"In Celebration of Our Children and Youth" is an exciting, free, full-day event that provides children and youth with disabilities with the opportunity to see and experience first-hand the wonder and enjoyment of disability arts and culture.

"In Celebration of Our Children and Youth" includes diverse performances by an international line-up of artists with disabilities; artists specially selected for their skill and ability to relate to children and youth while also exemplifying artistic excellence. Since 2005, children and youth with disabilities have joined Abilities Arts Festival in an incredible day of celebration, entertainment and participation. Having grown to participation by over 1,100 children and youth with disabilities and their teachers from across the Greater Toronto Area, our children's program remains a vital and exciting part of our annual programming.

Music, mime, story-telling and much more will ensure that children of different ages, with varying disabilities, have the opportunity to access the performing arts in its many forms.

"In Celebration of Our Children and Youth" will provide children and youth with disabilities with the opportunity to participate in a positive and exciting event that acknowledges their strengths, recognizes and respects their disabilities and introduces them to the possibilities that await them.

ASL translation will be provided and attendants will be available throughout the day-long celebration.

The full-day event will be free (including lunch), however, it will be necessary to pre-register as space is limited. Registration will begin in the early fall of 2008. Further information about the "In Celebration of Our Children and Youth" will become available on our website in the near future. Check back often for updates and further information on our youth programming.



An exhibit of art and poetry by children and youth with disabilities will be on display during and after the day long-celebration. This exhibit will include poems and drawings submitted by children and youth with disabilities from across Ontario. This unique exhibit will capture the imagination, beauty, creativity and wisdom of art and poetry created by children with disabilities and allow for active involvement in the arts.

All those who attend the children's program will have the opportunity to enjoy the art and poetry. As well, the exhibition will be open to all visitors of the Columbus Centre. There is also the potential that the children's exhibit will be displayed at additional venues following the actual children's program. Some of the pictures and poems will be chosen to become part of the next festival event calendar.