You have to admire a program operated by the new theater company in the area that makes it easier for people with special needs to go to the movies.

The company, the Thomas Theatre Group, operates a state-of-the-art facility at 1525 Commerce Drive, in Marquette Township. Area movie goers we talk to rave about the visual and audio experience the new multi-plex offers.

But what about people who have special needs?

Thomas has a program they call Special Showings for Special People, a sensory friendly environment for people with special needs.

For example, these showings feature open captioning, lower sound and the lights turned up to encourage families with children who need accommodations to share the experience at the theater. That’s what happened last Saturday, at the Thomas Theatre here, and the facilities in Escanaba and Quinnesec.

“We understand that sometimes it is difficult for families with special needs to attend movies together,” Thomas D. Andes, president of Thomas Theatre Group, said in a written statement distributed to media. “We want everyone to have an opportunity to see movies on the big screen and feel comfortable in the environment.”

We congratulate Thomas Theatre Group on making available this interesting and worthwhile program.