KOALA (Kids of All Learning Abilities)
Do you need assistance finding after school programs and recreational activities for your child? KOALA is here to help you and your child!
For over 17 years, KOALA has had extensive experience pioneering and advocating to open doors for children with disabilities to be included in after-school programs and recreational opportunities in their schools and communities through the development of disability awareness trainings, peer workshops, program innovation, resource development and tuition assistance. During this time, over 250 children with developmental disabilities have been placed in typical after-school programs, creative arts and recreational activities with their non-disabled peers as a result of the KOALA program's advocacy efforts and collaborative approach. This includes YMCA programs throughout the Metro Boston area, Boys and Girls Clubs, Boston Community School Programs, community centers and projects that KOALA has created and financed.
"Connecting the Dots" Team approach:
KOALA has a track record of successfully bringing stake holders together as a team to create innovative after-school programs for children with disabilities in communities. Through a philosophy of "Connecting the Dots," KOALA coordinates educators, families and peers to work as a team on strategies to improve circumstances for children and their families.
KOALA coordinates a team approach to set up partnerships that "Connect the Dots" to ensure that staff, families, teachers and most of all the kids have the understanding to promote fuller understanding of issues surrounding children with disabilities and to increase access to, and availability of high quality programs that celebrate diversity where all children have the opportunity to learn new skills, make friends and have fun.
Services include:
- Inclusion staff training and in-service workshops
- Disability awareness workshops for children and staff
- KOALA team approach to developing practical supports and resources
- Referral services for families and individuals
- Building friendships and social skills activities
- KOALA resource library: books, DVDs, educational software and theme based activity kits
KOALA Programs
SPICES Greenhouse Ecology Club
Charlestown High School
SPICES, is an inclusive Ecology Greenhouse after school club going into its third year at Charleston High School. A diverse group of SPICES Club members team up to plan greenhouse and community gardening activities that beautify the school surroundings, and add spice to school lunches while they learn about topical issues related to the environment.
SPICES Club members are supported by a dynamic caring staff to focus on invaluable life skills including; community building, problem solving, and social skills, while having fun and putting into practice "hands on learning" that enhances their abilities to be leaders in their school and opens doors for career opportunities.
This year SPICES is pleased to announce that they will be expanding and setting up a Computer Center as a resource for SPICES Club members. This is a terrific opportunity for members to make connections using technology and to develop literacy, math and research skills.
The bottom line is having FUN while learning in a supportive environment with peers.
You Choose the Music
Mildred Middle School
Mattapan, MA
Tynan Dancers/Therapeutic Arts, Music and Movement Initiative
(funded by a DMR autism mini grant)
Express Yourself
Haggerty School
Cambridge, MA
Express Yourself
Kennedy School
Somerville, MA
Other activities include Yoga, participating in Boston's First Night parade activities, Computer Clubhouses at Gavin Middle School, Somerville H.S. and Boston Families for Autism.
