11 minute read
Local Events
By Christia Woodford
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
Nov. 20, 5:30 pm- 7:30 pm, NOv. 24, 9:30 am- 11:30 am
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
Living in Balance: Anishinaabe Star
Nov. 20, 11:30 am
Knowledge highlights Anishinaabe stories of constellations and moons in relation to contemporary insights about environmental changes. Teachings shared by Native Skywatchers Carl Gawboy, William Wilson, and Dr. Annette S. Lee are narrated by Aarin Dokum with Anishinaabemowin translations by Alphonse Pitawanakwat set to art by Elizabeth LaPensée.
One World One Sky: Big Bird's Adventure
Nov. 20, 1:00 pm
You don't need a spaceship to learn about the sun, moon, and stars-just a little imagination! When Big Bird, Elmo, and their friend from China, Hu Hu Zhu, take an imaginary trip to the moon, they learn amazing things along the way.755 Science Road, East Lansing, MI, United States
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
Nov. 4, 4:00 pm- 7:00 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
Oct. 1- Oct. 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/
Family Fun
DINO ADVENTURES AT JOHN BALL ZOO
Sept. 1 through Nov. 10, 9:00 am- 4:00 pm
John Ball Zoo, 1300 W. Fulton St., Grand Rapids, MI
Join as we journey through the ages, uncovering how the traits of prehistoric dinosaurs have influenced the animals we see today. Through this interactive exhibit we’ll come together to celebrate our living world and significance of conservation. During Dino Adventures, John Ball Zoo will aim to foster a deeper appreciation for the natural world, its history, and the urgent need for conservation efforts to protect both living species and those yet to come. The Zoo will be transformed with life sized dinosaur replica robots that make noise and move. Guests can embark on a dinosaur safari through the Zoo’s Forest Realm and learn about the dinosaurs that once roamed the Earth. For tickets: https://jbzoo.org/events/dino-adventures/
DNR Outdoor Adventure Center Sensory Friendly Play
Nov. 3, Dec. 1, 10:00 am- 12:00 pm
Outdoor Adventure Center, Globe Trading Company Building, 1801 Atwater St, 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.
Various Activities scheduled
Oct.1- Oct. 31 Check website https://www.michigan.gov/oac
Fascination Factory Sensory Friendly Play
Nov. 5, 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/events/list/?tribe-bar-date=2024-10-01
Together Let’s Sing, Dance and Jam!!
Nov. 6, 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
RARA Movie Night Out
Nov. 13, Dec. 11
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.
REC-IT Class: Inclusive Art
Nov. 14, 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/
ARC Livingston Dance 2024
Nov. 16, 6:00 pm- 8:30 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/
Let’s Roll Together
Nov. 19, 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/
Inclusive Game Night
Nov. 29, 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
Detroit Zoo
Wild Lights
Select days in November, December and January
Wild Lights, presented by Corewell Health Children’s, has been a treasured holiday tradition for more than a decade for a reason. At this incredible event, you’ll encounter enchanting animal-themed light sculptures that bring a whimsical touch to the festive season and create a magical experience for all ages. Be prepared to be mesmerized by millions of twinkling LED lights transforming the Zoo into a winter wonderland.
Check the website for updated information https://detroitzoo.org/events/wild-lights/
Sensory Friendly Evenings Check website for date and times
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. 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/
Various fun events through the month.
Detroit Zoo, 8450 W 10 Mile Rd, Royal Oak, MI 48067
Legoland Discovery Center Michigan Sensory Friendly Morning
Dec.1, 9:00 am- 10:00 am
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 Morning
Dec. 1, 9:00 am- 10: am
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
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
You're Invited to the Uniquely You Michigan Virtual Resource Fair!
Nov. 13, 6:30 pm- 8:00 pm
Virtual Event (link provided upon registration)
Join us for an engaging evening at the Uniquely You Michigan Virtual Resource Fair! This online event is dedicated to connecting individuals, families, and supporters in the disability community with valuable organizations and resources.
Event Highlights:
Hear from expert organizations and discover the support available for those with disabilities or special needs
Explore a range of resources designed to impact and improve lives
Enjoy live giveaways throughout the event!
This is a fantastic opportunity to learn more about the resources that can make a difference and connect with others in the community—all from the comfort of your home.
Register Here Free: https://buytickets.at/uniquelyyou/1358238
We look forward to seeing you there and sharing valuable information and exciting giveaways!
Don’t miss out on this free and informative virtual event!
Hoedown Sponsored by Oakland County Parks Adaptive Needs Events
Nov. 14, 6:00 pm- 8:00 pm
Novi Civic Center, 45175 West 10 Mile, Novi, MI 48375
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.
Jingle Bell Ball Sponsored by Oakland County Parks Adaptive Needs Events
Dec. 4, 6:00 pm- 8:00 pm
Waterford Oaks Activity Center, 2800 Watkins Lake Rd, Waterford, MI 48328)
Seasonal, social dances and events hosted by Oakland County Parks and Recreation. $12 per person / $6 per caregiver. Registration opens six weeks prior to each event date. Pre-registration required. Call 248-221-8040 for questions and to register.
