Student poet engages 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.

• The lack of arts opportunities for students with disabilities, by bringing the arts directly to 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 and those receiving IEP/504 services, by providing opportunities for self-expression, new skill development, and feelings of accomplishment
• Separation of self-contained 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

*YA recognizes the importance of language when describing identities. In acknowledgment of individuals’ diverse identities and varied language preferences, we use three terms throughout our United We Discover efforts: Disabled students/artists; students with disabilities; and students receiving IEP/504 services.

Each participating school works with one lead teaching artist who has expertise in working with Disabled students and/or a teaching artist having personal lived experience as a Disabled person. School educators, the lead teaching artist, and YA staff will undertake a co-planning process to design a suite of programs that can include any combination of school-wide performances, in-depth residency work, professional learning for teachers, and community programming based on each school’s needs. In addition to core work with the lead teaching artist, schools can choose programming with visiting artists.

Teaching Artists since 2020

• • Bobby Beetcut
  • David Harrell
  • Erik James Montgomery
  • Heidi Latsky Dance
  • Hip Hop Fundamentals
  • Laura Marchese
  • Marilyn Keating
  • Mary Knysh
  • Molly Gaston Johnson
  • Musiquita
  • Summer Dawn
  • TAHIRA
  • The Colors of Frida
  • The Amazing Junk Jam Band

• School Partners since 2020
  • Anna Iandoli Early Learning Center, Paterson NJ
  • Celebrate the Children, Denville NJ
  • McKinley Elementary, Newark NJ
  • Mercer Elementary, Hamilton NJ
  • Paterson School 15, Paterson NJ
  • Paul Robeson Community School, New Brunswick NJ
  • Salome Ureña Elementary School, Newark NJ
  • Walter C Black Elementary School, Hightstown NJ
  • Wilson Avenue School, Newark NJ

Participant Population: Program services are provided to allow for Disabled students and general education peers to have a shared arts experience. Program services can include arts-based professional learning for teachers who work with students who receive IEP and 504 services, and general education students and Community Arts & Creativity programming.

Scope of Programming: For maximum impact each school schedules 2 planning meetings,  3 performances and 10-15 workshop days, 1 professional learning session, and one community arts and creativity session