Beyond Labels: An ARTful Celebration of Abilities

The Mount Vernon Arts Consortium is thrilled to bring you Beyond Labels: An ARTful Celebration of Abilities, an event dedicated to honoring the talents and achievements of individuals with developmental disabilities and the invaluable contributions of Direct Support Professionals. Their time, dedication, and unwavering support do not go unnoticed and are integral to the success and well-being of individuals with developmental disabilities. Featuring The Improvaneers: The Improvaneers are the world’s first all Down Syndrome improvisation troupe. Through the Improvaneer Method Way, a ground-breaking and game-changing program, participants build problem-solving, quick-thinking, teamwork, listening, as well as self-confidence and communication skills. Honing these skills improve social, workplace and lifetime opportunities for those with developmental disabilities. “When you get the chance to see an Improvaneer performance, beyond the hilariously amazing things happening on stage, watch the reaction of the audience--parents and caregivers of those with developmental disabilities, those with developmental disabilities, and those who don’t fall into those first two categories—as they grapple with a perception being changed drastically before their eyes. Blue Spectrum: Diagnosed with autism at the age of four, this determined young man taught himself to play the acoustic, electric and bass guitars at the age of 14. But it was his introduction to the blues sound that provided the musical construct from which he developed his own style. Hosted by Nick Doyle of the Improvaneers Prior to the show, sponsors will present the Beyond Labels Services Showcase. The Showcase will be held on two floors within the Knox Memorial, Veterans Hall and the Memorial Ballroom, and will feature providers and social services organizations from Knox and surrounding counties, as well as an artwork exhibition, concessions, and music from RockAbility, a group that welcomes musicians with disabilities into existing, performance-based musical projects of varying genres.