AccessAbility
Approximately 15% of the children in major school district populations nationwide are classified as “special needs.” Children with disabilities often feel hopelessly lonely, isolated, depressed, and different in a negative way, and bear the weight of stigmatism that they perceive early and throughout their lives. They feel not good enough, ugly, left out, unlovable, and worst of all, stupid. Many children and teens become so discouraged that they fight anxiety on a daily basis, experience eating disorders, are afraid to go to school, and are terrified of bullies.
Theatre classes, even at the earliest levels, provide a natural setting to work through these feelings and fears in a safe environment, employing the tools of theatre characters: dialogue and role-playing. For instance, autistic children can learn life skills, such as eye contact, extended conversations, saying (and meaning) “thank you” and “I’m sorry,” gaining empathy, and understanding body language. Children with Down Syndrome are able to play out scenes in which they can be heroes, and can practice responses to real life situations.
AccessAbility, The Magik Theatre’s new program designed with these children in mind, will give all children with disabilities the safe, warm, accepting place they need and crave, to come together, create, and express their own ideas just like any other children. They will enjoy bonding in a social group with friends who share their love of the arts. The skills they will acquire will help them gain self-esteem, confidence and a belief in themselves that will strengthen their ability and readiness to be happy, compassionate adults.
To bring AccessAbility to San Antonio, The Magik Theatre is collaborating with Carol Gulley, a professional with 18 years experience providing theatre for individuals with disabilities. As program director for AccessAbility at Imagination Stage in Bethesda, Maryland – a professional children’s theatre and family arts center known for its commitment to inclusion work in both accessibility and deaf access – Ms. Gulley has honed her expertise through work with hundreds of young people with disabilities.
