Carmel Brings Back Free Sensory-Friendly Movie Screenings Through County Initiative

CARMEL, NY — Putnam County has brought back free sensory-friendly movie screenings in Carmel, reviving a community program through the county’s ThinkDIFFERENTLY initiative.

On Saturday, Aug. 8, County Executive Kevin Byrne joined the Putnam County Office for Individuals with Disabilities and Department of Mental Health to host a free screening of Minions & Monsters at the newly reopened Box Office Cinemas.

Byrne first hosted sensory-friendly movie screenings while serving in the New York State Assembly. The events stopped after the former Carmel Cinemas closed. With the theater reopened and the county’s Office for Individuals with Disabilities expanded under Byrne’s administration, the county said it saw a chance to restart the screenings in Carmel.

“This was something I loved hosting as an Assemblyman, and it was incredibly rewarding to bring it back now as County Executive,” Byrne said. “These screenings give individuals and families an opportunity to enjoy something as simple as going to the movies in an environment where they can feel comfortable and welcome. That’s what ThinkDIFFERENTLY is all about; breaking down barriers and making sure people of all abilities can participate in the community. I’m grateful to everyone who helped us bring this tradition back, and we’re looking forward to doing it again.”

The screening included reduced sound levels, raised lighting and access to sensory bags. Guests were also able to move around and watch the movie in the way that felt most comfortable for them. The county said those features were intended to create a more accommodating setting for people with sensory needs and other disabilities.

“For many of the individuals and families we serve, a traditional movie theater experience can present challenges that others may never have to think about,” said Dana Touponse, coordinator for the Putnam County Office for Individuals with Disabilities. “We understood the value of these screenings and wanted to bring them back. It was wonderful to see families enjoying the movies together in an environment designed to welcome everyone.”

The county said the Office for Individuals with Disabilities was expanded under Byrne’s administration to provide a dedicated resource for individuals with disabilities and their families, and to advance accessibility and inclusion throughout Putnam County. Saturday’s event marked the return of a program Byrne first backed as an Assemblyman and that now continues through the county’s ThinkDIFFERENTLY initiative.