Diverse Ability Workshops

Diverse Ability Workshops are fun, inclusive sessions designed for crafters of all ages and abilities. Led by supportive instructors who celebrate each crafter’s unique talents, our workshops encourage participants to foster creativity and personal growth in a safe, welcoming and positive environment.

Our Workshop Policies & Behavior Guidelines for Success

Our formula for success is simple: small class sizes, understanding diverse abilities, incorporating parent/guardian input, and adhering to strict policies and behavioral guidelines to create an environment that fosters personal goal achievement, direction-following, social skill development, friendships & fun!

We’re thrilled to welcome you, your crafter, and adult support partner (if required)

Policies for Different Ability Workshops

Attendance Support Requirements

Ages 5–7

  • A parent, guardian, nurse, aide, or Direct Support Professional (e.g., Behavioral Health Technician) must accompany crafter for the entire workshop.

  • At the director’s discretion, a crafter may attend future workshops without support after a period of observation & collaboration with behavior supports to ensure suitability.

Ages 8 and up

  • A parent, guardian, nurse, aide, or Direct Support Professional (e.g., Behavioral Health Technician) must accompany crafter for the entire FIRST workshop.

  • At the director’s discretion, the accompanying adult may be required to stay for the entire workshop and future workshops, OR the crafter may attend without support after assessment.

Workshop Locations

  • Workshops are offered both on-site and off-site, depending on required accommodations for crafter

Physical Contact Permission

  • Parent or guardian permission is required for staff to provide physical contact assistance during workshops. This may include touching or guiding a crafter’s finger, hand, or arm to teach a skill or support project success.

Class Scheduling

  • We aim to schedule adult and child Diverse Ability Workshops separately. However, this is not guaranteed, as ability, needs, or class size may require combined classes. For example, a 14-year-old Diverse Ability crafter may be placed in a low-enrollment adult class if deemed appropriate.

Limitations of Services

We do not provide the following services:

  • Toileting or diaper changing

  • Clothing changes

  • Safety restraints

  • Physical comfort (e.g., handholding or hugs)

  • Storage or administration of medications

Behavior Guidelines & Rules For Respectful Behavior

Our workshops are designed to be safe, inclusive, and fun for all crafters. We rarely need to enforce these rules, but they are essential to ensure a positive experience for everyone.

Rules for Respectful Behavior

  • No inappropriate language, negative talk, or comments about race, color, religion, sexuality, politics, appearances, or other crafters’ projects.

  • Physical actions like hitting, inappropriate touching, or throwing objects are not allowed.

Consequences for Rule Violations

  • If a crafter continues inappropriate behavior after redirection, they will be moved to a single table with their support adult.

  • Persistent unsafe behavior will result in dismissal from the workshop for the day. Crafters are welcome to return for the next session with improved behavior.

Supporting Crafters

  • Our team provides teachable moments, reminders, and redirection to help crafters stay on task and safe.

  • We respect your parenting style and your crafter’s unique needs (physical, social, emotional, communication, or allergies) while adhering to our rules.

  • With parent/guardian approval, we use positive reinforcement like reward charts, points, or praise tailored to individual needs.

Managing Challenges

  • If a crafter becomes overstimulated or triggered, their support adult is the first line of support. Our team will assist with recovery techniques as allowed.

  • Once recovered and ready, the crafter may rejoin the workshop.

  • If a crafter cannot recover and their behavior poses a risk to themselves or others, they will be dismissed for the day but are welcome to try again at the next workshop.

Workshop Policies

No Refunds: If a crafter is dismissed or unable to complete a session, we’ll provide a DIY to-go kit to finish their project at home.

Pre-Workshop Tours: To ease any concerns, we’re happy to arrange a tour of the workshop before registration.

Our goal is to create a supportive environment where every crafter can thrive, learn, and have fun!