A Sensory Approach: Dance for Students with Disabilities
Course opens June 22
Registration closes June 17
Asynchronous
A Sensory Approach: Dance for Students with Disabilities is a six-Module/week asynchronous course 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.
Course opens June 22
Registration closes June 17
A Sensory Approach: Dance for Students with Disabilities
Asynchronous (Online)
1 year of access to all course materials
Grade Level(s)
K-12
Time to Complete
~12 Hours
Modules
6
Prerequisites
None
Course Content
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
- 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.
Choose From Two Modes of Study
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 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.
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.
Email [email protected] for more information.
Scholarships
Scholarships are available through 92NY.
Learn more about general 92NY scholarship information and applications.
(All discounts are applied to the course cost only and participants are responsible for paying 92NY registration fees.)
Credits
Students may take this course in Facilitated Study format 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.
What's Inside Our A Sensory Approach: Dance for Students with Disabilities Course
6 Modules of Learning:
In this Module, we will review foundational information on disability history, legislation, and disability justice. An introductory video by the instructor grounds the course and the work of teaching students with disabilities, in the concept of wholeness. We value our students as they are, for who they are.
Students will be introduced to various Models of Disability prevalent over the last 100 years and the role of disabled people in challenging these models and securing access to education. We will then review disability legislation (1965 to present) and its relevance to public and private sector dance education.
In Module 2, we will explore the seven senses, sensory sensitivities, and the need for sensory stimulation. We will investigate the many ways in which dance can address sensory needs. Strategies that support students’ access to dance education via sensory accommodations and sensory activities will be explored. Then, we will participate in a movement exploration and create an original dance solo designed to explore our own sensory needs.
In Module 3, Part 1, students will view and participate in Stratton-Gonzalez’ Warm UP and Exploration with Scarves activities. Students will identify the strategies they notice in the activities, and then use them in creating their own warm up or exploration.
In Module 3, Part 2, students will explore the 13 disability classifications recognized by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and will study the general characteristics of disabilities as described by the Center for Parent Resources and Information.
In Module 4, participants will further explore various sensory supports that can be used in dance classes. Part 1 investigates the Development, or dance-making, aspect of dance classes.
Part 2 provides an in-depth exploration of visual supports, including visual schedules, DEL Teacher Tool Kit Cards, visual DEL Movement Sentence examples, and more.
Module 5, Part 1 will provide insight into working with students with multiple and profound disabilities, where dance activities must be substantially modified or changed to provide access to the students.
In Part 2 course participants will be introduced to additional best practices in dance education, including Universal Design for Learning (UDL), a framework for teaching and learning that accommodates the needs of all learners. The importance of routine in dance classes is reviewed, and strategies such as hurdle help and preferential seating are explored.
In Module 6, participants will write, implement, and record a lesson activity and reflect on the experience.
DEL's Online Learning Platform
DEL uses a custom-made learning portal called Learndash. When you enroll, you’ll be given access to your own personal account with DEL. On your DEL Member Dashboard, you’ll find an orientation to get comfortable using our Learndash system, access to DEL Basic resources, and some FAQs.
You’ll see any DEL courses you’re enrolled in and when you click into each course, you can navigate to the lessons and Modules within.
All participants who enroll in a DEL course receive access to our DEL Basics.
This includes:
- Key charts and handouts in English and Spanish, like the DEL Model graphic and DEL Mottos
- DEL Dance Framework charts that can be downloaded and printed for use in the dance classroom
- Information and charts on the DEL Movement Sentence
- Resources on the DEL Lesson Plan format
Every asynchronous DEL course moves beyond a lecture-style format, engaging participants in multi-modal learning, where lessons ask you to read, reflect, dance, watch, or listen.
See some examples of how lessons break up modes of learning:
Those who opt for Facilitated Study will receive feedback and insights from DEL facilitators and their peers. All Facilitated Study participants post assignments throughout the course and are expected to respond and discuss posts by their peers as well.
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...