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People with Down Syndrome and Other Disabilities Find Their Rhythm in Indiana Dance Program
The program has expanded from a summer camp to year-round classes for about 20 people, with tailored instruction and physical guidance.
- Dance Abilities, a program in Fishers, Ind., provides inclusive dance classes for people with physical and intellectual disabilities, founded by Claire Graham.
- Graham started the program after realizing her sister with Down syndrome could not connect with traditional dance activities, designing it as an accepting space.
- Accommodations include slowing down instruction, using visual cues, and teacher helpers who physically guide students with Down syndrome or autism through movements.
- Students like 13-year-old Tucker McGarrell build confidence and communication skills through dance. "It's just such a huge thing that Tucker's given a space and a stage to be himself," his mother Amanda McGarrell said.
- The program has grown in three years from a summer camp for eight youngsters to year-round classes for about 20 people, with Graham emphasizing that students can 100% grow when given the chance to succeed.
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People with Down syndrome and other disabilities find their rhythm in
From left, Amelia Woods sits in front as Samantha Hatch holds Elsie Bickett, while Maliyah Rider stands next to Claire Graham in front of a mirror during a Dance Abilities class at the Academy of Dance Arts in the Indianapolis suburb of Fishers, Ind., Thursday, Sept. 17, 2026. (AP Photo/Obed Lamy)
·Baltimore, United States
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Winnipeg Free Press+13 Reposted by 13 other sources
People with Down syndrome and other disabilities find their rhythm in Indiana dance program
FISHERS, Ind. (AP) — Finn Vester, who has autism and Down syndrome, tried a martial arts class but it proved unsuitable because he learns differently, his mother said.
·Winnipeg, Canada
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Total News Sources17
Leaning Left9Leaning Right2Center5Last UpdatedBias Distribution56% Left
Bias Distribution
- 56% of the sources lean Left
56% Left
L 56%
C 31%
13%
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