As Brayden gets older, we have started to engage in more conversations about what the day to day might look like when he ages out of the public school system. We know that Brayden loves school. In fact, he’s already asking about his book bag and the school bus and we’re only on summer break! What will fill his days when school is no longer the routine?
For many individuals, both with and without disabilities, school provides so much more than academics. It offers structure, meaningful activities and opportunities to socialize.
While the transition to adulthood can be exciting, families and caregivers often find themselves searching for new spaces where their loved one can remain connected and meaningfully engaged. The need for inclusive opportunities doesn't end at graduation; in many ways, it becomes even more important. Unfortunately, we have observed, through our own research and conversations with individuals, families and caregivers, that adults with disabilities often face a gap in age-appropriate spaces where they can be in community, build friendships and explore personal interests.
For this reason, we are thrilled that we had the opportunity to talk with a couple of the women behind Uncommon Collective RVA. Eight special educators have come together to create Uncommon Collective RVA, an elevated social club for adults (18+) with disabilities. They recently hosted their first ever event at the Richmond Museum of Fine Arts. Participants took a brief tour of selected floral works and the sculpture garden before heading over to the Virginia Museum of History and Culture for a Paint & Sip, featuring make-your-own mocktails and floral paintings! We got a sneak peek of photos from the event and all of the smiles told us the event was a huge success! Their next event is scheduled for July 11th at Stony Point Fashion Park where they will start with guided yoga, take a stroll around the park and finish with gelato!
All people deserve opportunities that allow them to be a part of the community and reflect their interests at every stage of life. We are grateful for the work Uncommon Collective RVA is doing and we can’t wait to watch them grow and see the impact they will have on individuals and families in our community. Organizations like this give us a lot of hope for Brayden and his peers' futures.
You can visit https://ucrva.org/ to learn more about Uncommon Collective RVA, the programs they offer and how you can support their mission.
