Self-Advocacy & Social Skills Through the Arts

"Self-Advocacy and Social Skills" is a class for students with disabilities ages 13+ to learn and build communication skills, self-advocacy, and confidence. Studio classes provide the chance to learn, review, and practice the necessary skills for the field trip. This includes learning about a facility, expected behaviors for that location, social communication, and self-advocacy skills--especially if something doesn't go as planned or causes an increase in anxiety for the participants. The learned skills will be put into practice by visiting 4 different community art locations, including an art studio, museum, dance class, and theater performance. Caregivers learn to support participants as they grow their skills - by learning tools and effective strategies in the classroom and then putting them to use in the field. Participants and a caregiver attend all classes and field trips, but completing a stained glass project at Bluebird Stained Glass Studio is optional for the caregiver.   

8 Classes: 4 Classroom & 4 Field Trips

• Week A: Prep + Skill Building (classroom)

• Week B: Community Visit (real-world practice)

1A: September 14, 6-8pm, STEP VA Studio

1B: September 21, 6-8pm, Bluebird Stained Glass Studio

• Create a 3x3 stained glass art piece (included for participant, $10 extra for caregiver)

• Stained glass must be kiln fired after class, so will be available to participants at a later date

2A: September 28, 6-8pm, STEP VA Studio

2B: October 5, 6-8pm, Fredericksburg Area Museum

3A: October 19, 6-8pm, STEP VA Studio

3B: October 26, 6-8pm, Avery Ballet at Fredericksburg Academy

• Observe and participate in a dance class

4A: November 2, 6-8pm, STEP VA Studio

4B: Friday, November 13, Footloose at Massaponax High School, exact details TBD

• Show tickets are included in the registration fee for participant and 1 caregiver

• Extra tickets can be purchased when registering if desired (can also be purchased through MHS)

Need financial assistance to participate? Please complete a Scholarship Application: Link to Fall 2026 Scholarship Application