Creating Inclusive Movie Experiences in Charlotte
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Visiting the local movie theater should be a fun adventure for families, but for some, it can feel daunting. Meet Stephanie Sutka and Kevin Garcia, two parents who know all too well the challenges that come with taking their children with autism to the movies.
Facing Unique Challenges
“As a parent with a child who has disabilities, you know, disabilities that are not necessarily visible but people, bystanders can tell these kids are different,” Garcia shared. With two boys on the autism spectrum, the couple often felt overwhelmed at the thought of enjoying a simple movie night. Sutka even admitted, “I didn’t even bother to take my son to the movies. I was like, I want to go to a kid’s movie, but I don’t want him to ruin the experience for other people and don’t want him to be stressed out.”
A Bright Idea Sparks Change
Recognizing a gap in accessible and friendly environments, Sutka took a chance last May. She decided to rent out an entire private theater! Initially, that was just about making it easier for her family. But then she got creative: “Since I’m already renting out an entire theater, I invited some local moms and a local group,” she recalled. Thanks to social media, her invitation reached and resonated with many families.
Building Community Through a Shared Experience
The response was fire! The theater was packed, and for Sutka and Garcia, it was an eye-opener. “Together we realized that there was such this positive response to it,” Sutka beamed. “People were starving for that inclusive environment and looking for community, because it’s very isolating being a parent with a child with disabilities.” They understood firsthand; it felt like they were part of something much bigger.
Welcome to AccessCLT
Fueled by the success of their movie night, the couple launched Accessible Charlotte, also known as AccessCLT. The mission? To create a safe and welcoming community for families dealing with disabilities. “You realize that you’re not alone; you build community with other people,” Garcia added. “It just makes you feel normal. You get to feel like this is an experience that other parents feel.”
More Than Just Movies
AccessCLT is not just about organizing movie showings; they host a variety of wonderful events and playdates designed to bring families together. Sutka even noted how they assist families in need: “I’ll cut people’s grass for free; I’ll get contractors and they’ll agree to do it for me and cut grass for people who have a disability or maybe can’t do it themselves.” The little acts of kindness help empower families who might be juggling many responsibilities.
Finding Understanding and Support
For both Sutka and Garcia, starting this organization is about so much more than service – it’s personal. “I felt like it was nice to have people who got me,” Sutka shared with a warm smile.
Taking the Next Steps
As AccessCLT continues to grow, they are working diligently to achieve their 501(c)(3) status to better serve their community. It’s exciting to see how this project evolves and the exciting new opportunities that may come from it!
Get in Touch
For those interested in more information or wanting to connect, you can reach out to Nick Sturdivant at nsturdiva1@wcnc.com and follow along on social media platforms!
The journey has just begun, and the future looks bright for families in Charlotte thanks to the passion and dedication of people like Sutka and Garcia!
