A team of teaching artists embark on a specialized training program for arts and autism, in partnership with NYC Department of Special Education D75.  The program, SEAA has also been recognized by the National Endowment of the Arts with funding to continue into a 4th season next year.

Nine Arts Horizons Teaching Artists embark on a training program which merges professional development, artist-in-residence practicum, and mentoring. This marks the third year of this one-of a-kind initiative. Via dance, drama, music, and now Visual Arts the Special Education Artist Academy (SEAA) endeavors to build best practices in Special Education and the Arts for students with Autism Spectrum.

New this year is the introduction of an interactive website which allows members to follow articles and resources about autism in the news.  Please take a moment to visit the site at:  www.ahseaa.ning.com

Through the Special Education Artist Academy,TA’s are paired with Master Teaching Artists to accrue in-school practicum experience. TA Level 2 have completed one year of training and continue for a final, second year of graduated training. Training includes sessions on Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), designing and implementing curriculum units, creating a safe and nurturing environment, and working with educators to facilitate a residency that meets the needs of the special education classroom.

The 2010 program partners with 3 D75 Special Education Schools including P 255 Queens, P 226 Manhattan, and P188 Bronx and reaches over 40 classes of students with ASD

The 2010 Arts Horizons SEAA is made possible with support from the Dana Foundation, TD Bank, Queens Council for the Arts, NYSCA, and NYC DOE.