4 Actions Theaters Can Take Now to Start Becoming More Welcoming to Neurodivergent Folks
A starting point.
April is Autism Acceptance Month (Yes, Acceptance, not awareness). I want to see that acceptance reflected in theatrical spaces and practices. So, here are actions theaters can take now to be a little more welcoming to neurodivergent folks.
I cannot stress this enough: These four actions are just a starting point. True acceptance and becoming a welcoming and inclusive space requires more work. But, every single step counts, and once we start, we cannot stop taking them.
1. Have Fidget/Stimming Toys and Ear Plugs Visible and Available
Tiny silicon fidget/stress toys can help neurodivergent folks relieve stress and focus. You can find these stimming tools for only a few cents if you buy them in bulk. These toys are an inexpensive way to enhance our theatrical experience.
Foam earplugs are another tool to help us enjoy theater performances. Sensory sensitivity is common to many neurodivergent folks. By providing us with a to help us prevent sensory overload, you are making us feel more welcome in your theater.
2. Expand Your Sensory Warnings
Many theaters already provide sensory warnings for strobing or flashing lights. Build on that work! Provide sensory warnings for harsh lights, audience blinders, loud surprising noises, and sustained loud sounds. With that information we can prepare and take care of ourselves when we attend your shows.
Bonus points - If you provide time stamps.
Extra bonus points - If you provide visual cues that an intense sensory moment is about to happen.
3. Watch Your Language and Imagery
Words matter. Ableism is insidious in our language; many everyday words or terms are ableist. Some of them are even considered slurs by disabled communities.
So be mindful of the words you use in your materials, websites, and even in your scripts. You don't have to figure it alone! There are many resources out there written and created by disabled people. Here are two to get you started:
- Disability Language Style Guide by the National Center on Disability and Journalism
- Ableism/Language by Lydia Brown
Also, be mindful of what images you use. Autism Rights Movement organizations suggest the use of the Rainbow Infinity sign. The blue puzzle icon is harmful and has fallen out of favor with Autistic communities.
3.5 Watch Your Sources
As you do your research (I hope you are doing your research), be mindful of the sources you are using. For example, avoid Autism Speaks which is a historically harmful organization.
Instead, consider organizations like:
4. Work With Us
“Nothing about us without us“ is a core principles of Disability Justice work. So, to become more welcoming and inclusive to neurodivergent people you need to work with us.
My friend and Autistic Playwright, Dave Osmundsen, eloquently sums it up here:
Finding Autistic Theatre Artists Is a Challenge (If You Make It a Challenge
We are everywhere. You can find us if you try.
Conclusion
The work to become accessible and inclusive is much larger than these four steps. But I hope this is a helpful starting point. We have much work ahead of us, but we can get there together.
Oh, and if you are looking for examples where these principles are being (or have been implemented), Sound Theatre Company, The New Victory Theater, and Epic Players have been doing some incredible work.