Special Needs

• DanceAbilities

  DanceAbilities, a rhythm & hip hop class for kids with learning differences and special needs NOW available for our 2021 8-week summer session.  

  • Tuesday 4:00-4:30pm (ages 3-6) 
  • Tuesday 4:30-5:15pm (ages 7-14) 
    *age exceptions can be made depending on the student’s 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 Associate Director, Gymnastics, Y Ninja Gym & SOPA Gus Ibranyi or call (973) 822-9622 x2239.

• 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.