Millburn, NJ – Prisca Deliperi, a Caldwell University ABA doctoral student, recently volunteered via an Autism-Friendly Performance Program at the Paper Mill Playhouse, which featured the animated hit film, Frozen. The program began approximately fifteen years ago when a parent of a child with autism was searching for a positive theater experience for her family. The Paper Mill responded, and now Autism Friendly Performances are a permanent and vital component of a variety of accessibility services.
The Paper Mill’s Autism Advisory Team is made up of two graduates of Caldwell’s ABA Department and an adjunct professor. Autism friendly performances are only one example of how Caldwell University’s ABA students and alumni improve the lives of students and families they serve well beyond the walls of the University. Caldwell’s ABA program prepares students to support individuals with autism in meaningful ways, across all environments, putting the applied in applied behavior analysis.
Autism-Friendly Performance Program Model
Approximately fifteen volunteers are present at each performance to ensure families feel welcomed, supported, and safe. The Autism Advisory Team supports autism-friendly performances through a well-structured, multidisciplinary volunteer model. Team members include certified behavior analysts, special educators, occupational therapists, physical therapists, and others. For individuals who are unable to remain in the theater for the full show, a designated activity center is available upstairs with a TV simulcast of the performance, allowing families flexibility while still participating in the experience. Behavior analysts are available to work with the families to return audience members back to their theater seats if desired.
The Autism-Friendly Performance Program at the Paper Mill Playhouse serves as a strong model of community inclusion, demonstrating how thoughtful planning, professional collaboration, and trained volunteers can substantially increase access to the arts for individuals with autism and their families.
Learn more about Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) program opportunities online.
Learn more about Paper Mill Playhouse and Autism-Friendly Performances on their website.