disability awareness Archives

May 8, 2020June 10, 2020

Has Your School Ever…….

Has your school or workplace ever had a Disability Awareness Day? Gosh, I hope so. They can be very informative and fun. In the event that you would like to initiate one, I have several Disability Awareness FREE Resources right below this article. You can instantly print all the tools you need and make it happen!

During my Special Needs Teacher tenure back in Galveston, Texas, I put on the first-ever Disability Awareness Day at my school. Surprisingly, it was 2012 and no one in the school district had ever done that before. Under those circumstances, I knew it was time for a change. The event was a huge success and paved the way for more inclusion opportunities.

It’s important to realize that through no fault of their own many people are uneducated when it comes to disabilities. For this reason, it is vital to spread awareness about what it means to live Autism, Blindness, Down Syndrome, or any other cognitive/physical impairments.

I can’t emphasize enough that having a Disability Awareness Day/Week/Month is some of the most life-changing work you’ll ever do for others. Even if you go to a Special Needs School, having an Awareness for what your friends go through each day will help make for a more compassionate learning environment. The more we know the more we can help and understand one another.

Honestly, you can make it last a whole month. Show specific movies each week. Make announcements on the loudspeaker about famous people with disabilities each day. You name it. It’s all good. Just do it.

Since the Disability Awareness resources are FREE and downloadable you can get the ball rolling in no time. As a side note- Generally, Disability Awareness Month is in April but you can celebrate it whenever you think it works best. That part doesn’t matter one bit. Change starts with YOU and a quick click. PS. We Love You, Indiana!

https://www.indianadisabilityawareness.org/downloads/

https://www.dvusd.org/cms/lib/AZ01901092/Centricity/Domain/1318/Disability%20Awareness%20Packet%202.pdf

https://www.spreadtheword.global/resources

Once you’re done there, you might want to dance with new friends. Friends that are similar to you or take a private class with an instructor who lets you go at your own pace. For this reason, Behold…ZCO. https://thedisabilityallynyc.com/adaptive-dance-category-programs-classes-dance-zco-dance-project-financial-district/

May 3, 2020June 11, 2020

SND’s Everyone Dance Program-Harlem

I like to Move It. Move It. I like to Move it. Move it. Listen I know how it is. When you get older you just want to relax. The thing is that’s not good for your body. You need to keep it moving. Why not have some fun while you’re doing it in an Adult Adaptive Dance Class? Consequently, We have one nearby in Harlem with your name on it.

The Everyone (last time I checked, everyone means YOU) Dance Program is the Adult Adaptive Dance Class you Want with the movement you Need!

Everyone Dance has been made possible through a collaboration with AHRC NYC and the Stephanie Nelson Dance (SND) Studio. Both programs saw a gap that needed to be filled. Disability Dance classes for Adults are usually few and far between. In general, a dance company’s special needs program only focuses on children. Now the tables are turned. Everyone Dance only allows Adult Dancers 18+ with various disabilities to participate. During this 10-month program creative expression flows and ends with a performance in a glamorous Arts Center in Manhattan. As is only right! How Spectacular!

The Adaptive Dance for Adults Everyone Dance program also welcomes individuals in wheelchairs. Move to the beat down below and find out all the specifics. Subscribe to their newsletter to be the first to know when to sign up.

https://www.sndancegroup.org/community-projects

Home

Hey! Have you checked out the Other Helpful Resources I personally love ? Have a Look. https://thedisabilityallynyc.com/category/reviews-from-special-needs-nyc-community-etc/other-helpful-special-needs-nyc-resources/

May 2, 2020June 11, 2020

Crip Camp Movie Released!

Crip Camp is the ADA movie doc everyone is talking about!

During the Pandemic in the process of creating this website, I came across a headline that caught my eye. Netflix was releasing a new movie on a subject most Hollywood Studios would steer clear of. Being no stranger to the subject of disabilities and human rights, I knew I had to see the movie!

Through my good fortune, I had the pleasure of watching Crip Camp( rated R) with 120 members of the disability community at CUNY and other NY colleges. Judy Heumann, the main star and iconic disability advocate that the story is about was also in attendance. I know, right! How lucky was I?

In general, this documentary movie is a moving history of how 504 and the ADA ( American Disabilities Act) was passed in 1990. Although the story itself is a serious one there are a few funny parts where some of the characters’ endearing sides are revealed. The timeless tale of teen angst back in the 1970s still rings true today and many teens will find the movie relatable in that regard.

Immediately after the premiere, we were are able to have a Q and A with Judy Heumann herself. This was beyond amazing. It is important to note that 2020 marks the 30 year anniversary of the passing of ADA. We are forever grateful to Judy Heumann for her passion and diligence. We also appreciate Netflix for taking on this incredible story. Without you, this ADA movie doc wouldn’t have made it to the mainstream media. Thank you for supporting the stories that need to be told.

Change starts with just one person and after watching the powerful documentary you will think to yourself why can’t that one person be me?

https://cripcamp.com/

https://www.netflix.com/title/81001496

Have you ever gone scuba diving? I need to point out that we actually have a place in Manhattan that you can learn how. Check it out. https://thedisabilityallynyc.com/adaptive-scuba-diving-lessons-category-programs-classes-sports-and-exercise-stay-focused-scuba-diving-midtown/

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/

Hey, have you ever been to Buffalo Wild Wings in Times Square? I have and let me tell you it is nothing short of spectacular! Oh Geez. Now I’m hungry! Read about it here. https://thedisabilityallynyc.com/birthday-in-times-square-category-birthday-parties-restaurants-buffalo-wild-wings-times-square-theater-district/

April 24, 2020June 4, 2020

Reel Abilities Film Festival-Upper West Side

A Disability Film Festival had never been done before until The Reel Abilities Festival came along in 2007. In the spirit of diversity and inclusion Reel Abilities’ goal has always been to bring attention to the lives of people with disabilities. By showing these fascinating films it is the hope that more people became aware of both of the struggles and successes of individuals who have various impairments. Entries to the festival can be either made by or have someone with a disability as a subject matter.

With this intention of acceptance, it comes as no surprise that a Disability Film Festival with such substance would take place at The Marlene Mayerson Jewish Community Center. Also known as the JCC-Manhattan, this location has served as a perfect backdrop for such a dynamic event every year.

Given that the event has grown immensely over the years, the festival has now expanded to an international program. In fact, Reel Abilities is the largest festival of it’s kind anywhere in the world. Certainly, you don’t miss this week-long event! So Sign Up on the email list. As soon as you do that you’ll be the first to know all the upcoming details. Heck, maybe you want to submit a film?

Ready and Action- Take One with a click down below.

https://jccmanhattan.org/film-email-signup

Want to submit a film? https://reelabilities.org/newyork/minisite_page/home/

Just out of curiosity have you thought about taking an acting class?https://thedisabilityallynyc.com/inclusive-acting-category-programs-classes-arts-and-culture-roaring-epiphany-production-company/

April 17, 2020May 9, 2020

Movies

These are a few of the movies that I have seen that really have had an impact on me. Each offers an inside look as to what it is like to be a person with a disability. My wish is to spread the word on these films so others will be more educated on this population.

This first movie I showed to the entire school body at a jr.high in Galveston, Texas. The movie was part of the school district’s first-ever Disability Awareness Day. More about that in another section of the site. First, let me tell you a little about Mary Temple Grandin. She has autism and is one of the first people that shared her personal journey with the neurodevelopmental disorder. She currently is a professor of animal science at Colorado State University and an Autism spokesperson. If you would like to learn more about her and see the movie you can do so below.

http://templegrandin.com/

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1278469/

In 2017 I decided to check out the Tribeca Film Festival for the first time. I bought a day pass in a rush and really didn’t read the details on the movies included. I found out about midway through the day that I was right where I was supposed to be. The movie shown was Keep the Change. The best way to describe it is as a touching authentic love story about two people on the Autism Spectrum. To my knowledge, this has never been done before on screen. To make things even better there was a Q and A with the director, Rachel Isreal following the showing. The entire cast were all sitting in the front row and couldn’t have been glowing more. As they took to the stage for questions it was obvious that this was their moment and they were rightfully taking it. You see Isreal had chosen and modeled the characters after real people with intellectual disabilities living here in New York City. She had them involved in every step of the process and I have a huge amount of admiration for Isreal bringing this type of romantic comedy to our attention. I have not stopped talking about the film since and I don’t think you will be able to either. ) If you still need more convincing read the article below and then click the link for where to watch. (Please note that the film is NR but if I were to rate it I would say it’s PG-13)

https://www.theguardian.com/film/2018/mar/16/keep-the-change-actors-with-autism-get-the-chance-to-shine-in-romcom

https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/keep_the_change_2018

Now for the big hit of 2019. The Peanut Butter Falcon. The adventure begins when Zak, a 24-year-old with Down syndrome decides he is escaping the facility he has been assigned to live in by the state. Debut directors Tyler Nilson and Michael Schwartz were curious for feedback from the Down syndrome community so they collaborated with Gigi’s Playhouse Center to get together an invite list for the first screening here in NYC. The audience laughed, cried, and cheered with exaltation throughout this heartwarming film. The Peanut Butter Falcon went on to show in select theaters across the country. You can now watch it at home and celebrate the advocacy these types of movies bring to the national forefront. Click below to learn more about this feel-good movie for the whole family.

https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/the_peanut_butter_falcon