A Sensory Approach: Dance for Students with Disabilities

A Sensory Approach: Dance for Students with Disabilities

Course Description: A Sensory Approach: Dance for Students with Disabilities is inspired by the principles of wholeness and access. All of our students are whole people and deserve full access to dance as an expressive art form. A Sensory Approach begins with foundational information on cultural/historical beliefs about disability, disability justice, and disability legislation. The course explores the seven senses as entry points to designing inclusive dance activities for diverse students. Strategies shared can be applied in various dance sectors, including K-12 public and private education, private studios and community dance spaces. The Sensory Approach informs dance teaching and learning, and course participants will design dance lessons and activities with the goal of engaging students with a range of access needs.

Learning Objectives: 

In this course, participants will…

• Explore and embody the DEL Dance Framework as a tool for movement exploration, observation, analysis, and the choreographic process.
• Investigate ways to incorporate core subject learning (ELA, Math, Science, Social Studies) into the development and implementation of engaging dance Lessons aligned with the DEL Model. 
• Research, observe, and implement best teaching practices; including setting students up for success through differentiation, scaffolded instruction, and the application of visual/ individualized supports for working with diverse students in grades K-5.

Course Format: Asynchronous – All course material online! Students receive access to all course materials for 1 Year.

Prerequisites: None

Study Options: Independent Study ($190) or Facilitated Study ($380)

Independent Study – Cost: $190

Independent Study courses offer students the freedom to learn at their own pace, allowing them to dedicate as much or as little time to the material as they choose. With no set deadlines, students have full control over the timing and progression of their learning. This format is best suited for those who prefer to study independently and autonomously. Students will retain access to course materials for one year, providing ample opportunity to revisit and review content at their convenience.

Facilitated Study – Cost: $380

Facilitated Study courses offer a more structured and interactive learning experience, ideal for students who value consistent feedback, community engagement, and a clear course timeline. Students will submit weekly assignments, along with a final assignment, and receive written feedback from facilitators. Courses may include discussion boards for peer interaction and all feature a mid-course Zoom meeting where students can meet their cohort, engage with peers, and connect directly with the course facilitator for additional support and guidance. Designed for students who thrive in a guided, collaborative setting, this format requires approximately 3 hours of engagement per week. Additionally, all Facilitated Study courses are eligible for undergraduate credit through DEL’s partnership with SUNY Empire State University for a separate and additional fee. 

Facilitated Study Course Dates:  June 22 – August 2, 2026, with final assignments due August 16, 2026.

Credits:

Students may take this course for SUNY Empire State University credit for a separate and additional fee, and will receive 4 undergraduate credits. 

Educators can also receive New York State CTLE credits for completed DEL courses.

Discounts:

• NYCDOE dance specialists get 50% off every DEL course.
• NYCDOE common branch teachers get 10% off every DEL course.
• NYCDOE Arnhold New Teachers get DEL courses free for their first and second year teaching in the DOE.

Scholarships: Scholarships are available through 92NY. General 92NY scholarship information and applications are found HERE. 

Must register by Wednesday, June 17, 2026.

QUESTIONS? Please reach out to [email protected].

Photo by Christopher Duggan for Nel Shelby Productions.

Meet Your Instructors

Sandi Stratton-Gonzalez

Sandi Stratton-Gonzalez, MA, is the Manager of the Arnhold Support Programs for Dance Educators, teaches Dance for Children with Disabilities for the National Dance Education Organization and works as a freelance curriculum writer and professional learning facilitator. For over 20 years, Sandi taught at The Children’s School (PS 372) in...

Read More About Sandi Stratton-Gonzalez