January Update 2024

In our first newsletter for 2024 we are showcasing our Teen Program, one of PCDA's many group programs that support positive peer to peer relationships and a sense of connection, while promoting self-advocacy, autonomy, and authentic peer to peer connection. Also in this issue we

celebrate our collaboration with Pasadena Playhouse

and share registration information about NoteAbles, our incredible choir.

Teens in Little Tokyo

On a recent Saturday, one PCDA Teen Group decided to take the Metro to Little Tokyo. Two facilitators, Natalie and Katrina, and their group of 7 teens and several parents walked to the metro station and boarded the metro. On a previous visit they had taken the Metro to Union Station, but Little Tokyo was worrisome for one particular teen because it was a longer ride. He was feeling unsure, and for this reason, his parent joined the trip. When the group arrived in Little Tokyo, there was an option to ride an escalator or an elevator to street level. As a group, they decided to board an elevator together. One facilitator noted, “it was a tight squeeze, but the group was confident we could all fit.”

The young man who was most anxious started to feel really scared in the elevator and started expressing his fears, “I don’t know about this! I’m scared!” Before his parent or either facilitator could comment, other teens in the group started offering support saying, “I know, this is hard!”, “We are here together, it’s almost there!”

Our Teens live the mission of PCDA to create a community that builds on strengths and relationships to prepare young people with Autism and developmental disabilities for a future in which they are empowered, fulfilled, and feel the security of belonging.

We celebrate how quickly the group supported their peer, immediately without pause, helping him feel heard, supported, and included and all the support came directly from the peer group members. No one minimized his fear, no one told him not to be afraid, everyone supported him when he was afraid. Peer groups are to create situations where the group members feel heard, valued, and part of the community as they explore their goal areas. While the trip and Metro ride clearly hit on program community inclusion goals, the peer-to-peer support was felt as the most successful moment of the group that day.

Learn more about our TEEN and other GROUP Programs

HURRY!

NoteAbles Choir

Enrollment Closes SOON!

PCDA's NoteAbles Choir is a place for children ages 6-10 to explore the elements of music, collaborate and celebrate their creative expression.

Our adapted format is suitable for all learning styles and creates a sense of belonging

and acceptance that fosters self-esteem.

NoteAbles resumes on

February 02, 2023,

meeting each Fridays

from 5pm-6pm.

Scholarships are available

For more information

and to sign up,

please contact

Ana Alvarez

ana@pcdateam.org

(626) 793-7350 ext 108

PCDA

working with

Pasadena Playhouse

PCDA is thrilled to be working with Pasadena Playhouse in helping to cultivate the next generation of theater goers, while assuring that the theater is accessible to all. Plans are underway for members of our Teen Group to provide meaningful feedback to the Playhouse to help shape their accessibility efforts.

The upcoming production of

Grumpy Monkey, The Musical runs

February 3rd – March 3rd

on Saturdays and Sundays

at Porticos Art Space

located at 2033 E Washington Blvd. Pasadena, CA 91104.

Meet Jim Panzee and all his friends as they enjoy a wonderful day of exciting adventures.

There’s just one problem; Jim is in no mood for any fun OR games, and no one knows why!

The hilarious #1 New York Times bestselling picture book comes to life on stage in a world premiere musical. Grumpy Monkey, The Musical is the perfect story for families and kids because

we all experience those big feelings.

Not every day is a good one, and that’s okay.

GENERAL ADMISSION SEATING

The world of Grumpy Monkey was created so that everyone can imagine at their own comfort level. With your General Admission ticket, you’ll have the choice to sit on either the Jungle Floor or General Admission Seats – you won’t have to make that choice now, simply purchase a ticket and decide once you arrive at the theater!

Jungle Floor Seating is available for young explorers who want to move around and interact with Jim and all his friends.
Don’t want to be in the center of the action? Needing a little less stimulation? General Admission Seats will be available for everyone (including grownups!) who wants to sit a little further back and just delight in the hijinks.

PCDA families are welcome to attend using the promo code PCDA for 25% OFF tickets Feb 4 - 25.

Please note:

Promotional Offer is Valid Feb 4 - 25.

Maximum 9 Tickets per reservation.

Tickets are subject to availability, non-transferable and non-exchangeable.

This offer cannot be combined with any other offers and is not valid on

any previously purchased tickets.

To Reserve Your Tickets:

At PCDA, we believe that relationships lie at the heart of a young person’s development—the relationship with oneself, the relationships among families, and the relationships between behaviors and experiences.

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