special needs Archives

May 5, 2020June 11, 2020

American Museum of Natural History-Upper East Side

Access at AMNH is exceptional for those with Disabilities. For one thing, they created the Discovery Squad Group. As long as you have a Reservation in advance, you can go on a Pre-Opening 40-minute tour. The tour is specifically for individuals on the Autism Spectrum and their accompanying family, friends, or caregivers. It must be remembered that Walk-ins are NOT allowed. Please call to schedule and the tour ahead of time. As a result, the tour will be free as well as your admission into the museum afterward. If this idea sounds like fun but you have a different disability it might be worth a shot to ask if you can participate in the squad.

* My hunch says they will go for it but I’m NOT making any promises. I’m sure staff availability is a big factor.

So I told you about the Discovery Squad, now you need to hear about the Discovery Room. This area of the museum an absolute must during your visit. Lots of Hands-on Science objects are waiting for you. As long as there is an adult present with you to monitor your experience, you’re good to go. Sounds like a dream to finally walk into a store without hearing “don’t touch that”-“hands behind your back”, doesn’t it?

Additionally, the entire museum is accessible to those in wheelchairs, even the food/dining areas. The theater has assigned seats designated for a person in a wheelchair along with a companion seat. Service animals can come along on your fun trip to the museum! You’ll just need to answer a few questions about them upon entry. A whole host of other accommodations is available for those who need audio, braille, large print, etc. With a phone call ahead Access at AMNH is easy breezy! Here is the contact info. accessibility@amnh.org or 212-769-5250

Unearth some treasures with a click down below.

https://www.amnh.org/plan-your-visit/accessibility

Hey, Have You Subscribed to our Newsletter Yet? https://thedisabilityallynyc.com/newsletter/

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

Hey! Have you ever wanted to find out a little more about who finds all this cool stuff for you? On the off chance, you do. https://thedisabilityallynyc.com/http-specialneedsnyc-net-aboutme/

April 27, 2020June 3, 2020

ZCO/Dance Project- Financial District

Adaptive Dance is something ZCO ( Zazel-Chavah O’Garra) has been passionate about for years. In light of suffering a debilitating circumstance in 2003, O’Garra was paralyzed on one side. During that time she learned adaptive dance as a way to help her cope mentally and heal her own body. After experiencing the benefits of dance first-hand in her rehabilitation she knew she must create an All-Inclusive Dance Company.

It was then that the ZCO/Dance Project was born. With her own story in mind, ZCO has made it her mission to serve those with physical and cognitive impairments. Adaptive Dance gives those individuals another way to express themselves through motion and therapeutic movement. Although some students may be wheel-chair bound, there is no stopping them from joining the class. ZCO dance primarily does Contemporary Performance routines. These routines are adjusted with supports so that all participants are engaged.

As a result, dancers at the Project gain self-confidence, independence, and a sense of accomplishment by the end of the semester. Ages 5-18. One on one or group sessions available. Time to step ball change with a click down below.

https://www.zcodanceproject.com/classes-and-workshops.html

Have you seen tuned into these TV programs yet? They all have characters that have disabilities. Check them out here. https://thedisabilityallynyc.com/category/entertainment/tv/

April 27, 2020

Broadway Sings For Autism

Join QSAC-(Quality Services Autism Center) today and watch Five exceptional Broadway Performers sing for Autism. Although normally performed in front of a live studio audience they decided to not let Covid-19 stand in way of raising money for this important cause. The one day only event is filmed at the Green Room 42 in Manhattan and can be watched on youtube. All proceeds will benefit the Autism Community at QSAC. Thank you, Broadway and QSAC we appreciate you both!

Sing your heart out down below.

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 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

Do you have a friend that is in a wheelchair? Check out this cool blog that has a list of happening places that are accessible. https://thedisabilityallynyc.com/category/reviews-from-special-needs-nyc-community-etc/travel/

April 23, 2020April 23, 2020

Gala to Celebrate Achievements in the NYC Down Syndrome Community

Gigi’s Playhouse NYC has announced the date for its annual gala to be held on the Rooftop of Hotel Edison. The date is October 1, 2020 6pm-10pm. Now in its 8th year, this extravaganza is an event that is looked forward to all year long. Everyone is welcome to attend this night full of festivities. Get your tickets now and have a glamorous night out to look forward to this Fall. The Future is Bright! Click Below.

https://gigisplayhouse.org/newyork/gala/

April 23, 2020June 5, 2020

Symphony Space-Upper West Side

A Theater Birthday Party is the ideal concept for your next celebration! In order to make it happen just head on over to The Symphony Space Theater on the Upper West Side. Once you’ve figured out your guest list and date they will take care of the rest.

Being that Symphony has a Family Series called Just Kidding, everyone feels included. Moreover, The shows are engaging, interactive, and playful. An impressive list of a variety of acts takes the stage from Fall through the Spring. Music, Dancing, and lots of Excitement make for a Family Fun day or night out for ALL. Also, there is a break area for families if kids become too overwhelmed. Therapy dogs are allowed and you are welcome to come and check out the venue days before the show so everyone is prepared for the merriment that lies ahead.

Symphony Space makes Theater Birthday Parties a breeze by offering complete packages. In detail, the package contains show tickets followed by some pizza or chicken tenders and a customized cake. A Birthday Shout Out during the performance included. Of course, your friends or family in wheelchairs can attend. The space is fully accessible. Give a round of applause with just a click down below.

https://www.symphonyspace.org/your-visit

Hey, have you signed up for our Newsletter yet? Stay in the loop with a click. https://thedisabilityallynyc.com/newsletter/

April 23, 2020

Wash, Wash, Wash Those Hands!

I recently discovered this from our friends at Symphony Space and I think you guys will enjoy these uplifting tunes. Even when the virus has passed we need to remain vigilant with our Daily Hand Washing. Make it fun with a click down below.

https://www.symphonyspace.org/events/daily-washpirations