Lisa Dennett and her staff have provided many workshops for teachers and students at conferences sponsored by my organization - The New York State Theatre Education Association (NYSTEA). She taught me many techniques that I used with my special needs students. In addition, her company performed in my school district, Manhasset UFSD, many times. IDEAS is a fantastic organization. I recommend them wholeheartedly.

Seeing the dedication from the founder to the instructors is heart warming and inspiring. Working with an organization that is committed to INCLUSION is rare and rewarding.

IDEAS has been wonderful for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing students at Truman High school in the Bronx. Many of these kids are low functioning in academic areas. IDEAS came every week and helped them act out scenarios of real life situations. This enabled them to understand better how to act and react when they encounter problems in their lives. It also helps them to better understand how to express themselves especially regarding their feelings. This is especially helpful to Deaf and Hard of Hearing students who lack the appropriate language they need to communicate effectively. Please endorse IDEAS who have always been there for our Deaf and Hard of Hearing high schoolers. Thank you for this opportunity.

I've seen several performances and video's of the kids that IDEAS servers. They're AMAZING. The kids are so involved and excited when working with this organization. I can highly recommend IDEAS! Gerrit Vooren

After working with a drama team I found them to be quite experimental, supportive of children with multiple handicaps. Their continuing participation in school life and cultural events in connection with school will surely help children develop a better understanding of culture and everyday life. I strongly feel the team should continue working in the same direction, because they are the wonderful enthusiasts that can make a positive difference in lives of children.

I have had the pleasure and privilege of working with IDEAS several times in the past and have always felt energized and nurtured by the experience. There are excellent training seminars and professional development opportunities for staff members. This is an organization that values the continuing education of it's students and staff members equally!

The Cleary School for the Deaf Secondary Program has had a five year relationship with I.D.E.A.S.. Even with funds being tight, we found I.D.E.A.S. to provide our students with rich socio-dynamic experiences. Sudents could name their own concerns and create plays or scenes to illustrate problems, solutions or waysa of working through the problem. Visiting artists are all well-qualified to draw the best out of students, even including wide ranges of ability within the group.

This past school year, my class has had the opportunity to participate in the IDEAS drama program. We found it to be very engaging with creative activities. We explored our emotions through role play, music, costumes and dialog. My students loved this program. We especially enjoyed the culminating activity of performing our version of the Wizard of Oz for our friends. Thanks for the wonderful experience.

I spent the last year working as a teaching artist with IDEAS and loved every second! The students hunger for creative outlets--and both the Sociodrama and Creative Drama programs give them such opportunities. I highly recommend IDEAS.

I have worked with Ideas as a teaching artist for over 3 years now. Within that time I have witnessed hundreds of moments in which economically, physically or mentally challenged children are brought the joy of performance,creativity and expression through this loving and dynamic organization. Ideas is a great gift to the community.

Working with IDEAS is a positive, inspiring and enjoyable experience for both the teaching personnel and the participants. As an IDEAS instructor, time and time again I have witnessed participants'creativity and openness increase, their respect and understanding improve and their sense of accomplishment and pride blossom. As a teaching artist on the roster of IDEAS facilitators, I have found the working atmosphere to be supportive, creative and respectful, while also demanding excellence, professionalism and commitment.