Parkland Planetarium Set to Debut Sensory-Friendly Matinees

Sensory-Friendly Lights Up/Sound Down Performance to Debut at William M. Staerkel Planetarium in Champaign

Special educators and therapists were given a sneak peek and a chance to offer feedback for the upcoming performances

The stars aligned and two worlds collided for Champaign resident Tania Swigart recently.

By day, Swigart works as an early childhood special educator at the Champaign Early Childhood Center. By night, Swigart shares her passion for the planets, stars, and constellations through her part-time position at the Staerkel Planetarium at Parkland Community College. Most recently, Swigart worked alongside Erik Johnson, director of the planetarium, and the planetarium’s producer, Waylena McCully, to create a sensory-friendly experience.

Seeing an increase in the number of children benefitting from sensory supports and strategies, Swigart began working on a plan to welcome guests with all abilities to her shows at the planetarium. The result of several months of preparation, accommodations, and collaboration will debut Saturday, Feb. 29.

The planetarium will be offering two shows with a “sensory friendly” atmosphere. One World, One Sky: Big Bird’s Adventure will start off the afternoon at 2 p.m. Families will learn about constellations, stars and the moon with Big Bird, Elmo and friends. This show is geared for children ages 3 and above. Cosmic Colors, created for guests in second grade and above, will follow at 3 p.m. Patrons will journey through an adventure under a rainbow of cosmic light and learn about the electromagnetic spectrum. Each show is roughly 30-35 minutes in length.

Area special educators and therapists were given a sneak peek of the shows Friday evening and afforded a chance to weigh in on the experience. A visual schedule was referenced for viewers stating the order of events for the performance. These same visuals will be made available for parents to access and refer to throughout the show, if needed.

The volume of the show has been reduced to prevent children from becoming overwhelmed from the auditory stimulation. Overhead lights will remain on at a dimmed capacity so that viewers are still able to experience the full effect of the presentation but not immersed completely in darkness. Aisle lights will remain on. Sunglasses are available. Lights will be gradually dimmed and then subsequently returned to full brightness in order to prevent overstimulation from the lighting when entering and exiting the theater.

Parkland Planetarium Sensory Friendly Staff

In addition to lower lights and volumes, Swigart and her team are prepared and accustomed to children needing to move while they learn; attendees are alerted to this before the show. Sensory fidgets will be available as well as weighted blankets, lap pads, pressure vests, noise-dampening headphones, sunglasses, and more. The planetarium asks that patrons sign these larger items out for the show once families arrive but they are available for anyone who requests them.

Families are welcome to bring their own sensory supports from home, though items with sounds or lights are not permitted. Seating will be limited to 60.

To prepare patrons for their trip to the planetarium, The Autism Program at the University of Illinois (TAP) helped to create social stories for guests. These social stories are available online. Parents or caregivers are encouraged to download a copy of the story to read with their children or friends to prepare for the experience. Additional copies of these stories will be made available in the lobby while patrons wait to enter the theater.

Tickets may be purchased up to 30 minutes in advance of the show. Adult tickets are $6, while seniors/students/youth tickets are $5. Friends of Staerkel Planetarium members are free. The planetarium is wheelchair-accessible and visitors are encouraged to pull into the circle drive nearest the planetarium to drop off patrons and then park their cars in M1 lot nearest the theater.

Looking for more resources for children or adults with special needs in the Champaign-Urbana area? We have many organizations and supports in the community. Check out our resource guide.