Learning Unlimited kicks off with an Irish jig

Visitors from the Goodwin Academy of Irish Dance (www.goodwinirishdance.com) showed off their fancy footwork for an enthusiastic audience at the first-of-the-season event for Learning Unlimited, a free program for adults with disabilities. The dancers demonstrated a variety of traditional and modern dance moves, and then encouraged their new fans to try a few steps themselves. Together, everyone participated in a large group Irish folk dance called a ceili that celebrates social gathering with friends.

Learning Unlimited is a 10-week program that provides an opportunity for group members to get together to work on social, leisure and independent living skills. It is offered in spring and fall sessions through a grant from OPWDD (Organization for People with Developmental Disabilities).  The grant is run through Monroe #1 BOCES; Monroe 2-Orleans BOCES Department for Exceptional Children manages the program for residents on the west side of Rochester. It is free for adults who live at home and qualify for OPWDD services. Registration information for the fall session will be available through local support services organizations and BOCES 2 Transition classes in early August. 

Program coordinator Kara Reidy-Vedder said, “We do a combination of in-house and community activities including bowling, painting pottery, game nights and dance parties. Everything is focused on developing skills needed for employment and for simply living your best life. Usually around 35 folks join us for each session. We have a ton of fun learning together!”