In today’s world, technology plays a crucial role in breaking down barriers and promoting accessibility. Assistive and accessible technologies are more than just tools—they are enablers of independence, communication, and connection. These innovations empower individuals with disabilities to participate in activities they were not previously able to, enhancing their quality of life and providing opportunities that might otherwise be out of reach. In this Feel the Beat blog feature, we’re highlighting 5 technologies that we think represent some of the most impactful solutions available today.

For the current Team Member Spotlight in our series featuring our amazing staff and dance instructors at Feel the Beat, we are featuring our Lead Teacher & Training and Development Manager, Mary Jo Lasky.

For the current Team Member Spotlight in our series featuring our amazing staff and dance instructors at Feel the Beat, we are featuring one of our newest dance instructors, Sarah Thomas. Sarah started dance at two years old and continued dancing for 12 years. She especially enjoyed ballet, lyrical, and tap. Later, Sarah decided to switch to cheerleading and was on her high school’s varsity team for all four years. Currently, Sarah is cheering for the University of Colorado.

For our fourth Team Member Spotlight in our series featuring our amazing staff and dance instructors at Feel the Beat, we are featuring one of our newest dance instructors, Kristen Krak. Kristen's parents decided to put her in ballet at the age of 4, and she realized quickly just how much she loved performing. She studied at a ballet and modern focused academy for 9 years in Ohio, and then transitioned her focus to theater. She fell in love with dance again in college where she studied modern and contemporary, and then went on to pursue a career as an actor and musician in New York City. There she continued her dance education, incorporating musical theater.

For our third Team Member Spotlight in our series featuring our amazing staff and dance instructors at Feel the Beat, we are featuring team member extraordinaire, Amber Andrews. Amber (AJ) Andrews (they/them) has been dancing since the age of five, with an immediate interest in tap and a continuously growing passion in modern and street dance. They trained with various instructors and taught throughout Southern California & Chicago before landing in Denver. Amber is currently a company member with Rocky Mountain Rhythm, a professional tap group in Denver. Amber has been an instructor for nearly 20 years now. After losing some of their hearing as an adult, they refocused their teaching methods on creating an accessible and safe space for all dancers. Amber’s classes focus on creating opportunities for their students to develop their own artistic style and fostering an environment of care and compassion. They currently teach with Feel the Beat, while also holding the title of Director of Training and Development. Amber is also a professional photographer and imaging specialist and loves to photograph the passionate students at Feel the Beat! You can view their work at andrewsartistry.com.

For our second Team Member Spotlight in our series featuring our amazing staff and dance instructors at Feel the Beat, we are featuring our newest team member, Haley Cohen. Haley has been involved with the Deaf community since 2009 when she took her first ASL class in high school. She graduated with her BA in Deaf Studies from Columbia College Chicago and worked in education the past four years. Haley has always been an admirer of the creative arts. In her free time, she instructs and performs long-form comedy improv at Rise Comedy in Downtown Denver. Outside of improv, she is a self-taught visual artist.

For the first Dance Instructor Spotlight in our series, we are featuring one of our newest dance instructors at Feel the Beat, Adrienne Smyth. Adrienne has been dancing since she was little. She trained in a variety of styles, later focusing on jazz, tap, and contemporary. She was a part of her high school Poms team all four years. Currently, Adrienne attends MSU Denver where she is studying dance. She is also a member of Rocky Mountain Rhythm, a local tap company.

As humans, we are defined by our urge to communicate with others - communicating is the recipe for understanding the world around us. Should we prohibit people from conversations only because they use different channels to share and spread their thoughts? The answer is unquestionable: no.

2021 is off to a great start in terms of featuring sign language in the spotlight! We were able to celebrate American Sign language early this year with a beautiful performance of the Pledge of Allegiance by Georgia Fire Captain Andrea M. Hall. Hall, a daughter of a deaf parent, was the first Black woman hired by the City of Albany Fire Department. She proudly used sign language with the goal of amplifying Biden’s theme of unity at the inauguration.

What’s your favorite song? You know, the one that makes you get your groove on whenever you play it. For me it’s Ants Marching by Dave Matthews Band.

Now imagine not being able to hear it. Unfortunately, that’s the reality for more than 10,000,000 individuals with a hearing loss across the nation. Sadly, most recreational programs, facilities and products are inaccessible or not universally designed for them. That means that they’re missing out on vital opportunities to experience and express themselves - especially through music and dance.