Out & About With . . . The Unexpected Laboratory

Imagine!’s Out & About department was created in 1997 in response to the requests of community members with disabilities and family members who care for those with disabilities to have more options for community-based recreation services.

That “community-based” element is key - rather than scheduling activities in a segregated setting, you will find Out & About participants (both adults and children) utilizing recreation centers, bowling alleys, movie theaters, museums, and even amusement parks.

Of course, Out & About wouldn’t be able to provide those services without the support of the many, many community organizations that collaborate with Out & About to ensure that participants are able to receive positive instruction, within a therapeutic framework, to encourage growth, learning, community participation, socialization, health, safety, and the achievement of individual goals.

Today, I’d like to acknowledge The Unexpected Laboratory for its support of Out & About. The Unexpected Laboratory is a unique non-profit acting group based out of Boulder that combines music, dance, and movement to create fun and challenging acting programs. The focus is to become aware of the body’s movements and find new ways to express oneself through imagination and self-exploration.

Last August, participants in Out & About’s Friday Night Out program took on acting and self-expression in a workshop style format with “The Unexpected Laboratory” as its host and facilitators. The night was a success, with Out & About participants digging deep into their creative minds and creating short plays to share with their peers. Groups of four developed a plot based on a hero, villain, damsel, and sidekick. Participants cheered each other on in support of the groups’ plays!

Thank you, Unexpected Laboratory, for your support of your community and all of its members.