Education

At StayLooped, we are dedicated to being a voice for the disabled community, offering news, resources, and a platform for connection. Recently, we had the incredible opportunity to attend and film at the 2024 Tailgate Party for IN! Inclusive Pathways to Higher Education, an event that perfectly encapsulated the power of community, advocacy, and forward…

In a recent episode of StayLooped, host Chris had the privilege of interviewing Lloyd Lewis, the visionary CEO and founder of Arc Thrift Stores. Lloyd’s journey began in 2003 when his son, Kennedy, was born with Down syndrome. This life-changing event sparked a passion in Lloyd to create a better world for people with disabilities,…

In this vlog, Brooklyn Starkey from StayLooped visits the Pickering Creative Artists Academy to explore their unique music programs. The academy offers a variety of lessons, including vocal, piano, and songwriting, but stands out for its special ability program. Michael and Amy Pickering discuss the origins of their 3:30 PM Monday class for high school students and older individuals with special needs. This program fosters an inclusive environment where participants can express themselves creatively through music, acting, dance, and more. The initiative was born from a need for performing arts opportunities for those with special needs, filling a gap left by the shutdown of a previous clinical music therapy program.

This vlog about UNC Disability Services by StayLooped features p Silas and guests Christina Rafati and Laura Anderson discussing the “Go On and Learn” program at the University of Northern Colorado. This inclusive higher education program caters to students with intellectual and developmental disabilities, offering them a chance to participate in regular college classes and activities alongside their peers, while working towards a certification rather than a traditional degree.

In the “Wellspring” video by StayLooped, host Peter visits Wellspring Community in Castle Rock, Colorado, a center providing educational and business opportunities for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Nicole deVries, the executive director, explains that Wellspring was founded by a mother named Mary Lou for her daughter and now offers a day program, work opportunities including a bakery, art studio, and coffee shop, and is developing residential services. Damon, a development associate, shares his personal journey with Wellspring and introduces some of the community activities like music events and food trucks. The video highlights the welcoming and supportive atmosphere of the Wellspring Community.

Discover Havern School with Chris from StayLooped! Dedicated to neurodiverse students from kindergarten through 8th grade, Havern offers specialized educational pathways with a focus on learning disabilities, ADHD, autism, and more. Founded in 1966, the school features a remarkable 3-to-1 student-to-teacher ratio, on-site integrated therapies, and a commitment to individualized student progress. This vlog explores the school’s mission, facilities, and how prospective students can apply. Ideal for parents seeking tailored education solutions for their children, see why Havern School stands out as a leader in neurodiverse education.

In this vlog, Silas from StayLooped covers Regis University’s Global Inclusive College certificate program, designed for students with intellectual disabilities. He explains the program’s framework which includes academic coursework, career exploration, and independent living, supported by faculty, staff, and peer mentors. Funded by the Anna and John J. Sy Foundation and the Global Down Syndrome Foundation, the program offers different levels of engagement, culminating in a higher education certificate. Silas highlights this as a prime option for inclusive education in Denver.