The Arc of the South Shore, a family-oriented, community-based non-profit providing information, referrals, and community programs for individuals with disabilities, is excited to announce that they have developed an online training course for their Sensational Story Time Yoga program and a new partnership with Yoga Magic.
The Arc of the South Shore has collaborated with Clare Elizabeth Rainwater of Yoga Magic https://www.clareelizabethyoga.com in Glens Falls, New York, and surrounding areas, to enhance its Sensational Story Time Yoga program with her unique offerings. The partnership between The Arc and Yoga Magic places a focus on the holistic development of children, integrating physical exercise with emotional intelligence and literacy activities.
Sensational Story Time Yoga, the cornerstone of The Arc of the South Shore’s Autism Resource Center, is a unique, therapeutic monthly series designed to meet the diverse physical, social, emotional, sensory, and behavioral needs of children with autism. By combining enhanced story experiences with yoga, the program engages children in a fun and interactive way.
“I’m incredibly excited to partner with The Arc of the South Shore’s Sensational Story Time Yoga program to bring Yoga Magic to life in a whole new way,” said Rainwater, a retired elementary school teacher who designed Yoga Magic specifically for children. “By combining the calming benefits of yoga with the creativity of storytelling, we’re creating a space where children can feel seen, supported, and empowered. This collaboration is all about fostering mindfulness, self-expression, and joy, helping children of all abilities connect with themselves and the world around them in a safe and nurturing environment.”
Rainwater’s new classes will launch in the Crandall Library in Glens Falls, New York, in April 2025 in time to celebrate Autism Acceptance Month. For other providers who are interested in bringing the Sensational Story Time Yoga program to their own communities, The Arc offers a new online training course comprised of sample classes, materials, and sensory kits from its Sensational Story Time Yoga programs.
The training guides learners through 15 modules, starting with an introduction to the sensory kits, a review of the program’s history, and a step-by-step guide on program implementation and execution. It also features videos of real Sensational Story Time Yoga classes, providing learners with a first-hand view of the program, one that aims to foster literacy, physical movement, and socialization.
“We are thrilled to offer Sensational Story Time Yoga as an online course, allowing us to reach more families and communities across the Commonwealth and beyond,” said Janine Birmingham, Sensational Story Time Yoga Founder and Director of the Autism Resource Center at The Arc of the South Shore. “And we are positively delighted to partner with Clare Rainwater of Yoga Magic; this collaboration brings a unique blend of yoga, mindfulness, and literacy activities, creating a holistic and engaging experience for children with autism. Together we will address the unique learning needs of children with autism while also promoting community inclusion and acceptance.”
For more information, please contact Elizabeth Jones, Chief Program Officer, at EJones@ArcSouthShore.org.
About The Arc of the South Shore, Inc.
The Arc of the South Shore (The Arc) was founded in 1951 when a group of individuals created a school for children with disabilities. Then, in 1967, The Arc was deeded property at Webb State Park in Weymouth; the space gave the agency a permanent home and the opportunity to expand. By the end of the 1980s, The Arc became a multi-service agency. Today, The Arc is a family-oriented, community-based non-profit providing information, referrals, and community programs for individuals with disabilities.
These services include an Autism Resource Center, early intervention program, community supports, employment services, day supports and habilitation programs, in-home care, and residential services. All of their programs are based on their six core values of people first, community, transparency, self-determination, diversity, and respect. The Arc serves participants from communities throughout the South Shore, including Abington, Milton, Quincy, Randolph, Braintree, Weymouth, Hingham, Hull, Cohasset, Scituate, and Norwell. Through their 74-year history, they have helped more than 100,000 people.
