Imagination Stage Webinar with Autism NOW March 8, 2011

8/7/2019 Imagination Stage Webinar with Autism NOW March 8, 2011

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Everybody Plays!

Accessible and Inclusive Drama Opportunities

Diane L. NuttingDirector of Access & Inclusion - Imagination Stage


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Session Overview

Description of Imagination StageMission and programs

Philosophy and Practice of InclusionThe why and how

Communicating the MessageOutreach and In-Reach


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Imagination Stage

Family Arts Center Founded in 1979

Mission: Imagination Stage produces theatre and

arts education programs which nurture, challenge,and empower young people of all abilities.

Professional Theatre for Young Audiences

Year-round Educational Programs


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Our commitment

We endeavor to create an inclusive and

welcoming environment and equitable access to

all artistic and educational programming for

students, staff, patrons, professional artists, andvisitors of all abilities.

Accessibility

Arts Access (Classes / Ensembles / Residencies)

Inclusion


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Accessibility

Facility Access

ASL-interpreted performances

Assistive Listening Devices Large Print Programs

Audio Description (pending)


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Arts Access Programs

Designed specifically for students with cognitive

or developmental disabilities

Theatre vs. Social Skills

Process based

Adjustments to:

Teacher / student ratio

Rate of instructionMethod of delivery / support


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Inclusion

6 - 8 % of ISI students disclose

Two-thirds served in inclusive settings

PartnershipsKids Included Together (2008)

National Affiliate / Leadership Award 2009

Mitsubishi Electric America Foundation

National Inclusion Project

National Youth Inclusion Summit (2010)

www.IamNorm.org


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What is Inclusion?

Inclusion is Belonging *

EVERYChild Can **Participate

Be SuccessfulMake Friends

Inclusion in a peer-group setting

*source: Kids Included Together

**source: National Inclusion Project


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Inclusion in the

Theatre Arts Setting Inclusion is rooted in relationships

Organic to the theatre process

Ensemble ethicEveryone brings something unique to the

creative process

Theatre experiences blend academic and artistic


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Our Formula

Structure (Classroom Management)

+

Creative Problem Solving (Choices/ Flexibility/ Creativity)

_______________________________________________

= Successful Theatre Classroom


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Process of Inclusion

Family conversation / visit

Match student to experience

Inclusion summary / accommodations

Follow-up


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Empowering Teachers

Think about classroom infrastructure

Celebrate diversity and facilitate connections

Throw out concept of high / low function

Think about spectrums of learning

Create structure that supports ALL learners

Anticipate behaviors

Behavior is Communication


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Making General Accommodations

Putting structures in place that benefit and

empower all students

Schedules

Transitions

Choices


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Making Individual Accommodations

Changes to expectations, goals, or logistics for astudent

Think about:Task Requirements

Length of Time

Materials/ Equipment

Visual CuesVerbal Cues

Transitions


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Other Considerations

Inclusion Facilitators

Open communication with family / student

Flexibility

Creativity Thinking outside the box

Equitable vs. Equalexperience

Not everyone needs to participate in the same way


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Communication is Key!

Outreach and In-reach

Staff and faculty

Families

Students and peers


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Communicating with

Staff and Faculty Awareness / Sensitivity

Organizational philosophy

Top-down / Bottom-up

People First Language

Training / Resources / Support

Marketing / Public Materials


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Communicating with Families

Establishing and clarifying goals

Respecting Confidentiality

Continuing relationships

Creating ambassadors


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Communicating with Students

Everybodys brain works differently

Focus on the child, not the disability

Responding to Thats not fair!


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Final Thoughts

Inclusion is not a destinationit is a journey


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Questions / Comments?

[email protected]

Learn more about us at:www.imaginationstage.org

Thank you!

Imagination Stage Webinar with Autism NOW March 8, 2011

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