Social & Recreation: Arts

Dance Unlimited is a dance class for children of all ability levels. Classes includes stretching, various dance styles, balance and coordination activities, and self-esteem building. Fun props and popular music are used and moves are adapted for children confined to a wheelchair. There is a performance at the end of each session.

Classes are for boys and girls ages 4 and older.

Customized social, recreational and educational activities in a unique outdoor environment at Camp Cheerful in Strongsville. Includes horsemanship activities, cooking, gardening and landscaping, exercise and sports, community activities, arts and crafts, and field trips.

Monday – Friday, 9 am – 3 pm, with an optional supervised social time from 3-5:00 pm.

In collaboration with the Cuyahoga County Board of Developmental Disabilities.

Art therapy sessions in a real art studio for ages 6+, art supplies included in all fees

Four locations available: Fairhill, MetroHealth Center, Rivers Edge and Ursuline College.

Financial aid available

ArtWorks encourages students both to excel in school and to aspire to higher education. It is an arts-based job training and college readiness program for Northeast Ohio’s 10th, 11th, and 12th grade students.

Students are enrolled as paid apprentices to train under the guidance of master teaching artists, who mentor them in an art form while teaching them 21st century skills. The apprenticeship experience allows students to develop time management, professional communication, problem solving, and critical thinking skills, which are transferable to any workplace or college. Students also participate in workshops that focus on financial literacy, resume writing, financial aid applications, and interview skills.

All apprentices will have the opportunity to perform and/or exhibit their work for the public, and will leave the program with a portfolio that can be used when applying to college.

Sessions are offered both during the school year and over summer break.

Music therapy, adaptive music lessons, music enrichment, adapted dance classes and summer camps offered. Summer dance classes are also available, and are held at The North Royalton Dance Academy.

Adapted Triple Threat Camp –Campers ages 6-18 years will be introduced to the foundations of musical theatre in the areas of singing, dancing, and acting. Programming will be tailored to the individualized needs of all participants, allowing for self-expression and exploration into musical instruments, costumes, and fine and gross motor skills.

PASS Camp –a chance for campers to engage together socially through structured musical experiences. Each week, a different musical project will be developed and completed. Camp is led by a music therapist.

Drama programs and workshops for children on the autism spectrum in order to support social and emotional well-being while providing opportunities to practice skills that enhance communication in real life situations.

Programs are for high-functioning boys and girls ages 9–18 years. Private instruction is also available.

FOR SUMMER 2017: Drop In Classes every Saturday starting July 8th, from 10 – 11 AM. Drop In Classes are designed to work around your summer vacation plans. They provide continuing students with the opportunity to keep up their acting skills, while giving prospective students the opportunity to try classes without signing up for a full 10 week session.

This dance class is a 45-minute weekly movement/tap class for children ages 5-12 who have not succeeded in mainstream dance classes. Classroom instruction is based on principles of Applied Behavior Analysis and dance curriculum is based on Anne Greene-Gilbert’s braindance. The cost of classes is equal to mainstream classes in an effort to offer equal access to the arts for children of all abilities.

This class is also hosted on at Dance Dance Dance, 6085 State Rd., Parma 44134.

Arts education, performance, and advocacy

They provide adapted dance classes for people with special needs and disabilities in the Cleveland area and throughout Northeast Ohio. Their inclusive dance classes are accessible to students of all abilities. Students can participate from a wheelchair, with a walker or assistive device, standing with assistance, or independently.

Classes are open to children with disabilities (and their siblings) ages3 and up.

Classes held in Warrensville Heights, North Royalton, and Westlake. They offer a free trial class for potential students.

Theraputic and educational horseback riding programs

The soul of Near West Theatre is belief in the healing, transformative power of the theatrical arts. The personal and communal growth possible when participating in an acting, singing, dancing ensemble is most fully realized with both skilled leadership and loving collaboration. Their mission is to build loving relationships and engages diverse people in strengthening their sense of identity, passion, and purpose, individually and in community, through transformational theatre arts experiences.

Individuals with mobility challenges, hearing impairments, and other disabilities finally have access to programming and activities, whether as actors or audience members, since moving to their new, ADA-compliant facility in the Gordon Square Arts District.

For more information about Near West Theatre and their accessible programming, visit their website.

A variety of adaptive programs for all ages and ability levels, with activities ranging from woodworking to musical theater. Schedule changes seasonally, cost and location vary between programs.

Their programming also includes online workshops for parents of children with disabilities.

Visit the Orange Village Recreation website or search our Event Calendar for current program schedule.

Peak Potential Therapy provides speech therapy, ABA therapy, educational tutoring services, dance/movement classes and a variety of day camps to children with special needs or disabilities in Northeast Ohio. They believe in a family-focused approach and support your child through fun and meaningful activities.

Additionally, they offer a resource and toy lending library and academic tutoring.

Children of all ages are able to participate in several therapeutic and recreational camp options. These camps provide a safe, comfortable setting for your child to practice important social skills, maintain a routine through breaks from school, and have fun with friends.

Their variety of group dance and movement classes are for a variety of ages, from toddlers through adult, and taught by a master’s level intern in dance/movement therapy.

A not-for-profit performing arts center who presents and produces a wide variety of quality performing arts, advances arts education and creates a neighborhood that is a superior destination for entertainment, business and residential living.

Playhouse Square hosts a variety of sensory-friendly events throughout the year.

Individually-designed private sessions targeted towards communication, social skills, and academic, psychological, and physical needs.

Cost varies.

Financial aid available.

The Children’s Theatre offers sensory-friendly performances, intended for individuals on the autism spectrum, as well as people with other developmental or cognitive disabilities who may benefit and their families.

Main Stage Address: The Taft Theatre, 5th & Sycamore Streets, Cincinnati, OH 45202

A company that offers inclusive movement classes using the Autism Movement Therapy (AMT) method for Autism and other special needs. The AMT method blends multi-sensory, structured movement and music experiences with positive behavior supports strengthening the left and right hemispheres of the brain to increase skills through the body and brain connection.

These classes are open to all special needs children. For current schedule, visit their listing on our online calendar.

Classes are given in various locations. Visit the website for registration and more information.

The mission of the Solon Blue Ribbon Adapted Recreation Program is to provide high quality recreation and leisure activities for persons with developmental disabilities, enabling each to enhance his or her personal potential by sharing in the emotional, social, and physical benefits fostered by such community based activities. Blue Ribbon programs are open to non-Solon residents as well as residents.

Visit the Solon Blue Ribbon website or search our Event Calendar for current program schedule.

Students ages 5-12 with special needs will work along side theatre professionals, licensed staff and experienced volunteers. Each “STAR” performer will be paired with a buddy who assists with all of the activities and staging scheduled for each rehearsal. Choreography will be adapted to individual needs. A performance will be held on the last day of class for family and friends. All abilities welcome!

NOTE: Students should be capable of participating independently. Those who cannot must be accompanied by a parent or caretaker.

Visit the Orange Recreation website or search Event Calendar for current session schedule.

A website focused on collaboration of creative abilities of people on the autism spectrum and others who are neurotypical.

The Art of Autism accepts many art forms, including blog posts, art, poetry, video submissions and requests for book and film reviews. They seek diverse viewpoints including those from people with autism, parents, siblings, therapists, and others.

They also offer various art opportunities for kids to use creativity to express themselves.

Offers movement therapy classes for people with special needs, ages 5 – 25. There are many different styles of dance and movement available, and accepts individuals with and without dance training. Aides are allowed to attend with students.

Dancing Wheels also offers a Youth Arts summer camp (ages 6-14) and a Little Learners summer camp for 3-5 year olds.

A music therapy program, offering music therapy services for individuals and groups of all ages and abilities. They also offer a music therapy and summer camp program for teens and adults with special needs. They primarily serve children ages 3-21 living with Autism and/or Developmental Disabilities. They also feel it’s very important for continuity of services even after our clients age out of the school system so we also offer a continuum of services to people 21 and up.

They have an office in Hudson, Ohio and provide in home services in Summit County, Ohio and the surrounding area.

They do not accept insurance at this time.

A collaboration of professional artists and holistic health care practitioners who provide an unusual selection of life-enriching classes and activities for senior adults, people faced with illness, and anyone with physical or mental challenges throughout the greater Cleveland area.

They will conduct classes in homes or in group settings. They offer various art and holistic health classes including tai chi, yoga, gardening, art and music.

A variety of music-based programs and summer camps available for people of all ages on the spectrum.

Special needs preschool (ArtS N Play) for ages 3-7

An adult theatre program for people of all abilities with an interest in learning and creating theatre. The program will provide training in skills essential for creating theatre and enhancing the quality of life.

Through role play, theatre games, mask work and character study, participants will strengthen their social and emotional awareness. The theatre provides a safe space for practicing the ability to self-advocate, follow directions, collaborate and to create and meet deadlines.

“Art for Everyone” art sessions, educational and therapeutic art-making for individuals ages 5 to adult.

A non-profit organization that provides exhibition opportunities, studio space, supplies, and support to more than 125 visual artists with disabilities. Visionaries + Voices hosts several exhibitions a year for artists to showcase their work, as well as a teaching artist program.

Additional Locations:
Tri-County Studio + Corner Gallery
225 Northland Blvd.
Cincinnati, OH 45246
(513) 771 – 2999

Visionarium
3054 Madison Road
Cincinnati, OH 45209
(513) 417 – 8491