Let’s discover an equitable arts education!

Program Overview

Student poet wearing a great t-shirt, seated in his wheelchair engaging with teaching artist Michelle Marigliano reciting the student’s original poem.

United We Discover aims to increase positive perceptions of Disabled identities, increase inclusion and equitable educational experiences in schools, and build connected communities.

United We Discover addresses:

  • The lack of arts opportunities for Disabled students, by bringing the arts directly to Disabled students in their schools
  • Negative perceptions of Disabled people, by delivering programs designed to foster respect, understanding, and connection
  • Low self-esteem often experienced by Disabled students, by providing opportunities for self-expression, new skill development, and feelings of accomplishment.
  • Separation of self-contained/special education classrooms and general education classrooms, by providing programs in which Disabled and non-Disabled students co-create art
  • Social isolation experienced by Disabled students, by fostering empathy and a sense of community among participants

Teaching Artists & School Partners

Program Timeline

Smiling dance student wearing gray shirt with blue stripes, with smiling paraprofessional wearing gray hooded sweatshirt.


This initiative is funded in part by an Inclusive Healthy Communities Grant from the Division of Disability Services, New Jersey Department of Human Services and by a Grant for Arts Projects from the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA)