Importance of Performing Arts at SUS
Louis Cavaliere, Senior Vice President, Developmental Disabilities, Home Care & Children Services
You may know that Services for the UnderServed (SUS) is raising funds for the performing arts at our upcoming fundraiser, Fire & Ice, on February 11th at the NYC Fire Museum in Chelsea. The performing arts, and arts in general, are integral to SUS’ mission of providing services and supports for individuals with special needs to live with dignity in the community, direct their own lives and attain personal fulfillment, as they allow the individual to express themselves more fully.
The needs of individuals with developmental disabilities vary because of the differences in what the individual is capable of. Individuals with disabilities – whether it is physical, developmental or psychological – sometimes lack the ability to get their feelings heard through words which perhaps limit full engagement. The act of verbalizing, expressing and then obtaining what we want may seem simple enough to you and I, but to someone who has not been exposed to or does not have the physical or physiological capability to do so causes challenges that prohibit their advancement. However, implementing performing arts into the spectrum of social services for individuals with developmental disabilities has proven to be of great importance as it opens up the individual to other forms of self expression/communication.
The arts are the outlet in which these individuals are able to socialize amongst peers with similar interests while expressing themselves creatively with movement (dancing), colors (painting) and verbalization (singing). However, one of the most challenging aspects in providing these services is keeping individuals engaged in the activity. With practice, the individual realizes their success which can therefore create a sense of accomplishment upon completion of the project.
SUS provides many of these activities currently, including a Movement and Music Therapy class and the SUS choir, Voices of Hope. However, with the current economic environment and looming government budget cuts, these programs may have to go. That is why the Fire & Ice benefit is so essential for our programs. Please come and show your support. To buy tickets click here.