YAA for ALL: Access to Lifelong Learning launched in partnership with University of Miami and Nova Southeastern University’s Center for Autism and Related Diseases
In partnership with University of Miami and Nova Southeastern University’s Center for Autism and Related Disabilities (CARD), Young At Art Museum has launched a new initiative, YAA for ALL: Access to Lifelong Learning, with special programs and events for children and adults with autism or other sensory integration sensitivities.
“Our staff has been trained by CARD and each museum program has been carefully planned and structured to provide the best possible museum experience for all visitors,” said Mindy Shrago, CEO and founder of Young At Art Museum. “We are so excited to welcome children and adults with sensory integration sensitivities into the museum to explore all we have to offer.”
Kicking off on Sunday, Dec. 16, Young At Art will host a monthly Sensory Sunday when the museum will open one hour early at 10 a.m. exclusively for families with children and adults with autism or other sensory integration sensitivities. Guests will explore the museum and enjoy a new theme-based art activity each month in addition to other sensory-friendly activities in a safe and welcoming environment.
Scheduled dates for Sensory Sunday in 2019 are the following with more dates to come:
- January 13: New Year’s Around the World
- February 10: Love & Happiness
- March 10: Beautiful Spring
- April 14: YAA for Autism: Celebrating Autism Awareness Month
As part of this initiative, the museum is providing “YAA for ALL Tool Bags” to assist visitors. In each bag are adaptive art tools for use in the museum, including special grip scissors, weighted pencils and brushes, textured paints and noise-reducing headphones.
In addition, during the December 16th kick-off of Sensory Sunday @ YAA, the museum is offering a $10 discount on family membership plus a FREE caregiver/therapist pass (value $50). Museum membership provides free, unlimited admission all year long, discounts on classes, camps and preschool and free admission to more than 900 arts, cultural and historical institutions, botanical gardens, children’s museums and science centers nationwide through the North American Reciprocal Museum Association.
Young At Art also has art classes, workshops and camps at the YAA Art Institute that are designed for adults and students of all abilities. YAA art educators are CARD trained and all studios are equipped with visual cues and tools to accommodate children and adults with special needs.
Young At Art offers clay and paint social evenings at the YAA Art Institute for adults on the autism spectrum who can participate in an open-ended art-making experience and take home their unique masterpiece in clay, painting or mixed media. Interested participants are encouraged to contact Artinstitute@youngatartmusuem.
“We have also modified our field trip and classroom outreach programs to include specialized art activities, routine-based structure, visual cue cards, sensory map and a visual timeline,” added Shrago. “Our Sensory Friendly Guide to YAA and Social Story will be available online for visitors to share with their families prior to visiting the museum.”
Young At Art is generally quieter during the Sensory Sunday hours and after 2 p.m. Monday through Friday except during spring, summer and winter breaks.
More information about YAA for ALL can be found at: www.youngatartmuseum.org/
About CARD at the University of Miami
The University of Miami’s mission is to educate and nurture students, to create knowledge, and to provide service to our community and beyond. Committed to excellence and proud of our diversity of our University family, we strive to develop future leaders of our nation and the world.www.miami.edu.
CARD is a state-funded resource and support program dedicated to improving the lives of individuals with autism and related disabilities including deaf-blindness and pervasive developmental disorders. CARD is based at 7 universities throughout Florida including the University of Miami and Nova Southeastern University, which together form UM-NSU CARD in South Florida.
Autism is a neurological disability that affects a person’s ability to communicate, understand language, play and socially interact with others.
