Disability Programming

WhyArts believes that each individual, no matter their circumstance, has unlimited creative potential. We also believe the arts are an incredibly powerful means of communication for the nonstandard learner. That’s why WhyArtists meet each individual at his or her own level, providing a diverse array of meaningful arts opportunities. A valuable part of our mission is to help other nonprofits bring the arts to their clients. That’s why we proudly partner with:

  • Autism Action Partnership
  • Autism Center of Nebraska
  • Ambassador Skilled Nursing
  • Angel Guardians
  • Duet
  • Gotta Be Me
  • JP Lord School
  • Ollie Webb Center
  • Omaha Public Schools Alternative Curriculum Program (ACP) classes
  • Omaha Public Schools Transition Program
  • Madonna School
  • MOSAIC
  • Munroe-Meyer Institute at the University of Nebraska Medical Center
  • QLI
  • Sheltering Tree
  • Vodec

WhyArts takes its role as an advocate for the arts seriously. We advocate in a number of ways:

  • By sharing best practices at local, regional and national trainings and conferences
  • By participating in the annual Arts Advocacy Day activities
  • By providing a public platform to showcase the artistic and creative talents of our partners

 

Kids on the Block  Program

The Kids on the Block (KOB) is an educational puppet program for grades K-4 that enlightens children on the issues of disability awareness, medical-educational differences and social concerns. Each topic is thoroughly researched and provides children with the opportunity to interact with the “Kids” and address their questions regarding the specific topic. 

The programs are performed in a lively and entertaining manner and the educational curricula help to create positive attitudinal and behavioral change for present and future generations. 

All of the puppets represent the diverse population WhyArts serves. We hired and trained puppeteers from the community who match in disability diversity with the puppets they operate. We have developed our own unique program while ensuring its messaging is truly representative, current and inclusive, thanks to grants from Cox Charities, The 3M Foundation, Target, and The Sherwood Foundation.

New KOB puppets, new scripts, and new curriculum were launched in January 2023. 

Meet the puppets and the puppeteers here!

For information on booking the Kids on the Block click HERE!

 

Is there an arts-related advocacy project or event we should be participating in? Email us at info@whyartsinc.org.