Arts and Culture Archives

April 30, 2020June 15, 2020

Sprout-Chelsea

Sprout has some Weekend and Evening Special Needs Programs that will blow your socks off! Have you heard of them yet? No? That’s a shame because they have been around since 1979. That’s before you were even born. Life was so boring back then. I’m glad YOU arrived to BRIGHTEN OUR WORLD. Please thank your Momma for me.

Now back to Sprout, the amazing non-profit organization that aims to make the invisible visible. I’m so loving them already. Notably, their Travel and Film programs have presented mind-blowing opportunities for the Special Needs Community to grow and flourish. The Sprout team puts also puts on an annual Sproutstock, weekend-long music, and arts festival. This provides yet another way people of all abilities can let loose and have incredible fun! Weekend and Evening Special Needs Programs never had it so good! I almost forgot I need to point out one catch to participation. YOU must be 16 plus to join the group. Sorry, youg’uns your time will come. Add a little water and sunshine with just a click down below.

https://gosprout.org/

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April 28, 2020June 13, 2020

The Guggenheim Museum-Upper East Side

Autism Programs in Museums are becoming more Popular! We couldn’t be happier. Can I get a High Five? The Guggenheim Museum presents” Guggenheim for ALL” Children on the Autism Spectrum along with their families get to explore artworks and then do an art project together. Likewise, there is a downloadable social narrative guide consisting of photographs with descriptions. In effect, this can really help us and our friends with other disabilities prepare for a visit to the museum. As a result of looking at the guide, you will feel as cool as cucumber. I bet you’ll be walking around like you own place. Heck, someone may even think you work there and ask you for directions. Wouldn’t that be funny? I won’t tell them if you don’t.

Furthermore, the Guggenheim has many accessibility features securable with contact with the museum before your visit. An ASL(American sign language) interpreter can accompany a tour of exhibitions with prior notice of two weeks. ASL video guides/ closed captioning can be used to tour independently.

In addition, Monthly Mind’s Eye tours and workshops are provided for blind/low vision visitors. As a matter of fact, arts and education professionals assist in giving a complete sensory experience tour of the Guggenheim. Not only that, but Mind’s Eye tours are FREE. RSVP required one week before the program date. Patrons who aren’t interested in a tour can opt for Verbal Description Audio.

Lastly, the museum is accessible to individuals in wheelchairs on all levels except the high gallery. Whenever you look at Autism Programs in Museums around NYC be sure to put the Guggenheim Museum on the list. Moreover, they embrace class trips for students with Special Needs. Sign me up. I’m in. Oh, wait. I don’t go to your school! Maybe next time? Have Fun!

https://www.guggenheim.org/accessibility

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April 28, 2020December 7, 2024

The Museum of Modern Art (MOMA)-Midtown West

Did you know that MOMA has an Arts Program for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities? I love the name, it’s called Create Ability. The program is housed at The Museum of Modern Art in Midtown. MOMA has established this program for the purpose of allowing individuals with learning or developmental disabilities to explore the art world. In particular, you’ll get to have hands-on experiences with different art projects and talk about various art pieces. In order to keep the program fresh and new themes will be diverse. Despite not knowing a lot about Modern Art there is no need to worry. The workshops are tailored to the Disability Community and usually held monthly on the weekends. As a result, participation has given a place for children, teens and adults with IDD to flourish and connect. They divide the classes up by age too which is even better. I really like the sound of this so far! It’s nice that they change it up each month. Don’t you think?

Please note Advance Registration Required; however, Classes are FREE. Did you get that? Advance Registration-so make sure you call ahead and reserve your spot. You can’t just show up as there might not be space. Call or Email instead.. (212) 408-6447 or email accessprograms@moma.org.

Moreover, individuals in wheelchairs will be pleased to hear that the museum is very accessible. In the event that you want to learn more about access to this Disability Arts program follow the additional link below. Lastly, museum admission is discounted for those with disabilities. Create and Discover straightaway with just a click down below.

https://www.moma.org/visit/accessibility/#individuals-with-intellectual-or-developmental-disabilities

https://www.moma.org/visit/accessibility/

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April 28, 2020June 13, 2020

Children’s Museum of the Arts-Hudson square

There is nothing more exhilarating than taking part in the NYC Adaptive Art Museum Program circuit. For one thing, you can let your imagination run wild without any judgments. Also, museums always have the best paints, markers, tools, and instructors. Furthermore, every creative professional had to start somewhere. And I have a feeling that some may have taken a class at CMA. (Children’s Museum of the Arts). Who knows maybe one day your work will be on exhibit and you’ll reminisce about your first project?

While you are thinking about your exhibit let me tell you a little more about this innovative museum. CMA has a mission to make Art accessible to ALL children and their families. For this reason, the program offers FREE adaptive art museum workshops to nurture your inner Picasso. Consequently, these inclusive weekend classes enable your family to join in on the fun. Children of all ages and abilities are welcomed with open arms-(most likely one is holding a paintbrush). The access programs even include a private one on one camp if that’s what you need. Classes are also universally accessible to individuals in wheelchairs. In addition, free admission is provided to any accompanying caregivers. Create. Design and Click just down below.

https://cmany.org/schools-and-community/access-programs/accessible-art-programs/

https://cmany.org/visit/#accessibility

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April 24, 2020June 4, 2020

Roaring Epiphany Production Company-Midtown

Inclusive Acting Roaring Epiphany Production Company

Inclusive Acting and Audition opportunities are somewhat lacking in New York City. Honestly, let me be real. They are lacking everywhere. However, NYC is a great place to start breaking through theater barriers.

Through our good fortune, RJ VerChuad decided to take the bull by the horns to try and fill some of the gaps. Back in 2015, he founded The Roaring Epiphany Production Company, (REPC). For the sole purpose of bringing inclusion acting to the forefront, REPC began casting ADULTS with disabilities in theatrical roles.

At the present time, productions of new and old works are performed at The Playroom Theater. REPC members get the chance to work alongside Broadway and off-Broadway actors. Generally, Adults 18+ with disabilities can audition to take the stage as actors, singers, dancers, and poets just to name a few options. Individuals in wheelchairs can easily apply and audition because the Playroom Theater is accessible for ALL.

Due to Roaring Epiphany’s diligence, Inclusive Acting is here to stay in New York City. We certainly hope that other cities take notice and start their own organizations to promote actors of ALL abilities. Your Opening Night awaits. Click Below.

https://www.roaringepiphany.com/about

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April 24, 2020June 4, 2020

CO-LAB Theater Group-Chelsea

Have you ever been lucky enough to take an adaptive drama class? If you haven’t, now might be the time. In my experience, acting a part can be quite exhilarating. There is just something about being on stage that gives me such a thrill. Also, you usually form a special bond with the other people in the play or performance. Everyone is working together to create the best show possible and that makes it really incredible.

We are fortunate to have the CO/LAB Theater Group for this very purpose. CO/LAB stands for- Creative Opportunities without Limits and Boundaries. Sounds right up our alley, right?

Since 2011, this creative and social group has been teaching adaptive drama classes in Chelsea, Manhattan. Every individual gets a chance to shine by performing on stage/class in a non-judgment zone of acceptance and understanding. As a result, the environment cultivates friendships, confidence, and teamwork by working together as an ensemble. Participation is FREE. Yes, FREE. In addition, family and friends are invited to come and see the finished show performance at the end of the semester. Generally, Ages 9+ are welcome to register for this amazing adaptive drama class. Act now-it’s fun to pretend to be someone else every now and then – click down below.

https://www.colabtheatergroup.com/missionhistory

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April 22, 2020June 6, 2020

High 5 to the Arts! Midtown and around town

A Teen Social Theater Program called High 5 to the Arts was the brainchild of the Arts Connection. Their mission is simple. Bring liberal arts right to the teens of NYC for BEYOND a reasonable price. Music, Theater, Movies, Dance, and even some Museum Galleries are all available for you to purchase a ticket online for a mere $5 or $10. Say what? Tickets to Theater alone are ordinarily around 59 Bucks. What a Steal!

Now here’s the catch you need to be a middle or high schooler. If you have some sort of ID to prove that, then viola you are in. The beauty is that for every ticket a student purchases an adult is welcome to purchase an additional ticket to go with them at the same price.

By and large, High 5 to the Arts is the coolest Teen Social Theater program out there. When you’re ready, get your gang together. Then sign up and take advantage of all their amazing events. Be sure to check out their FAQ section to review the fine points. Click below to join in on the FUN!

https://teens.artsconnection.org/high5/

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April 18, 2020June 8, 2020

KOL Program at 14th St. Y – East Village

weekend recreation program creative arts classes nyc

A Weekend Recreation Program might be a splendid idea if you’re too busy during the week to have some FUN! As a matter of fact, I think YOU deserve to get your giggle on after a week of school.

Lucky for us, The 14th Street Y has developed the KOL program specifically with you in mind. Whenever the weekend rolls around KOL cranks it up with lively classes on Saturdays or Sundays for Ages 4-17. Together with some other amazing Organizations, Creative Classes are offered such as So Magic, Music makers, Arts RX, and Yummy Cooking. Pair that with the Sports classes that are also accessible, you may never want to leave the Y for school on Monday!

Just kidding, we both know you can’t ditch school. There is nowhere to sleep. Your parents and teachers would be missing you. What would your friends say? How about this idea? During the week, school and homework. Weekends, It’s ON!

Oh, Before You Go, I want to mention that classes are geared towards some specific disability types and levels according to the 14thstreetY’s website. However, don’t stress! First, just fill out the intake form and go from there. Here’s one of the best parts. FREE Trial classes are offered to help you or your child(in case Mom is reading) decide if KOL ‘ s Weekend Recreation Program is the right fit.

https://www.14streety.org/youth-programs/special-needs/

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April 17, 2020June 1, 2020

The Metropolitan Museum of Art-Upper East Side

"Make the Met Yours"-The Metropolitan Museum of Art

“Make the Met Yours” is a quote from This World Renown Art Museum

When is the last time you have visited The Metropolitan Museum Art? Quite frankly I don’t go as much as I should either. We both need to go more often. With exhibitions changing frequently, there is no excuse to not make it a regular habit. Equally important The Met has the philosophy of “Make the Met Yours”. To explain further that means that they are dedicated to making the museum ACCESSIBLE to all. As a matter of fact, that is probably one of the many reasons it has been around over 150 Years!

The MET has an entire department that is able to assist you in planning your visit. You can call the ACCESS Program at 212-650-2010 and talk with someone directly about any services or classes you might be interested in. Furthermore, they welcome any feedback or ideas you want to give them on ways they can improve. The Met must be after my heart because I find this to be truly exceptional customer service.

When you decide to go be sure to check out their autism resources page with wonderful social narratives you can review before your visit. Don’t have a printer? Certainly, the museum can a have copy waiting for you when you attend. In this case, be sure you call 212-651-2010 and set everything up beforehand. With a little notice, you can as they say “Make the Met Yours”. Ongoing programs/group tours are available throughout the year. Explore all the possibilities here. Not to mention this is all FREE?! Yeah, that’s right! FREE!

https://www.metmuseum.org/events/programs/access

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