Art center receives inclusivity grant

City Council approved legislation entering into the agreement Monday.

“SCA is absolutely thrilled to have this opportunity to better serve our community and continuously thrive towards a more inclusive center,” Dance Department Coordinator Allison Urban, who was instrumental in pursuing the grant, said.

The funds from the Cuyahoga DD will allow SCA to develop adaptive programming, including classes, productions and/or showcases in Art, Dance, Music and Theater. In addition, the awarded funds will also be used to purchase necessary equipment, materials and supplies. The funds will also help supply support staff for the participants and continued training for the SCA staff.

“Our inclusive programming provides an opportunity for all to participate in the arts of all abilities,” Ms. Urban said. “All of our programs welcome whomever, but these specific programs can be taken at different progression with more attention from the teaching staff as needed.

“Projects, classroom planning and shows are adapted to best suit the classroom of their interest and their abilities.”

Ms. Urban continued that arts have “a magical way to build connection and relationships.

“These arts programs really provide an opportunity for everyone to participate and find something that they love,” she said. “We will be fostering life skills throughout these classes in addition to the arts like communication and creativity.

“By participating in these programs, all will benefit by enhancing their emotional, social and physical skills,” Ms. Urban added. “We are able to provide support that anyone can be an actor, artist, dancer or musician and being able to do it with confidence. We will help build self-esteem and provide a nurturing, caring class.”

Individuals with developmental disabilities encounter substantial obstacles to fully participate in their community, she said. By accepting the grant from Cuyahoga Country DD, SCA will be able to provide programs and services that are inclusive, accessible, or adapted physically, cognitively or financially.

“Participants will gain friendships as well as artistic skills by developing their physical abilities,” Ms. Urban said. “Participants would be provided performance opportunities throughout the year provided by these monies.”

The art center’s dance and music department offers multiple recitals throughout the year where students can share their dances or musical selections with an audience on stage. The theater department would also be able to present plays on the stage to highlight the students acting skills.

“SCA is grateful to have an art gallery where participants can display their artwork for the community to see,” Ms. Urban said. “As always, they are more than welcome to attend any performance that we have and in the near future the sensory friendly showings too.

“With great hope, we would be able to showcase lots of different artists and talents in our first annual adaptive talent show too,” she added. “By creating more classes and building our connections with our new friends, we can assist them on their artistic journey.”