Sign up for Access to Theatre & Making Healthy Connections

We’re halfway through September, and that means our Access to Theatre and Making Healthy Connections programs will be starting soon! Applications are now being accepted for both programs, so be sure to apply today.

MHC-2015-2016Making Healthy Connections (MHC) is a group mentoring program that empowers youth with disabilities ages 14 to 22 to understand their health care needs, access community resources, and connect with peers. There are currently two MHC groups: one in Springfield and one in Boston. Each group meets twice monthly during the school year.

At program meetings, youth meet new friends and mentors who demonstrate how to lead active, healthy lifestyles. They also participate in skills trainings, interactive discussions, role-playing, guest speaker presentations, games, and a variety of adaptive recreational activities.

Parents of youth participants have the option of participating in MHC Parent Group meetings, which are held at the same time and location as Youth Group meetings. Parent Group meetings provide a chance for parents to connect with each other and learn more about disability-related issues and resources.

An orientation for Boston MHC will take place Friday, October 16th, 2015, from 7:00PM to 9:30PM with workshops every other week taking place on Friday, November 6th at the same time. All Boston MHC workshops will be held at the Oak Square YMCA in Brighton. Springfield MHC will begin on Saturday, December 5th, 2015 and and will take place two Saturdays per month from December 2015-May 2016. All Springfield MHC workshops will take place at Hawthorn Services in West Springfield.

ATT-2015-2016Access to Theatre (ATT) is an inclusive theatre program for teens and young adults. Its purpose is to develop communication, artistic, and leadership skills, and lasting professional and personal friendships. ATT participants explore all aspects of theatre over the course of their involvement: acting, directing, improvisation, choreography, music, costumes, props, set design, and more. Guest artists from the community help youth participants throughout the program, serving as group leaders and mentors.

ATT workshops start Sunday, October 18 at 4:00PM and occur weekly at the Massachusetts Hospital School in Canton. Deep Chinappa will be the artistic director for the upcoming year.

If you have questions or would like to enroll in either of these programs, contact Deep Chinappa at 617-556-4075, Ext 20, or dchinappa@pyd.org. You may also apply online using our current youth intake.

 

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