Pixar-Disney Star Supports Siblings of Neurodivergent Kids at Richmond Event

Piper Curda, the voice of Mabel the beaver in the new Disney-Pixar film "Hoppers", will attend a special screening and carnival to support siblings of those on the autism spectrum.

Mar. 21, 2026 at 4:14am

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Siblings of people on the autism spectrum will be the focus of a movie and carnival event in Richmond, Virginia on Sunday. Piper Curda, the star of the Disney-Pixar animated film "Hoppers", will attend the event to support these siblings. The event will feature a screening of "Hoppers", including a sensory-friendly showing, as well as a carnival-style celebration afterwards at the Pacific Autism Family Network Centre.

Why it matters

The event aims to provide support and a sense of community for siblings of neurodivergent individuals, who can sometimes be overlooked despite playing a pivotal role in their sibling's life. Organizers hope the event will give these siblings a chance to feel special and recognized for their important contributions.

The details

The event on Sunday will feature two screenings of "Hoppers", the latest Disney-Pixar animated film starring Piper Curda as the voice of Mabel the beaver. One showing will be sensory-friendly with lower sound and higher lighting. After the movie, there will be a carnival-style celebration at the Pacific Autism Family Network Centre, with games, activities, and a chance for siblings to connect with each other and the community.

  • The event is taking place on Sunday, March 21, 2026.
  • There will be two screenings of "Hoppers" - one sensory-friendly and one regular showing.

The players

Piper Curda

The star of the Disney-Pixar animated film "Hoppers", in which she voices the character of Mabel the beaver. Curda is attending the event to support the siblings of neurodivergent individuals.

Connie Cocchia

A filmmaker and the founder of Growing Together, the organization putting on the event for the sixth time. Cocchia's brother was diagnosed with autism 30 years ago, inspiring her work to support siblings of neurodivergent individuals.

Pacific Autism Family Network Centre

The location where the carnival-style celebration will take place after the movie screenings.

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What they’re saying

“That to me is really impactful and wonderful and enough.”

— Piper Curda

“Sometimes, the siblings can be overlooked and they really are in a pivotal role in a neurodivergent individual's life.”

— Connie Cocchia, Filmmaker and founder of Growing Together

What’s next

There are still some seats available for the event, and interested parties can register by clicking the link provided in the article.

The takeaway

This event highlights the important, yet often overlooked, role that siblings play in supporting neurodivergent individuals. By providing a space for these siblings to connect, feel supported, and enjoy a fun, inclusive experience, the organizers are helping to build a stronger community of care and understanding.