Online dance classes for disabled children are helping parents and carers during lockdown

Flamingo Chicks, a UK charity for disabled children, has created a series of virtual dance classes designed especially for children with conditions such as autism, cerebral palsy and other learning disabilities or physical impairments.

As the UK is set to be in lockdown for at least another three weeks, many families who are currently caring for mentally ill and disabled children may be feeling more isolated than ever with current conditions creating new challenges for them to navigate. 

The lack of a set routine combined with feelings of anxiety due to the uncertainty of how social distancing measures will be in places means that those with disabilities are more vulnerable than ever.

The charity founded of Flamingo Chicks, Katie, is a parent to a disabled child, meaning that she knows all too well the strain that families with disabled children will be facing during this time.

While there are a lot of resources online to help families keep their children entertained during the lockdown, these aren’t necessarily accessible for disabled children, especially when it comes to exercise. 

Partnering with science charity, the Lightyear Foundation, they have created a series of dance classes which offer a unique blend of movement and science, to help support not only a child’s physical and mental wellbeing but also to help them keep up with their school work.

Filmed using green screens and featuring animated backgrounds, the series of Makaton-signed and subtitled online dance classes are also suitable for children with complex medical needs and life-limiting conditions.