July is Disability Pride Month, a time to celebrate the passing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in 1990. Here at the Greater Green Bay YMCA, we’re all about creating a welcoming and inclusive environment where everyone can thrive. Did you know we offer a variety of fun and engaging classes for neurodivergent youth, ages 3-17, at our West and East Side locations through our Full Circle Program? And for adults 18+ with differing abilities, our Inclusion department hosts D.R.E.A.M. Night (Disability, Recreation, Experiences, and Memories) at the Ferguson Family Y on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of every month!
Keep reading to discover more about our exciting programs!
FULL CIRCLE PROGRAM
Our Full Circle program is all about giving kids the chance to explore and grow through different classes like art, science, Lego, sports, and our new music and movement class coming in fall 2024. Here’s a sneak peek:
- Full Circle Art: Every week, kids get to unleash their creativity with new projects using a variety of mediums. One week, we might paint self-portraits; the next, we could be building bird feeders from popsicle sticks. There’s always something fun and creative happening!
- Full Circle Science: From cool experiments to sensory-based projects, kids dive into the wonders of science. Whether they’re making slime or playdough, it’s always hands-on and exciting!
- Full Circle Legos: This isn’t your average Lego class. Kids get to be creative with everything from Duplos to Spike Education interactive kits, learning to build, problem-solve, and code with icon and word blocks.
- Full Circle Sports: Throughout the year, we rotate through sports like t-ball, basketball, soccer, and ninja. Kids learn basic sports skills while having a blast. Our ninja programs let them enjoy our gymnastics center with fun obstacle courses full of running, jumping, and more!
- Music and Movement (Coming Fall 2024): This new class combines storytelling with music and dance. Kids will explore different instruments, movement scarves, and ribbons while learning coordination and self-expression.
D.R.E.A.M. NIGHT
For those 18+ with differing abilities, D.R.E.A.M. Night is an evening of fun, movement, and connection. Participants enjoy guided activities both on-site and throughout the community, making memories and friendships along the way.
At the Greater Green Bay YMCA, we are dedicated to ensuring everyone feels welcome, safe, and right at home. Join us in celebrating Disability Pride Month and discover all the amazing opportunities we have to offer!
Learn more about Inclusion Programming at the Greater Green Bay YMCA by visiting: greenbayymca.org/inclusion-programs
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Meet Anne, a dedicated advocate for inclusivity and a part of our YMCA family! Anne works with Full Circle and other Inclusion Programs at the Y, bringing her passion for creating supportive and welcoming environments to everything she does. An experienced blogger with her own website, Anne shares her insights and experiences, particularly as a parent of a child with Autism who also participates in YMCA programs. Her unique perspective and commitment to inclusivity make her a valued voice in our community.