Programs/Classes Archives

May 1, 2020June 12, 2020

Marlene Meyerson-JCC Manhattan-Upper West Side

Did you know that there is an outstanding Special Needs Program at the JCC on the Upper West Side? In fact, it’s called the Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan. Now I have to pause a moment and tell you about Marlene Meyerson. They named the building after her because she was one of the building’s primary donors for over 20 years. But here’s my favorite part. She’s originally from Galveston, Texas, my hometown. Galveston is not very big especially compared to NYC. So I was extremely excited to find that out one day when I was reading about Marlene.

Anyway back to the Special Needs Program at JCC. The center prides itself on inclusivity and accessibility. And for this reason, there is a vast amount of programming provided throughout the year.

Furthermore, this JCC is home to the Penguins, a Special Olympics Swim team that trains teens and young adults at the center twice a week. Aquatic skills and self-discipline go hand in hand when you are swimming to compete. Coaches continually provide support and encouragement

More examples of social programs for Special Needs Teens and Tweens include Community Cooks, Girls Night Out, and Transitions Lounge. Individuals who are not Jewish or are in a wheelchair are also welcome into this diverse environment of acceptance. Join the Marlene Meyerson JCC community with a click below.

https://jccmanhattan.org/children-families/tweens-teens/special-needs-programs

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April 30, 2020June 12, 2020

Kaiser’s Room-Midtown

Kaiser’s room is an All-Inclusive Setting for children and adults with varying abilities to participate in performing arts. In particular, KR Dance and Acting classes are Adapted to fit the Special Needs of ANY participant. Thus, this also includes individuals who are wheel-chair bound. A private One on One lesson is also available.

So let me make sure I’m getting this straight. According to what we just read, ALL Ages and Abilities are Welcome? Yes, that’s right, my friend! It’s no wonder they say that Kaiser’s cultivates a Yes environment!

Coupled with the fact that KR boasts a safe place to allow your imagination to run wild, KR has my heart. Not to mention these Inclusive Performing arts (acting/dancing/singing) Programs are interactive and engaging. Most importantly everyone has FUN! Simply put I don’t see how you can go wrong. Kaiser’s Room is relentless in its pursuit of making everyone feel included. This means YOU. Artistic expression can be yours with a click down below.

https://www.kaisersroom.org/mission-history

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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 27, 2020June 3, 2020

Stay Focused-Scuba Diving-Midtown

adaptive scuba diving lessons stay focused.org

Adaptive Scuba Diving Lessons can be some of the most rewarding classes you ever take in your life. Swimming with the fish underwater can educate you in ways you never thought possible. Being able to see first hand what life is like down below can be a very exhilarating encounter, to say the least.

Since 2003 the Stay Focused Organization located in Midtown has been teaching people like yourself how to scuba dive. Because of their expertise in the field, the Stay Focused Org. in an exceptional place to learn. They will patiently teach you the skills you need to take the plunge underwater. Through the program, you can earn scuba certification as a teen or young adult with disabilities.

As a result, Stay Focused adaptive scuba diving lessons act as a tool for gaining confidence, leadership, and independence. Once you complete the program, you have the option to accompany quality trained instructors on a trip to the Cayman Islands.

Chiefly, classes are generally best suited for ages 13-21 with more details on the candidate assessment page.

So not only can you learn a new skill but also develop life long friendships with just a click below. Oh by the way, if you see Ariel, the little mermaid, tell her I said hello!

https://stay-focused.org/the-organization/

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