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Overwhelmed by fireworks? This P.E.I. non-profit is handing out headphones for Canada Day

Noise-cancelling headphones will be handed out in Victoria Park on a first-come, first-served basis on July 1 to help sensory-sensitive people experience the fireworks in a quieter way. 

Autism society providing noise-cancelling headphones for July 1 celebrations in Charlottetown

Sabrina Welli · CBC News ·
The East London Optimist Club's Canada Day celebrations are postponed until next year due to new regulations from the TVDSB that prohibit discharging fireworks on their property. The club has been hosting Canada Day celebrations at Argyle Arena for 17 years.
The bright lights and loud noises of Canada Day fireworks can be overwhelming for many people who are sensory-sensitive. (CBC)

The Autism Society of P.E.I. will be lending out noise-cancelling headphones in Victoria Park on Canada Day to help sensory-sensitive folks enjoy the fireworks in a quieter way. 

Natalie Walsh-Annand, executive director of the society, said the goal is to make the July 1 celebrations more inclusive for people who can get overstimulated by loud noises.

"Many individuals who are autistic can be overwhelmed or … overheightened to their sensory needs," Walsh-Annand said. 

Bright lights and parade sirens can overpower people's senses, while some can perceive noise differently, she said. 

"Just because we don't hear it as loud doesn't mean that someone else doesn't, right?"

Volunteers with the autism society will begin distributing the headphones at 9 p.m. Monday on a first-come, first-served basis. 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Sabrina Welli

Sabrina Welli is an associate producer for CBC Prince Edward Island. She is a graduate of the Holland College journalism and communications program.

    With files from Island Morning

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