A.B.L.E. is excited to partner with Misericordia Home this spring to offer a series of theatre workshops for residents with disabilities!
Over the past 8 years, A.B.L.E. has built a range of programs for actors ages 15 and up with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Through our Outreach Programs, A.B.L.E.’s teaching team travels directly to partner organizations for one-day workshops, multi-session residencies, and professional development trainings. A.B.L.E. Executive Director, Katie Yohe, says this program has become a prime focus as the organization re-emerges from the pandemic.
“ “COVID heightened so many of the barriers facing folks with disabilities. It’s increasingly important to meet people where they are.””
A.B.L.E. Teaching Artist, Lawrence Kern, works with a Misericordia resident during the first session of their 3-week course through the Chicago Arts Recovery Program.
Photo credit: Tessa Kammer, Misericordia
A.B.L.E. received a grant from the Chicago Arts Recovery Program through The Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events to grow outreach programming. Part of this grant will subsidize two 3-week courses for Misericordia residents this spring. Participants will learn basic theatre skills and vocabulary while working towards developing short scenes. All A.B.L.E. sessions are structured to accommodate multiple learning and communication styles. Over the course of the 6 week residency, A.B.L.E. will work with 20 Misericordia residents.
“Our partnership with ABLE is so important for our residents because it celebrates their creativity and self-expression. It’s wonderful to see our residents grow and shine with each workshop.”
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A.B.L.E. Teaching Artist Braden Cleary celebrates with a Misericordia resident during a workshop.
Photo Credit: Tessa Kamer/Misericordia
Each 90-minute session will be co-led by a pair of A.B.L.E.’s Teaching Artists and a Creative Associate. Through the Creative Associates initiative, A.B.L.E. trains and employs longtime ensemble members as teaching assistants. According to the latest census, more than 70% of people with disabilities are un/under employed. A.B.L.E.’s Creative Associates earn a competitive salary while gaining transferable job skills like communication, leadership, adaptability, and collaboration. Founding Ensemble member Rachel Buchanan will support the Misericordia partnership by teaching favorite warm ups and games like Here to There. Misericordia staffers will also join in on the fun to support their participants and ensure participants have the additional support they need to thrive.
Creative Associate Rachel Buchanan will support the 6 week residency, serving as a peer mentor and model for Misericordia’s residents.
Photo by Joe Mazza/BraveLux
The hope from both organizations is that this will set the stage for a larger collaboration in the future, maybe even a resident ensemble at Misericordia.
““Nonprofit organizations like ours have faced so much instability and uncertainty over the past few years. But we know that we are always strongest when we work together.” ”
Would you like to bring A.B.L.E.’s team to your school, organization, or group for an outreach session? Check out the informational packets below or contact us for more information.
More about outreach partner, Misericordia
Misericordia Home is located on Chicago’s north side and supports more than 600 children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities by providing the full continuum of care designed to meet each person’s changing needs and maximize his or her independence. Misericordia offers residential placement on a 37-acre campus with 14 homes in the community as well as employment opportunities and therapy and recreational programs. Misericordia strives to be a diverse and inclusive community of acceptance, respect and dignity. To donate, learn more or if you are seeking employment opportunities visit their website at www.misericordia.org
More about grant partner, DCASE
The City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) supports artists and cultural organizations, invests in the creative economy, and expands access and participation in the arts throughout Chicago’s 77 neighborhoods. As a collaborative cultural presenter, arts funder, and advocate for creative workers, our programs and events serve Chicagoans and visitors of all ages and backgrounds, downtown and in diverse communities across our city — to strengthen and celebrate Chicago. DCASE produces some of the city’s most iconic festivals, markets, events, and exhibitions at the Chicago Cultural Center, Millennium Park, and in communities across the city — serving a local and global audience of 25 million people. The Department offers cultural grants and resources, manages public art, supports TV and film production and other creative industries, and permits special events throughout Chicago. Learn more at https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/dca.html
