See below to see what went on during Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month 2021!
~Check back with us for more updates and event information for 2022~
2021 March Developmental Disability Awareness Month
The Council hosted two live virtual presentations - they can be viewed here!
Below you will find the two live virtual presentation recordings and information. These were two wonderful presentations full of amazing content from individuals and organizations and State Agencies throughout Wyoming! Please feel free to view and share with others!
Fostering a Culture of Access in Arts Programs and Organization
Original presentation date: March 18, 2021
Description: Join us as Tyler Cessor explores ART 321's journey towards dismantling barriers to participation in ongoing programs and efforts to create population specific arts programs. People with disabilities are often met with exclusion before programs are adapted to be more inclusive. Tyler will share resources, strategies, and lessons learned for arts programs and organizations to take a more proactive approach in developing a culture of access.
Bio: Tyler Cessor serves as the Executive Director of ART 321, an arts incubator based in Casper, Wyoming. He is passionate about creating opportunities and space for artists to develop their creative practices in the most relevant and authentic ways possible, and reducing the impact of systemic barriers that hinder that development. Tyler is a frequent speaker on arts and community development, equity in the arts & culture landscape, and multicultural inclusive adult learning and self-authorship at events hosted by The Wyoming Homeless Collaborative, College Music Society, and the Wyoming Department of Health’s “Health Equity Talks” among others.
To view the presentation, visit: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1USgJmeRIIqvT9bM8MnjgFYGXpA9Nsuju/view?usp=sharing
Did you view a replay of the presentation? We'd love to hear your feedback or any additional questions! This greatly benefits us and how we provide information when reporting federally. Please visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeRlmX2pSppKBpG3vJ_DvANLaRx1LxffhHDXgut-E8ZclBfVw/viewform?usp=sf_link to provide us with feedback or questions after viewing.
For programmatic information, please visit
Creative Aging in Wyoming Public Libraries Initiative
Original presentation date: March 25, 2021
The Creative Aging in Wyoming Public Libraries Initiative is a partnership between the Wyoming Arts Council, Wyoming State Library, and Lifetime Arts to bring creative aging training and programs to Wyoming libraries. In March 2021, Wyoming-based teaching artists and representatives from Wyoming public libraries undertook the first stage of the initiative--professional training in creative aging best practices from Lifetime Arts, a nationally-recognized leader in arts and aging. Creative aging is arts education programming designed to improve overall wellness and quality of life for older adults.
In this panel, hear from Josh Chrysler, Health & Wellness Specialist at the Wyoming Arts Council; Nathan Majoros, Deputy Director of Lifetime Arts; Nicholle Gerherter, Cody Library Manager; and Deborah Kassner, a teaching artist from Laramie. Topics of discussion will include the value and importance of creative aging programming for Wyoming, experiences for librarians and teaching artists undergoing the creative aging training, and the plans for the initiative moving forward.
To view the presentation, visit: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Xe1chflDjNLCKFS8gqE7OBDpdLcK_0rs/view?usp=sharing
Did you view a replay of the presentation? We'd love to hear your feedback or any additional questions! This greatly benefits us and how we provide information when reporting federally. Please visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSesYMoi2xJuw0M0x_PYQ0mNIvqZWcoaROMOpJd27Vofo5KIpg/viewform?usp=sf_link to provide us with feedback or questions after viewing.
For programmatic information, please visit
Artwork by JM
JM.Artwork2021.pdf
Summary of the 2020 Luncheon
Date of Event: March 12, 2020
Event Location: Little America Hotel and Resort – 2800 W. Lincolnway, Cheyenne, WY 82009
Approximate number of Attendees: 158
Content of the event:
The event focused on Advocacy and celebrating March as Developmental Disability Awareness Month. The Council does this celebrating artists and various mediums of art state wide. Mediums of art included origami, original watercolor paintings, etc. An activity called a “quick draw”, where multiple artists complete a piece of art over an hour, took place during the event.
Wyoming State Advocates in Leadership (WYSAIL), the State’s current leadership group, conducted an activity to start the event off. The Wyoming Arts Council followed WYSAIL and presented on their Council’s grant options, organizations, and various programs that focus on inclusion – the programs include health and wellness, arts and recover, and others that focus diversity, equity, and inclusion.
The main lunch presenters was Leslie O’Hashi with Bodylines Dance Studio, a local dance studio in town. Leslie presented on Bodyline Dance Studio’s various available programs, her detailed training to provide an inclusive studio. She and multiple dancers from her program for a short performance.
Overall, the luncheon was well attended and well received. Attendance was down from last year; the main factor was the uncertainty and precautions taken by individuals during the time of COVID-19. Another factor that was that the event was hosted on a Thursday; Wyoming tends to have more attendance for this event when it is hosted on a Friday. We plan to host the event on a Friday in 2021.
Testimonials were taken during this event. Three questions were asked:
What is something you learned today – what is one thing you will take way from today that you can use in the future?
Two of the response were:
“This was a great connection to programs I did know were available. I plan to contact the programs featured today for my daughter” – Brittany Hankinson-McGovern, Family Member.
“Everyone has talent” –Jennifer Tatro, Person with DD
What impact does that arts have on your life and in your community?
Two responses were:
“It makes everyone smile when you all like art. It helps my self-esteem and yours” – Karlena Bertagnole, Person with DD
“I love any kind of Art, expression is very important and there are so many ways to express yourself it’s beautiful” Kathlyleen Bannon, Family Member
How do you plan to celebrate March Developmental Disability Awareness Month?
Two responses were:
“Keeping positive Attitude for my partners, coming to luncheon and spending time with DD Family Members” Kathlyleen Bannon, Family Member
“DO more in the Community” – Elizabeth Nevin, Person w/ DD