Introducing the Felix Awards

Let it be known:

Extreme Kids & Crew will honor individuals in the arts who have moved the general public’s perception of disability away from fear and loathing towards a more nuanced wonder at the
multiplicity of being and the diversity of experience.

At the organization’s spring gala, Rosanne Cash will present the Felix Award in Writing to Andrew Solomon, whose book Far From the Tree illuminates the experiences of parents
raising children with disabilities, provides valuable analytic tools for understanding complicated family dynamics, and demonstrates the transformative power of communities based on difference. Karen Pittman will present the Felix Award in Art to Jill Mullin, whose book Drawing Autism showcases an impressive array of work by professional and amateur artists on the autism spectrum, blasting through the misconception that people with autism have no imagination.

The leadership at Extreme Kids & Crew is comprised of parents who have experience both inside and outside the world of disability and are acutely aware of the general population’s
awkwardness, fear, pity, and sometimes outright derision regarding people with disabilities. While living with disability and caring for those with disabilities is no picnic, neither is it the gloomy tomb it is often made out to be. Indeed the challenges, pains, frustrations, and injustices associated with disability can lead to creativity, resilience, humor and novel ways of perceiving the world. Much of the disconnect between what disability looks like from the outside and what it feels like from the inside has do with misunderstanding and inexperience.

We at Extreme Kids & Crew have initiated the Felix Awards because we believe that the arts have an important role to play in breaking down some of this misunderstanding. A deeper knowledge of disability not only can make for better manners and civic relations, but also can help members of the general public better accept their own frailties, quirks, and mortality. Most of us will become disabled at some point in our lives. Most of us will also care for a disabled loved one. Understanding that disability need not be a punishment, banishment, end-of-everything-good, but that it is simply a part of life, is surely useful to our
collective mental health.

“Growing Up with a Special Needs Sibling” Panel Discussion

February 26th, 2014:

For parents caught up in the day to day struggle of raising a “mixed family”, one that includes both special needs and typically developing children. This is not a “how to” session but an open exploration of five very different panelists’ experiences. Moderated by Dr. Judy Grossman of the Ackerman Institute.

SNOW DAY!

February 13th, 2014:

We are calling “Uncle!” and canceling Gym Stars gymnastics today, Thursday February 13th. Stay warm and dry or at the very least safe today!

Turning 5 Panel is On for Monday March 3rd!

March 3, 2014:

Come ask all your questions, and hear from parents who have been through the experience, including our very own Caitlin Cassaro! Details on the flyer: Monday March 3, 6:30-8:30 at Congregation Beth Elohim, 274 Garfield Place at 8th Ave in Park Slope.

Next Music & Art Double Day Saturday March 22nd!

March 4th, 2014:

We are excited to announce our next doubly exciting Music & Art Saturday for March 22nd! Last month’s snowstorm forced us to cancel, but Jamila is back to lead a Vision Boarding workshop, and we are super excited that Audra Rox and her bandmate Jen of Audra Rox, Inc will be playing for us!

This is the best kind of kids’ music: infectious fun that will have leave whole crowd happy.

Extreme Homeschoolers Groups at CAP

February 12th, 2014:

Are you homeschooling your child who has disabilities or special needs?

Are you interested in a low-key, fun playgroup where your child can socialize, explore sensory gym equipment, and participate in semi-structured activities like arts-and-crafts?

Do you want to meet new friends who understand the challenges and joys of homeschooling children with disabilities/special needs?

“Extreme Homeschoolers!” may be just what you’re looking for. On Fridays, we’re opening two groups for homeschooled children with disabilities/special needs and their caregivers this Spring semester. Gather at Extreme Kids & Crew’s CAP House sensory playspace, enjoy playtime and socialization in an open, friendly environment, and participate in activities tailored toward the needs and interests of the children in the group. This program is free of charge.

This program will be facilitated by Emily Brooks, Program Coordinator, CAP House, Extreme Kids & Crew. Emily Brooks is a disability services professional who works with children and teenagers, and their teachers, parents and caregivers. She has three years experience assisting in a high school special education classroom and one-and-a-half years assistant teaching preschool and elementary school students with a variety of special needs, in special education and integrated preschool settings in the US and in a special education elementary school in Guatemala. Additionally, she has planned and facilitated arts and craft workshops, both one-on-one and for small groups. Homeschooled for eight years of her education, Emily is comfortable and familiar with the homeschooling community.

For more information or to sign up, please email facilitator Emily Brooks at emilybrooks@extremekidsandcrew.org.

Weekly Regular Schedule

March 3rd, 2014:

Have a look at our current regular weekly schedule. Special events not included.