'Chuck E. Cheese's' Now Offers Autism-Friendly Play Spaces
Mary Van Puymbroeck — May 16, 2017 — Life-Stages
References: adweek
Chuck E. Cheese's restaurants will now offer autism-friendly play times called 'Sensory Sensitive Sundays'
The space, where "a kid can be a kid," is doing more to accommodate those sensitive to the bright lights and noise that Chuck E. Cheese's has become known for.
What began as a local effort to create a play environment where autistic children could have fun -- without being overly stimulated by the restaurant's usual atmosphere -- has now become a national campaign. Last month, CEC Entertainment announced a national rollout of its Sensory Sensitive Sundays, which are held the first Sunday of every month. Two hours before the Chuck E. Cheese's is opened to the public, the lights are dimmed, the famous animatronic show is turned off and the music is silenced in an effort to create “an environment more suitable for children who face sensory challenges."
The space, where "a kid can be a kid," is doing more to accommodate those sensitive to the bright lights and noise that Chuck E. Cheese's has become known for.
What began as a local effort to create a play environment where autistic children could have fun -- without being overly stimulated by the restaurant's usual atmosphere -- has now become a national campaign. Last month, CEC Entertainment announced a national rollout of its Sensory Sensitive Sundays, which are held the first Sunday of every month. Two hours before the Chuck E. Cheese's is opened to the public, the lights are dimmed, the famous animatronic show is turned off and the music is silenced in an effort to create “an environment more suitable for children who face sensory challenges."
Trend Themes
1. Sensory-sensitive Play Spaces - The rise of autism-friendly play spaces, like Chuck E. Cheese's 'Sensory Sensitive Sundays', creates disruptive innovation opportunities to cater to children with sensory challenges.
2. National Rollout of Autism-friendly Initiatives - The national implementation of Sensory Sensitive Sundays demonstrates the potential for other businesses to adopt autism-friendly practices and create inclusive environments.
3. Adapting Public Spaces for Sensory Challenges - The growing awareness of sensory challenges is driving businesses to adapt public spaces, presenting disruptive innovation opportunities in various industries.
Industry Implications
1. Restaurant Industry - The restaurant industry can explore creating sensory-sensitive options and spaces to cater to customers with sensory challenges.
2. Entertainment Industry - The entertainment industry can adopt autism-friendly practices to make their venues more inclusive and accessible for individuals with sensory sensitivities.
3. Real Estate Industry - The real estate industry can incorporate design elements that cater to individuals with sensory challenges, such as quieter spaces and special lighting options.
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