Special Needs

• DanceAbilities

  DanceAbilities, a rhythm & hip hop class for kids with learning differences and special needs.   

  Based on the ground-breaking Rhythm Works Integrative Dance (RWID) program and led by RWID certified instructors, DanceAbilities from the School of Performing Arts (SOPA) at the Madison Area YMCA is designed to support students’ existing therapy goals and focus on skill development, self-empowerment, celebrating differences, and having FUN.

  RWID is a rhythm and dance program that incorporates evidence-based practices from sensory integration, applications to physical skills, and behavioral strategies. What makes our program unique is that we are educated about and invested in our students’ goals. Whether a child is working on the skills to ride a bike, master the ‘th’ sound, or walk downstairs, we tailor our rhythm circle, warm up, choreography, and games to help them succeed.
  
  To learn more about DanceAbilities, email Madison Area YMCA’s School of Performing Arts Director Gus Ibranyi or call (973) 822-9622 x2239.

• Step Right Up Studios

  A partnership program with Step Right Up Studios now in residence at the School of Performing Arts of the Madison Area YMCA. Students will learn the basics of theater and improv through simple games and scene work while gaining social skills and becoming better social thinkers. Exercises will be centered around expanding expressive and receptive language, reading emotions, reading social situations, looking out for social cues, handling conflict, being part of a team, and working towards common goals. Each class will incorporate sensory activities throughout to keep kids focused and on task. These classes are designed specifically for children with special needs to aid in bridging the gap in communication and social skills, while fostering imagination and creativity and, most of all FUN!
  
  Each class will have 2 instructors trained in our improv program, along with 1 assistant. 
  
  Learn more here. 

• Super Kids Swim Lessons

  
  Formerly Sunfish, this class is designed for children with special needs who need extra attention and may have difficulty working in a group setting. Instructors will work one on one with swimmers to help them feel comfortable in the water and develop their swimming skills.
  
  Learn more here. 

• Partnerships

  we are proud to participate in partnerships with organizations dedicated to serving children who have special needs:
  
  Horizon High School
  Through its partnership with Horizon High School, a local school for students 14 to 21 years old with multiple disabilities, the Madison Area YMCA provides weekly volunteer opportunities for students to be engaged in the community. For more information about the Horizon schools, click here.
  
  Special Olympics of New Jersey
  The Madison Area YMCA has partnered with Special Olympics of New Jersey to make the Madison Area YMCA facilities accessible to athletes and their families. Athletes and their families are entitled to all of the same benefits as all Madison Area YMCA members. For more information on Special Olympics of New Jersey, click here.