Programs

The DSAYR aims to offer a variety of programs to help our members supplement their skills building, both physical and cognitive. You must be a current member and have paid the nominal annual fee to participate in any of the following programs. Please contact the facilitator of the specific program if you want to join or have questions.


  • Musical Theatre
  • VIRTUAL – Musical Therapy
  • VIRTUAL – ARTSHINE
  • Chatterboxes (Speech & Language and Occupational Therapy Group)
  • Karate 4 Change
  • Best Buddies Bowling Club: 5 pin Bowling
Musical Theatre

Dates: Sundays, Oct – Dec 2023
Time: 1:00pm – 2:00pm
Location: in Person – Thatz Showbiz Studio, 4300 Steeles Ave W Unit 22, Woodbridge, ON L4L 4C2
Cost: $125
Theatre Instructor: Sarah Magni
Participant Ages: ages 13+
Contact: Sarah Magni by email at sarah@thatzshowbiz.com

Thatz Showbiz Theatre Project believes in theatre as Education, Empowerment and Change and offers a number of Classes for all ages and stages and has been a leader in the industry for 10 years. Accessible theatre programs are our top priority and we are excited to offer Disney Dreams Musical Theatre class, in collaboration with DSAYR. It is a one of a kind musical theatre experience enriching the lives of the young artists with disabilities by giving students of all abilities a creative voice and chance to be heard.

Founded and taught by professional New York City singer and performer Sarah Magni who additionally has years of experience in drama therapy, respite care, and arts education, she brings a unique and fascinating program to the special needs community which enhances life skills, builds confidence and empowers students to release their creative potential.

Please ensure your DSAYR Membership is up to date and paid for the current year.

VIRTUAL – Musical Therapy

Dates: Saturdays, Sept – Nov 2023
Time: Times vary by age group
Location: Virtual Online
Cost: varies based on #of weeks of the program
Therapist: Julia Beth Kowaleski, BMT MA NMT-fellow MTA
Participant Ages: all ages
Contact: Julia Beth Kowaleski by email at info@juliasplacemusictherapy.com

Julia Beth Kowaleski is an accredited music therapist (MTA), receiving her initial music therapy training at Wilfrid Laurier University. She has advanced training in neurologic music therapy (NMT) and completed the Masters of Music and Health and Collaborative Program in Neuroscience at the University of Toronto. She is current president of the Music Therapy Association of Ontario. Julia’s Place opened in the summer of 2017. It provides quality music therapy programs for clients with a variety of needs and abilities while specializing in neuro-rehabilitation and child and youth development.

The COVID-19 situation is a difficult time for many people and the need for stimulation, working on goals, and finding ways to deal with extra stress and anxiety is prevalent. We are pleased to be able to offer support. While there are differences from in-person sessions, it is amazing to see the many benefits that our clients receive. Online music therapy sessions primarily take place on a secure “telemedicine” platform which ensures that all sessions are confidential (it complies with PHIPA/PIPEDA requirements). The high quality video and audio allows for interaction between the therapist and the people participating.

Please ensure your DSAYR Membership is up to date and paid for the current year.

VIRTUAL – ARTSHINE

Date: n/a
Time: n/a
Location: n/a
Cost: n/a
Participant Ages: All ages; Kids, Teens, Adults
Contact: Please by email us at info@dsayr.ca or call 416-410-DOWN

The goal of Artshine is to provide an interactive, fun, and social environment for people of all ages and abilities to enjoy being creative. The art program is tailored by age grouping; and offer programs for kids, youth, and adults programming.

The Artshine kits are mailed directly to each family and contains all of the materials each participant needs to complete their classes (plus some extra to enjoy!)

Please ensure your DSAYR Membership is up to date and paid for the current year.

Chatterboxes (Speech & Language and Occupational Therapy Group)

Dates: TBD
Time: TBD
Location: TBD
Cost: TBD
Clinicians: Jenna Feinstein (OT), Amanda Tse (SLP)
Participant Ages: grades SK to Gr2
Contact: Anna Francescangeli by email at info@dsayr.ca or call 416-410-DOWN

The goal of this group is to provide an interactive and social environment that will allow our children to further develop necessary fine motor skills, gross motor skills, as well as elaborate on speech skills. As such, the course will be run by a registered Occupational Therapist and a registered Speech Language Pathologist. Each child will be assessed for fine motor ability and speech levels prior to the course, allowing the clinicians to set specific targets for each child, and work toward achieving those goals during the 8-week program. Maximum participations is 6 children in the group. The subject matter of the sessions will focus on school related themes as well as familiar daily situations. Parents are required to remain online and assist the child with participation. We are excited to be able to offer this virtual version of our Long-running Chatterbox program!

Please ensure your DSAYR Membership is up to date and paid for the current year.

Karate 4 Change

Dates: TBD
Time: TBD
Location: TBD
Cost: TBA
Instructor: Daniel Dees
Participant Ages: All ages
Contact: Daniel Dees by email at karate4change@yahoo.ca for further information.

Excellent gross motor skill building activity, helping with self confidence and self defence. Also a great social program for the students to make friends with others. Daniel is a martial arts professional who has worked with children with special needs for many years. He believes all children can benefit from martial arts training.

Please ensure your DSAYR Membership is up to date and paid for the current year.

Best Buddies Bowling Club: 5 pin Bowling

Date: TBD
Time: TBD
Location: TBD
Cost: TBD
Participant Ages: teens to adults
Contact: Jutta Johnson by email at juttajohnson@rogers.com or call 905-717-6905

A fun, social group that gets together to bowl and have fun throughout the year. We are very interested in growing the group and making new friends. Come on and try it out.

Please ensure your DSAYR Membership is up to date and paid for the current year.