September 11 - December 3, 2023

Professor: Sandra Stratton-Gonzalez

Tuition: $520 member / $595 non-member

12 Weeks; 3 NDEO-Endorsed PDCs

Registration Deadline: September 7

Register Here

All children need opportunities to learn, create, perform and respond to dance in all its forms. Dance provides students, with and without disabilities, a means of expression and communication, an opportunity to collaborate with others in the creative process and the exploration of new movement possibilities. Through this course, educators will learn instructional strategies that successfully include students with disabilities in the PreK-12 school environment, dance studios, and community spaces. Course participants will acquire knowledge and skills needed to plan and implement an effective and inclusive Dance Education program. The course will address legislation related to students with disabilities, characteristics of different disabilities, content and teaching accommodations for learning in dance education, goals and assessment, viewing the performances (via video) of professional dancers with disabilities and a consideration of Disability Justice. Educators who teach  in the P-12 schools, private studios, and community dance programs will find this course can assist them with the knowledge and learning experiences to provide meaningful dance education programs for students with disabilities. NOTE: This course does not address the young adult or older adult population. The main focus in on kids and teens. 

Questions about this Course?  Email opdi@ndeo.org

"I learned new techniques for teaching students with a wide range of disabilities. This course opened my eyes to specific types of support required for different disabilities and how I have to adapt as a dance educator to respect and support my students with disabilities."

"I really loved the tangible and solid ideas and tactics for creating adaptations and modifications for people with disabilities, and the information about how to help students meet IEP goals through dance."

"I learned so much and my understanding of dancers with disabilities grew and changed in positive ways. I learned practical applications and learning amazing things. I'm excited I got to take this course it was wonderful!"

"It helped expand my awareness of the topic, and develop my confidence in teaching students with disabilities. It validated some of the things I was doing well, while also providing great insight on how I can improve my practice."

Sandi Stratton-Gonzalez, MA taught dance to children with special needs in inclusion and self-contained classrooms for over 20 years at PS 372 in Brooklyn. Recently retired, she is now the Coordinator of the Arnhold Support Programs for Dance Educators at the Office of Arts and Special Projects in NYC. Sandi is a professional development facilitator with the Arts for Students with Disabilities Team (NYC DOE) and is the Advocacy Director for the NYS Dance Education Association. A member of NDEO since 2005, Sandi is a founding member of the NDEO Dance and Disabilities Task Force, whose goal is to increase the organization’s capacity to support the dance and disability community and to pave the way for more inclusive membership and representation. She is co-author (with C. Gallant and D. Duggan) of Dance Education for Diverse Learners: A Special Education Supplement to the Dance Blueprint and has been published in Dance: Current Selected Research Volume 7 and Dance Education in Practice, where she is a member of the Editorial Board. Sandi was an adjunct Professor at Hofstra University from 2008-2018, teaching Dance in Elementary Education. Prior to teaching full-time Sandi was the founding Artistic Director of Soundance Repertory Company (1984-1999), and her choreography has been presented throughout the Northeast. Sandi teaches OPDI-114: Teaching Dance to Students with Disabilities.

How Courses Work