Featuring all things positive and inspiring for members of our community with disabilities and special needs, along with their families. From really cool events to unique programs, stay connected for this monthly feature highlighting special needs news throughout the western suburbs.

Move Dance Studio Offers Dance Classes for Special Needs Moves Dance Studio in North Aurora now offers “Mighty Movers”, a new dance program for individuals with disabilities. The classes teach the fundamentals of ballet, hip hop and creative movement through music while also helping students to develop self-confidence, body awareness, coordination and musicality. The "Mighty Movers" class for children 3 to 11 will run on Saturdays from 11:15am-12:15pm and will be followed by a class for ages 12 and older from 12:15-1:15pm. Students who enroll in Moves' "Mighty Movers" classes will meet on a weekly basis at the dance studio's North Aurora location. The first class is complimentary. In June of next year, they will have the option of performing in the studio's annual dance recital which will be held at Paramount Theatre in Aurora. Moves Dance Studio, (630) 264-6300, www.moves dance.com. Pictured is Jaclyn Kleivo (5), a class participant with Down Syndrome.

Grace United Methodist Church Celebrating Those With Special Needs • February 27 & 28 Grace United Methodist Church in Naperville will host “Embracing Our Special Gifts,” a weekend celebration of the gifts of individuals with special needs on Saturday, February 27, at 5:00pm during worship and Sunday, February 28, during worship at 8:15, 9:30 and 11:00am and between services in the Activity Center. Sponsored by Grace’s Open Doors Ministry (ODM), welcoming and including people with special needs and their families, this event includes an important message from our pastors, family testimonials, sharing from ODM students, their buddies and committee members, opportunities to serve those with special needs, and the sale of “Blessings Bracelets” and other jewelry created by Kelly Neville, a young women with Down Syndrome who has started her own company, “Special Sparkle.” All are welcome to come and learn more about Grace’s ministry to those with special needs and how we can all rejoice in their unique and valuable gifts. Grace Church is located at 300 E. Gartner Road in Naperville; contact nicole.zaccaria@peopleofgrace.org for further information.

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