HISTORY

Allegro Foundation… a Champion for Children with Disabilities, is the North Carolina continuation of the Pacific Foundation for the Performing Arts, founded in 1991 in Los Angeles by Pat Farmer. We develop and teach movement education classes for children with mental retardation and Down syndrome, children with orthopedic challenges (wheelchairs and walkers) children with cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy and spina bifida, individuals with learning disabilities, hearing and visual impairments, children at-risk, and children with cancer. We conduct in school and after school outreach programs. Allegro representatives work closely with school/facility personnel to plan programs that will satisfy requirements of the N.C. Standard Course of Study in the Movement, Healthful Living, Math and Literacy curriculums. Public education and awareness is accomplished by performances and speaking engagements. Through membership in a local task force, we advocate for individuals with disabilities.

Since 2000, we have served 600 children in 3 public schools, 6 preschools and 3 community outreach programs. 120 typically developing teens and more than 500 adults are trained to serve as one-on-one Peer Helpers/teaching assistants.  Current weekly teaching capacity is 1,200 children. Approximately 10% of our children are Latino, 80% are African American, and 10% are Caucasian. All are disabled, and at least 85% are economically disadvantaged.

We serve children with disabilities through pre-existing programs and by collaborating to create new opportunities. We train typically developing children/youth and adult volunteers as teaching assistants. We seek to reduce stereotyping, teach about the capabilities of individuals with disabilities, and illustrate the effectiveness of education and awareness through public performances, and participation in local community events.