Grant Boosts Support for Intellectual Disability Programs

Inspired by Parlando’s founder and executive director’s sister, Julie’s Program provides music and theatrical classes and performance opportunities to members of some of our most often overlooked community members: People living with intellectual and developmental disabilities, as well as neurodiversities. Built on the belief that music and the arts should be available to everyone, Julie's Program ensures that people of ALL abilities are able to pursue their passions and interests.

During the 2022-2023 academic year Parlando provided over $25,000 in programming to more than 1,300 people with disabilities and neurodiversities. Programming was offered both in-person and online, including a return to an in-person collaborative staged performance with IMAGINE.

From Gina Coufal, Founder and Executive Director of FRIENDS of Broomfield: Music has great therapeutic value to many of our folks with sensory integration difficulties. We have also seen some of our non-verbal participants come alive.

“We thank you for continuing providing this class to our adults as they look forward to it each week. Your music class continues to be one of the MOST popular classes they choose from. You have created something truly extraordinary."

“We are very grateful to you, your staff, and your supporters for making this happen!”

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