Disability Awareness & Inclusion Programs
An increasing number of individuals are grappling with a variety of invisible disabilities that create barriers to moving easily through our communities and public spaces. Some of these disabilities have neurological roots, like Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD), and some have environmental roots, like Adverse Childhood/Community Experiences (ACES) and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). All of these phenomena can lead to behaviors that are often misunderstood by people who are neuro-typical, and that misunderstanding often leads to ostracizing and “othering” people with invisible disabilities. Joanie leads “concert-conversations” songs, stories and conversation about the challenges and beauty of inclusive communities.
Community Concert -Conversations:
(for churches, synagogues, clubs, etc.)
Are our community settings actually welcoming to those who are different? Through song and stories, Joanie leads her audience through an exploration of the meaning of inclusion.
Parent Workshops:
Do you have a child that marches to the beat of a different drummer? Is it challenging to find the right support for your needs and those of your child? Joanie shares simple strategies to help you navigate the days, weeks and years.
Joanie’s workshops include songs, stories and discussions about successful strategies to help adults see beyond challenging behaviors in order to reach and engage our children. Whether or not your child or your students have a formal diagnosis, you will walk away with new tools and insights.
Community Building
Joanie has spent her adult life building communities, with populations as diverse as Israelis and Palestinians in the Middle East, and as similar as parents of preschoolers in Ohio.
As adults, we find ourselves in a multitude of different communities. Sometimes that is easy and smooth and we experience and find the support that we need, but not always. Through songs, stories, exercises and enjoyable games, Joanie leads community building workshops to help us consider ways to step past judgement, impatience and annoyance to a place of healing and inclusiveness.
Music For Children & Families: How Thrive With Autism!
During this interview, we discussed:
- An overview of Sensory Processing Disorder (and autism sensory issues) in a format that can be shared with teachers and other people involved in your child's life
- Strategies for maneuvering the school years, including getting teachers and aids to better help your child
- Tips for transitioning to adulthood
- And she sang some beautiful autism-themed songs that you'll love!