April Is Autism Acceptance Month: Venue Offers Three Events For The Neuro-diverse Community

April 4, 2024

The Broward Center for the Performing Arts’ sensory-inclusive events continue in April during Autism Acceptance Month with an interactive class and two live performances. The programs are designed to create a welcoming and supportive environment for children and adults on the autism spectrum as well as individuals with other sensitivity issues or developmental disabilities.

No experience is necessary to enjoy the interactive and engaging Theater Games & Dancing All Abilities event on Sunday, April 7 at 11 a.m. in the JM Family Studio and the David & I. Lorraine Thomas Creative Learning Suites. The class will be divided into one for ages 4-14 and another for those 15 and older. The event is followed by refreshments. All Abilities classes are made possible with support from the Taft Foundation.

For sensory-inclusive performances, the Broward Center offers an area adjacent to the theater designated as the ABA Centers of Florida Sensory Quiet Room with a specially trained therapist to provide audience support. Patrons may bring their own headphones, fidgets and other calming items into the theater. The Broward Center also offers sensory bags, that can be requested at the front of house desk, which contain noise cancelling headphones, sunglasses, fidgets and sunglasses clips to accommodate families that might be overwhelmed by the lights, sounds and crowds.

Outspoken, precocious, lovable Junie B. Jones stars in a sensory-inclusive performance offered on Saturday, April 20 at 11 a.m. in the Amaturo Theater. This colorful, funny, fast-paced musical includes new friends, new glasses, sugar cookies, the annual kickball tournament and other various first-grade, angst-ridden situations. This musical is based on four volumes in Barbara Park's Junie B. Jones series of books. Audiences will enjoy a pre-show arts and crafts with Young At Art Museum one hour before the show.

The Sensory-Inclusive Series brings The Magic of Kevin Spencer to the Abdo New River Room at the Broward Center on Saturday, April 27 at 11 a.m. Featuring award-winning magician Kevin Spencer, this fun-filled show combines storytelling, stage magic and audience participation. Audiences will enjoy a post-show meet and greet with Spencer.

The Broward Center's sensory-inclusive programming is made possible through the generous support of ABA Centers of Florida, The Batchelor Foundation, Florida Support Autism Programs License Plate, The Gore Family Memorial Foundation Trust, Nicklaus Children's Hospital and The Taft Foundation with special thanks to UM-NSU CARD for their in-kind support.

Ticketmaster is the only official ticketing service of the Broward Center and The Parker. Buy tickets online at: www.BrowardCenter.org or: www.Ticketmaster.com - by phone at: 954.462.0222; in person at the Broward Center’s AutoNation Box Office.

The Broward Center for the Performing Arts is located at 201 SW Fifth Ave. in Fort Lauderdale. For more information visit: www.BrowardCenter.org - like us on Facebook at: www.Facebook.com/BrowardCenter - and: www.Facebook.com/BrowardCenterEducation - follow us on Twitter and Instagram @BrowardCenter, subscribe to our channel at www.YouTube.com/user/BrowardCenter and join the conversation with #BrowardCenter