HAMDEN, CT, May 17, 2025 — Arts for Learning CT is honored to announce a $10,000 grant award from the John E. Blair Fund at the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving in support of Breaking Free – Kinesthetic Arts Integration at the CT Institute for the Blind, Oak Hill. This transformative program delivers inclusive, movement-based arts learning to students with visual impairments and complex disabilities.
Now in its fifth year, Breaking Free provides customized residencies in breakdancing, African dance, improv theater, and puppetry, all designed to meet the unique needs of students at Oak Hill School. With the generous support of the Blair Fund, AFLCT will double the number of sessions offered in the 2025–26 school year, reaching up to 30 students and expanding the creative impact of this highly successful initiative.
“This isn’t just an arts program; it’s an invitation for every student to be seen, heard, and celebrated,” said John-Michael Parker, AFLCT’s Executive Director. “We are deeply grateful for the Blair Fund’s belief in inclusive, joyful learning.”
Teaching Artists co-design every session in partnership with Oak Hill educators, ensuring activities are accessible, culturally responsive, and grounded in Universal Design for Learning (UDL). Evaluation data from the 2023–24 program showed that 100% of educators saw improved student engagement and social-emotional development.
The Breaking Free program is part of AFLCT’s broader commitment to ensuring equitable access to high-quality arts education for all Connecticut students, especially those historically underserved. In 2023–24, AFLCT delivered over 1,700 programs at 184 sites statewide, reaching more than 65,000 young people.
To learn more about AFLCT’s programs, visit www.aflct.org or explore our Teaching Artist directory at directory.aflct.org.
About the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving
The Hartford Foundation for Public Giving has been the community foundation for the Capitol Region of Connecticut since 1925. The Foundation brings together dedicated individuals, businesses, and organizations to build a better future for all residents.