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Expand the WeeDance Program: Adapted Dance for Kids with DisabilitiesBC Centre for Ability

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IN THE RUNNING FOR

$25K
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Goals

  • Increase access for 50+ kids with disabilities to participate in dance
  • Create supportive networking opportunities for 50+ families
  • Increase capacity for adapted recreation programming in 5+ communities
  • Foster awareness of kids with special needs in recreation/ the arts
  • Provide adaptive dance training to 10+ instructors and 20+ volunteers

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Overview

The WeeDance Program has served over 40 children with Cerebral Palsy, Autism, Down Syndrome, Prader-Willi Syndrome, Asperger's Syndrome, Global Developmental Delay and various genetic disorders.  It gives children with disabilities the opportunity to fully engage and participate in dance programs.

Due to high demand, limited space, funding and instructor availability, we are only able to offer short sessions of WeeDance (6 weeks) on a one-time basis.  With the Pepsi Refresh Grant, we will expand the program's frequency, length, and accessibility.

Deliverables:

- Year One: Provide 50 children with disabilities the opportunity to participate in dance classes (2 12-week sessions) in 5+ communities: Vancouver East, Vancouver West, North Shore, Richmond, Burnaby

- Sustainable Programming: Provide 10 instructors and 20 volunteers with training and resources to continue the program on their own past the first year.  Continue to offer training module in other communities.

Community Benefit

Children with disabilities can face challenges in areas such as body awareness, strength, balance, coordination, communication, and societal attitude/knowledge barriers. Although these children are often invited to join community dance programs, the experience is not always positive. Instructors may not be aware of ideal strategies for helping children with special needs, and the pace of mainstream classes is often too fast. Attending a class does not equate to meaningful participation - this requires genuine engagement with both the activities and their peers. Some children with disabilities are able to successfully participate in inclusive programs, some benefit from beginning in adapted programs and transitioning to an integrated program, and some will be most successful continuing with adapted programming throughout their lives. WeeDance is about increasing the options for children with special needs, and giving their families a chance to connect within their community.

How will the $25K be used?
Budget Notes: The BC Centre for Ability will continue to provide some rental space and personnel resources with funding made available through the Early Intervention Therapy Program. Volunteers will provide extra support during WeeDance classes.
$ 9,500 Development & Implementation of Instructor/Volunteer Training Modules
$ 4,000 Implementation of WeeDance Program in 5+ communities
$ 6,000 Rental Space
$ 4,000 Adapted Equipment/Supplies
$ 1,500 Marketing and Recruitment of Instructors/Volunteers

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