Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

B&B Theatres is a family owned and operated theater company committed to family, fun, innovation, joy and integrity. The organization recently launched a nationwide initiative, including Port Arthur, to make movie going a fun event for every single person.

The initiative, first launched in the Kansas City area, starts with staff training and an emphasis on inclusion. Knowledge will empower B&B team members to compassionately engage and thoughtfully interact.

Variety The Children’s Charity and B&B partnered to produce and place Sensory Backpacks full of useful, sensory aids that can be checked out at the box office for free while at the movies.

The backpacks include weighted lap-pads, noise canceling headsets, fidget cubes and dark glasses, among other items.

Each backpack will be cleaned and sanitized upon return and prior to being returned to circulation.

“One out of every four families has a member with some sort of disability,” said Deborah Wiebrecht, executive director of Variety KC. “What B&B Theatres is doing is serving the entire population, when the family chooses to go to the movies — not when a special night is made available. That is truly inclusion.”

Paul Farnsworth, director of public relations for B&B Theatres, said the company’s Sensory Showtimes opened their eyes to the families and individuals that have difficulty enjoying films in traditional theatrical settings.

“These backpacks will help to empower and enable those guests to feel more welcome and better accommodated in our facilities, and we’re beyond thrilled to be able to promote this initiative and our commitment to creating an environment that is comfortable for all,” Farnsworth said.