4 | Acquisition International, Non-Profit Organisation Awards 2024 Most Enriching Inclusive Dance Community 2024 - Florida For adults with additional needs, the severe lack of accessible activities has developed into a major problem in need of resolution. From dance classes to workshops and performances, the current landscape tends to focus its attention on children and adolescents, leaving disabled adults having to go to unnecessary lengths to pursue their passion. This gap, however, hasn’t been left to widen – thanks to the wonderful Tone Jacobsen, The Dance Cool presents additional needs adults with the chance to immerse themselves in tailor-made, specialist dance programs. Below, we explore what makes The Dance Cool distinct, and how its vision has already influenced change for the better. Contact: Tone Jacobsen Company: The Dance Cool Web Address: https://thedancecool.org/ Though many recognise that a lack of creative activities for young people with special needs can greatly inhibit how they interact in social and emotional situations, there are few who see that the same is true for additional needs adults. It’s an issue that has swept the activity sphere for decades – one that, left unattended, could very well leave disabled adults feeling isolated and abandoned. Thankfully, The Dance Cool saw what these limitations were doing to adults with additional needs and sought to cultivate a solution. This solution was none other than The Dance Cool’s development of its comprehensive and inclusive dance programs. Created with the special needs of disabled adults in mind, these programs encourage individuals of all ages and disabilities to partake in activity classes that fully support and empower them. For years, people have been recognising the benefits of the arts and cultural engagement for those with special needs, but dance has often times been sidelined. Whether this is due to collectives simply not knowing how to adapt their courses to disabled individuals or predetermined age restrictions, it’s a common issue that The Dance Cool has taken the first steps to resolve. In doing so, The Dance Cool has fostered an environment that prides itself on its inclusive empowerment and compassion. Since it first entered onto the scene, it wanted to assure additional needs adults that their voices had been heard, and that it was willing to respond with quality, tailor-made dance programs. At its heart, the organisation believes that inclusivity was a key component in developing such a highly regarded set of programs – by creating a diverse and welcoming community, The Dance Cool is able to embrace the individuality of each and every person, granting them the opportunity to fully immerse themselves in ‘the joy of dance and movement therapy’. Of course, regardless of whether you have additional needs or not, any person will tell you that attending a dance class can be somewhat intimidating. The fear of being judged by others is a universal trouble that descends upon even the most confident of people, meaning that, in order to truly uplift someone, you must first establish an environment in which they feel safe, seen, and respected. As such, The Dance Cool integrated these very factors into its programs, ensuring that, no matter the person, every additional needs adult would feel inspired and encouraged to dance their hearts out. The Non-Profit Organisation Awards is a programme that is dedicated to handpicking those who, no matter the struggles facing them, are willing to go above and beyond to make each and every person – regardless of disability – feel included. The Dance Cool is one such organisation, whose commitment to sharing its love for dance with special needs adults has played a significant role in empowering individuals across the region. As such, we’re beyond delighted to present The Dance Cool with this award title, and we can’t wait to witness its continued impact.
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