Growing up, I always enjoyed the Fourth of July. The food we had was always something I could enjoy. We would have burgers, made of beef and turkey, hot dogs, also made of beef or turkey, coleslaw (always without onions), baked beans, pickles, and other sides depending on what everyone else was in the mood for. It was nice to know that this holiday had foods that I could always enjoy. While the food was never a concern, there were sensory issues during the celebrations.
I love watching fireworks displays; the flashes of color that appear in the sky for a moment always make me feel like a child, no matter how old I am. I didn’t always have ear protection when I needed it as a kid. If I could design my own ideal Fourth of July celebration, I would have a patriotic drone display. I’ve seen their use in Olympic opening ceremonies and at the recent coronation celebration in the United Kingdom when King Charles was crowned. This would be my pick for an outdoor display that wouldn’t be noisy but would deliver an engaging, outdoor, dazzling visual experience. If I had to pick what I would watch indoors, I would go to an indoor theater. I enjoy the movie theater and would watch a traditional fireworks display with the volume turned down. This way, I could still enjoy the colors of the fireworks, but not feel the rattling of my skull.
I wish cities or towns would rent out movie theaters for members of the public with disabilities to watch fireworks displays. Specifically, those with autism who might not be able to enjoy the fireworks displays, but I have also started to wonder how those in wheelchairs would access the areas that are often used by the public to view fireworks displays. I’ve been thinking a lot about universal design and accessibility recently as I hope to eventually attain my CPACC certification. I also have been dating someone for over two years who uses a wheelchair, and the number of handicap accessible parking spots is often fewer than the general number available to the general public. Not everyone who uses a wheelchair is medically fragile and in need of an air-conditioned environment, but there are some who do need one. I can imagine that movie theaters that would show fireworks displays would also be beneficial to those who have a physical disability as well as a cognitive one with sensory needs that need to be met. In this ideal world where municipalities have these movie-theater fireworks programs, I’m not sure how people prove they need to attend.
I know that with VRA or the vocational rehabilitation agency, medical documentation of a disability is required, so that could be one option, but the theory of universal design argues that when something is designed with accessibility in mind, everyone ends up benefiting; this is also known as, I believe, the curb step effect. Could the elderly also benefit, since temperature regulation becomes more difficult with age? Perhaps senior centers could host such events. Another benefit would be that often people with autism, but I’m sure other disabilities, have dietary restrictions, and in this case they could bring their own food to the event without it being restricted by the movie theater. Ideally, headphones and glasses would be provided for those with auditory or visual sensitivities. I apologize to you, my reader, but this is a stream-of-consciousness post, and I really think it would be best if there were enough interest in several theaters based on different needs.
Theater 1- Seniors:
This one would have the volume turned up or, for those who are hard of hearing, snacks that are safe for those with dentures and tooth issues and wouldn’t necessarily need earplugs or glasses. Ideally, before the recorded fireworks show came on, music from the decades of those who are 65 and above would play in the theater. Arthritis in the hands can be a problem; a reusable souvenir cup with a straw would be ideal.
Theater 2- Wheelchair Users & Medically Complex
This theater would be for wheelchair users and their caregivers. There would be a menu for everyone to order from, with the food waiting at their theater, and this one would be no different. This theater would need extra space at the front for wheelchairs. If there were a way to remove all the chairs at the front, that would be ideal. Often, people who use wheelchairs have limited use of their upper extremities, so cool souvenir cups with straws would be helpful.
Theaters 3 & 4- Sensory Friendly for Autism Spectrum Disorder
These two theaters would have sensory-friendly environments, with the volume turned down a bit. It’s important to acknowledge that everyone has different sensory needs, and I don’t think any one theater could meet everyone’s needs. One theater would be for those who want to sit still and watch the fireworks recording in the dark. The second theater would have the lights on, possibly not at full brightness, and could have the fireworks show running, but it would be muted, and people could wander around in the theater if they needed to. A separate decompression room would also be an excellent idea. Earplugs, sunglasses, silent fidget toys, and other items that would help meet sensory needs would be available near these theaters.
The venue I’m referencing is a movie theater, but it doesn’t have to be; I just know those seats tend to be more comfortable than most. It would be a more accessible venue if there weren’t stairs in the back of the movie theater.
As I have laid this out, this would be my ideal way to host an indoor fireworks extravaganza. I’m sure there are communities and disabilities I haven’t thought of, and there are better ways to host similar events I haven’t thought of. Wishing everyone a safe, accessible, and peaceful Fourth of July!
Living on the Spectrum 
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