SAN DIEGO–The Fleet Science Center will host a sensory friendly showing of “Superpower Dogs” for families with children on the autism spectrum or other special needs.
Families who arrive before the 10 a.m., April 20 showing of “Superpower Dogs” will get free admission to the museum, and the opportunity to visit with Surf Dog Ricochet, one of the dogs in the film.
The center’s Autism Accessibility Mornings also includes early access to the Fleet’s exhibit galleries in a quieter setting at 9 a.m. an hour before the museum opens to the general public.
The sensory friendly showing provides a safe, accepting environment with a “no sush” zone where it’s okay to get up, talk, sing, or dance. The house lights stay on, and the soundtrack volume is lowered. Visitors are welcome to stay and enjoy the museum all day. A special cool-off space is also available.
“Superpower Dogs” is an inspiring true story of extraordinary dogs and their life-saving superpowers. Ricochet’s sequence in the film focuses on her ability to enrich the well-being of individuals through the healing power of the ocean, and the healing power of a dog.
Ricochet is celebrating over a decade as the first-ever dog to provide canine-assisted surf therapy to children with special needs, people with disabilities, wounded warriors and veterans with PTSD.
The other four dogs in the film include Henry, an avalanche rescue dog, Reef, a water rescue dog, Halo, a search and rescue dog and Tipper/Tony who sniff out poachers in South Africa. All these dogs rescue individuals in physical trauma. Ricochet, on the other paw, rescues people from emotional trauma, such as anxiety and PTSD.
Although surfing has been at the forefront of Ricochet’s work, it’s not just the act of surfing that makes her interactions so life changing. It’s her powerful ability to make immediate soul-to-soul connections with the individuals she interacts with.
Ricochet’s emotional healing is told through the experiences of her co-stars, Staff Sergeant Persons B. Griffith IV Ret (Griff), a Marine combat veteran with PTSD, and Jodi Powell, the mother of seven year old Logan who has sensory processing disorder.
The Fleet Science Center strives to be an inclusive place where people of all needs and abilities are welcome and accommodated with respect every day. They believe science is for everyone. “We are very grateful for their generous donation of tickets for this event”, says Judy Fridono, Ricochet’s guardian.
The Fleet Science Center also offers Autism Accessibility Mornings the third Saturday of every month.
