LOYD Guest Blogger: Donna Folan

As part of our ongoing Lead to Opportunities for Youth with Disabilities (LOYD) and quality discussion, we are posting guest authors who are contributing to the Out-of-School Time Field. As an artist, director, and teacher, Donna Folan, Director of Until Tomorrow Productions, embraces both the nontraditional and unconventional. She believes that the outcome of creative work should never be known in advance, so something new is always shared and learned. The process of exploration in all activities is always changing, engaging all the participants in new and unexpected ways.

There is not one central place that provides support for OST participants with disabilities. While economic times are difficult, not all solutions are financial.

Some important considerations are:
o What is your current organizations level of physical and programmatic access?
o What are the needs of all your participants.
What supports or accommodations needed for participants with disabilities?
o Does your organization have a line item in the budget dedicated to accommodations in grants? This is a clear indication of commitment to inclusion to funders and may provide a way to pay for some needed accommodations.

Many people can have the same disability that does not mean they all have the same assistance. Disability is not one size fits all. Accommodations need to be individually designed.

All people connect to learning in a variety of ways, when designing activities have as many ways "in" as possible for all participants. Think about a flexible model that grows up around your groups. Provide information in a variety of formats and Multi-Modal Approaches gives much support. Everyone can and will achieve goals and will do so in a different way. A lot of creativity and coloring outside the lines.


Donna has extensive experience in acting, directing, and knowledge of most other areas of performing arts. She utilizes this experience to assist group members to identify their areas of interest and passion. Donna has a personal understanding of how creativity and theater enable individuals to decide how large or small a part they want their disability to play in their artistic work. Donna is able to help youth with disabilities and those without gain a realization that regardless of the challenges, or obstacles they face, no one factor can solely decide who they are. Participating in creating theater teaches this valuable lesson. It is imperative to provide fully inclusive and accessible settings where all people can learn from each other in a positive and equal environment.