:00 pm- 3:00pm 50755 Cherry Hill Road, Canton, MI 48188

Is that a leprechaun I see? Find out by building a Leprechaun trap with A.C.E.

Designed for children with special needs, ages 5-11. A.C.E. focuses on creative expression and fosters a social and inclusive environment for all children to enjoy art.

admin@partnershipforarts. org register: https:// villageartsfactory. com/artgallery/

REC-IT Class: Inclusive Art

Mar. 14 & 28, 1:00 pm- 2:00 pm

Disability Network Eastern Michigan – Troy1709 John R Road, Troy, MI 48083

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. This class is limited to ten (10) participants, don’t miss out! https:// autismallianceofmichigan.org/ event/rec-it-class-inclusiveart-2/2024-02-08/

Inclusive Easter Event

Mar. 24, 2:00 pm- 4:00 pm

OATS in Ortonville, 4920 Groveland Rd, Ortonville, MI Egg hunt and games for everyone

Visit oatshrh.org Or FB https://www.facebook. com/oatsnonprofit For more information

Legoland Discovery Center Michigan

Sensory Friendly Mornings

Check the website for upcoming Mornings

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/

Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge

Mar. 1-31, Various

Activities scheduled throughout the month 5437 W Jefferson AveTrenton, MI 48183

https://www.fws.gov/ refuge/detroit-river/ events?event_date_and_ time=%7B%22from%22 :%222023-06-15T16:00

:00.000Z%22,%22to% 22:null%7D&$skip=10

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-friendlyfilms?fbclid=IwAR1JnETT4LqVME0tv0TkWP iYH5lckEcSi4ou3EcdA4eyfbqJYLgmReJ00

Events

Sibshops 2024

March 18, 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/

IEP: A Closer Look

March 19, 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm Register at tinyurl. com/hu3j96rv

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 conversations

There 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@ michiganalliance forfamilies.org

A Night of Inclusivity: A Fundraising Gala for Autism Inclusive Play Gym in Detroit!

Mar. 30, 6:00 pm- 9:00 pm

Durfee Innovation Society, 2470 Collingwood Street Detroit, MI 48206

Hosted By Eric Thomas & Courtney Hamm: Live Entertainment & Speakers | Silent Auction | & MORE!

As we continue our efforts to open the first Autism Inclusive play gym within the city of Detroit we invite you to A Night of Inclusivity! A fundraiser gala dedicated to fostering a sense of community and raising funds to open the first autism-inclusive gym in Detroit. The event aims to create an atmosphere of joy, celebration, and support for individuals with autism. For tickets: https://www. eventbrite.com/e/a-night-ofinclusivity-a-fundraising-galatickets-796967379887?af f=ebdssbdestsearch