The Empower Project provides support for children aged 12 years and under with Autism, Dyslexia and Dyspraxia, their parents and the wider family circle in the Magherafelt and Antrim areas.
Marie McCloy, Empower manager, explained: “Our family movie days at Seamus Heaney HomePlace are tailored to meet the specific needs of these children and young people so their families can enjoy the full movie theatre experience together.”
She continued: “The lighting is a little higher than it normally would be in a cinema and the sound is reduced; the children don’t have to stay in their seats but can move around or stretch out on bean bags; and there’s also a quiet space with some sensory equipment if that is what’s needed. While these are just small changes, they can help make for a more inclusive family day out.”
Other Empower activities and workshops planned for August include: In your Space Circus Skills, drama, Jumplanes, Born 2 Bounce and yoga.
Empower also runs training courses at Northern Regional College’s Magherafelt campus and Farranshane House in Antrim.
The courses - which are available to parents as well as health, education and childcare professionals – will give access to the most up to date information available. Courses scheduled for the autumn include: ASD & Anger, Sensory Systems, Lego Therapy, Emotional Regulation, SD and Girls and Therapeutic Play.
Marie explained: “The topics have been identified by the parents themselves and it’s a chance for them to develop new skills in a relaxed, friendly and supportive environment with others facing similar issues.
“After diagnosis, many families don’t know where to turn to for help. Empower offers support and opportunities for parents to come together and learn from each other.