At Back To School Events To Be Held At Territory’s Theaters, Free Backpack With School Supplies, Free Movie, Popcorn And Drink

The Office of the Governor Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) has announced its 2017 back to school event dubbed “Cultivating Inclusion – An Afternoon at the Movies for All”. ADA is continuing with the theme of full inclusion for individuals with disabilities in all aspects of the community, according to the release. The events will be hosted on St. Thomas and St. Croix.

On St. Thomas, the event will begin at 4 p.m. on September 1, at Caribbean Cinemas, which became ADA compliant in 2016 as part of a settlement agreement. On St. Croix, the event will begin at 1 p.m. on September 3 at Caribbean Cinemas — a newly built facility which fulfills ADA requirements, according to the release.

As the school year begins, it is important that all Virgin Islanders recognize that children with disabilities can participate in the activities taken for granted, reads the release. There are many children with disabilities who have never been to the movies for multiple reasons, the release adds, reasoning that parents are apprehensive about taking their child with a disability in fear of inaccessibility, insensitivity and intolerance.  

The goal of the event is to show that children with disabilities can participate in the most common of activities. By allowing children with disabilities to attend the movies with their non-disabled peers, both sets of children will benefit immensely and hopefully throughout the school year, children with disabilities will be included not only during Friday night movies outings, but other activities as well, reads the release.

Children ages 5-12 are invited to participate. Registration is also required. Call (340) 772-100 on St. Croix and (340) 693-4350 on St. Thomas.  At this time, 1 child per household will gain free admittance to the movie and will be provided with popcorn and a drink.  However, ADA encourages additional children, parents, family and friends to participate.  Also, all participants will be given a book bag  with school supplies upon completion of the movie and additional prizes will be raffled.  If all the spots are not filled, additional children from the household will be offered free admittance, popcorn and a drink.

For further information, please contact Ms. Russell at (340) 227 -2348