A space where who they are is absolutely right
How Arts for All Wisconsin supports the disability community
It’s fitting that Sarah Jacobson called the dance class she teaches through Arts for All Wisconsin, ConfiDance — obviously a play on the word, “confidence.”
It brings to mind the words of AFA dance mom, Jenny Smith, who said to me:
These dance classes build confidence. And, frankly, there are not a lot of confidence-building opportunities for our kids because a lot of times, they’re just told what’s wrong with them. This is a space where who our kids are is absolutely right.
Too often, in learning situations, students with disabilities are told — sometimes by words, but more often through actions — that the ways in which they learn, relate to others, and enjoy themselves, are wrong.
They’re told that they’re not paying attention if they don’t sit or stand in one place, stay silent, and make eye contact. They’re told that they can’t l…
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