A Sensory Approach to Teaching Dance for Students with Disabilities

A Sensory Approach to Teaching Dance to 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 learning 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 pedagogy, and course participants will design dance lessons and activities with the goal of engaging students with a range of access needs.

Please note: This course is offered asynchronously through DEL’s online learning management system. Access to the course opens to participants at 8 am ET. Students taking the course for SUNY Empire State University credit are expected to complete assignments on a weekly basis, from March 3-April 13, 2025. Audit students may access course materials at their leisure, are not expected to complete course assignments, and retain access to all course materials for 1 year. 

Course scholarships and discounts are available! Learn more about scholarship opportunities here. 

Must register by Wednesday, February 26, 2025.

Photo by Cherylynn Tsushima 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