All-Access Night
On Wednesday evenings, SPAC School of the Arts provides music, theatre, and dance classes designed for students with autism and any intellectual, developmental, and physical disabilities. The classes are intended for students ages 9-17, but all ages are welcome to attend. Families and caregivers are also welcome and encouraged to attend.
Participation Options
We encourage participation in whatever way feels the most comfortable. Some ways to participate could include:
- “I want to dance in dance class.”
- “I want to watch a class.”
- “I want to draw and listen to the improv theatre class.”
- “I want to sit and read while my sibling participates in music class.”
All-Access Night promotes connection and belonging through the arts, offering inclusive classes and low-sensory options for a welcoming, comfortable environment.
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- Theatre class
- Dance class
- Music class
- Daily Craft/Makerspace
- Optional quiet games (e.g. chess, checkers)
- Sensory friendly room
- Low light
- Soft ambient music or white noise
- Comfortable seating options
- Fidget devices
- Noise-cancelling headphones
- Ear plugs
- Sunglasses
- Sensory map of the school
- Signage outside of rooms indicating lighting and noise levels
- Schedules and agendas for classes, printed and announced verbally
- Public restrooms including gender neutral and ADA compliant
- Water bottle refill station and compostable cups
- Multiple Teaching Artists and/or school staff members in every studio to facilitate
- Dedicated area for family/caregiver interaction and dialogue
- Family/caregiver talks with community organizations and resource providers
- Common area with tables, chairs, and a small library of children’s books and toys
- Outdoor courtyard with rocking chairs (when weather permits)
- Three wheelchair-accessible parking spots with a ramp near the front entrance of the school
Educators for All-Access Night include Jess Bien, Dennis Moench, Olivia Walton, Linsey Reardon, Alex Grandy, Mary Anne Fantauzzi, Megan Stacey, and Nina Renkert.