Wow - my first new thread ...
Since February, we have had a couple of 'Special Needs' lads come to our regular Ceroc night, with a 'carer' (who doesn't join in the lesson or dance, but makes sure they take their medication). Actually we have had different groups of people, not the same individuals every week.
I just wondered what experience other forumites have had with dance for people with special needs ?
We were initially worried that it might put our regulars or other beginners off, and adversely affect future success of the night. Generally dancers are great people and most seem to form a very tolerant and supportive community. We have more trouble with the occasional drunk that rolls in, but I hope people can tell the difference.
Individuals vary enormously, of course - one lad ( who I would guess has Down's Syndrome ) takes it very seriously - attentive during the lesson, following instruction perfectly, and dancing well all night. He has a better sense of rhythm, and learns better than most men ! Another has a fair stab at the lesson, but tends to just enjoy the atmosphere - flashing coloured lights - putting his head against the speaker etc.
Any tips for teachers ? If you are the type that will repeat an instruction until the last person in class does it to perfection before moving on to the next move (or the next beat !) then it will get very disruptive and frustrating all round.
In the Taxis' Refresher lesson, I just gave the lesson as simple, clear and straight as possible, progressing at a normal speed. They pick up what they can, and miss what they can't. I suspect that labouring a point could embarrass them, and not actually help.
Has anyone tried segregation - a separate class beforehand, or a separate lesson by taxis outside the first lesson, but simultaneous ?
Maybe a 'fixed row' that doesn't participate in the rotation - with volunteer experienced partners ?
Has anyone come up with a system, like the existing pink/orange stickers for beginners ?
I'm thinking of green stickers identifying experienced people who are happy to dance with people who are struggling ... and/or red stickers for people who aren't !
Anyone know the legal position (Disability Discrimination Act) if we were to treat some people differently (even to the extent of denying them access !!)
Or any insurance & safety issues/ risk assessments ? To some extent the same kind of 'protecting the vulnerable' worries that prompt the age-over-16 rule apply.
The most encouraging aspect is that we were busking in a shopping centre recently, and a lad who appeared to have Down's Syndrome, completely unknown to us, came and joined in - he had a great time, even asking members of the public to dance. I don't know where he had learned to dance, but he was pretty good at leading. Good PR or not ? I don't know, or care !
On the other hand, rather than the 'care in the community' approach, has anyone taken MJ into institutions or clubs like PHAB/MIND as an outreach/therapy thing ? Maybe we should find out where our guys are coming from & go to them instead ?
It's potentially a tricky situation, and I would welcome any suggestions ...