Toward a Barrier Free Arts Experience
Relaxed Events at the Detroit Symphony Orchestra
“ I had to hold back tears. It was a touching experience as a parent to be able to do something for my son I never thought I would be able to do. My son's life, education, and culture is changed because of the small act. ”
If you haven't heard about relaxed events at the DSO, we're glad this story is finding you. Read on to discover more about DSO events designed for individuals on the autism spectrum, and with other sensory sensitivities, and learn how your family or organization can participate. Coming up this summer: Miss Paula and the Candy Bandits and Kris Johnson Group with Mr. E.
Our culture can be unforgiving if you're unable to conform to the traditional concert etiquette of quietly sitting still for extended periods. This can exclude individuals with autism, busy bodies, anxiety, Post-traumatic stress disorder, or those who may express emotions such as joy or excitement through vocalization. Relaxed events remove barriers to allow attendees to be themselves and enjoy a musical experience in a safe, judgement-free environment.
For many, preparing to attend a public event is just as important as how the event itself is set up. To help alleviate stressors caused by the unknown, the DSO's Community and Learning team offer comprehensive resources to attendees. Maps and social narratives use both words and images to illustrate what the entire experience will be like from arrival and parking through building layout, and include introductions to the staff members who will be onsite as well as their functions. A special program details instruments that will be played and pinpoints abrupt or potentially startling sounds, and a Spotify playlist is offered for attendees to explore these sounds at home before they attend.
Elements of the event itself include:
- Limited audience size to decrease crowds and lines
- Noise-cancelling headphones and fidget toys for borrowing
- A quiet room to take a break with low lighting, soft seating, weighted lap pads, exercise ball, quiet activities, and room to spread out
- Freedom to enter and exit the concert space at will and change seats when needed
- Trained staff members to assist attendees (training provided by the Mid-Michigan Autism Association)
“ It meant the world to my daughter that she was thought about with care and everything that she needed was there so she could enjoy the performance. It helped her feel like she belonged there and that there was a place for her. ”
What will you experience at relaxed events? Sometimes it's an open rehearsal to watch the full orchestra play an entire program in Orchestra Hall, or it could be a program featuring local musicians performing rock or R&B in The Cube, or outdoor in the DSO's Sosnick Courtyard green space.
Many events include pre-concert activities: get up close to the music by experimenting with a violin or trumpet, hearing what sounds you can make on the strings, or seeing how your breath brings a brass instrument to life. Get busy with your hands at an art station, or write an orchestra member a letter and place it in our big blue mailbox. Dance with colorful scarves or meet new friends from organizations onsite offering additional support resources.
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You are welcome: at any and all DSO events. To learn more about accessibility options for events that aren't labeled sensory-friendly, from guide dogs to patron shuttles, check out our DSO experience FAQ here.
Introduce yourself: if you have questions about relaxed events or accessibility at the DSO, reach out to Kiersten Alcorn, Manager of Community Engagement at: kalcorn@dso.org
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