Sky Zone launches ‘Sensory Night’ for people living with autism
Posted April 3, 2016 10:23 am.
This article is more than 5 years old.
SURREY (NEWS 1130) – It’s about offering a chance for kids with autism to have some pure fun in a comfortable environment.
The eighth annual World Autism Awareness Day was yesterday, and a local trampoline park in Surrey is launching an initiative to reach out to families affected by the disorder.
The first ” ” is set for Monday evening at Sky Zone Trampoline Park in Surrey, where General Manager, Cody O’Neil says a special class will be held outside of regular jumping hours, and is designed specifically for people affected by autism.
O’Neil says staff have been trained by the Canucks Autism Network in how to communicate with the kids, and limit triggers that could aggravate symptoms.
“We turn the music down to a very, very low level so it doesn’t aggravate them. You know, we use much more visual cues when trying to communicate with people. We have little signs that say you know, stop, wait, go, stuff like that, as opposed to our regular methods which would just be like a sharp whistle, and then people kind of run over and talk to them.”
O’Neil says Sky Zone has heard about benefits from managers at other parks.
“The main thing is that you notice you know, people who come on a regular basis, they look forward to it, and then you actually see development throughout that long period of time where basically people affected with autism look forward to it, they get a little bit used to being around larger groups, and they get to enjoy our facility.”
O’Neil adds kids with cerebral palsy, ADD, and ADHD are also welcome.
These classes will be happening every Monday in April, and the third Monday of every month after that.
Admission is half price for kids and their families. It’s free for caregivers, who will just need to pay $3 for some special socks.
