Sprout: Opening up the world of Acting and Traveling to the disabilitycommunity

I've always loved the nature shows on TV where the host gives you a guided tour into the sites and sounds of another country, city or culture.  I get so excited, almost giddy, to tell the truth.  I can't wait to breathe in the new surroundings as the camera angles just draw you in.  The way those shows are produced gives you the experience of a lifetime without leaving your living room!  I've always been a lover of stage shows and musicals.  In fact, you will eventually hear me say that I want to be on the stage.  Both art forms allow you to transport yourself to another place and time.  I've had the pleasure of interviewing Executive Director of Sprout, Anthony Di Salvo, and was delighted to find that he adores what he does and the impact that he and his staff have on the lives of the people they serve!!  How do they do this, you ask?  Sprout is a non-profit organization that is dedicated to helping people with developmental disabilities grow through challenging, creative and fun experiences that enhance socialization, self-confidence and inclusion.  Creative fun experiences and inclusion??  You had me at hello!  Their travel program offers opportunities to it's participants, in the company of their peers, with the support and supervision of Sprout Leaders.  Some of the trip options include Lake George, Cape Cod, Orlando and Washington D.C., to name a few.  Over the years, international travel to places like Mexico, Italy, France, Spain and Germany have been offered, too.  And guess what??  Not only does Sprout have a travel program, but they also have film programs where participants are taught everything there is to know about filmmaking and acting!  Something else I love is that Sprout is in New York City.  I ADORE New York City!  The MECCA of artistic expression, especially on the stage.  Really there is not enough space on this virtual paper to tell you all about this fabulous organization... You MUST find out more for yourself!  Here's the website.. http://gosprout.org/

Anthony raising Disability Awareness :)

Here's where the showing of the films happen!
Love that Marquee!

If you are someone who is looking to travel and get out of your comfort zone and experience different cultures and meet new people.. Well, Sprout is for YOU!!  Oh, and when you meet Anthony, tell him Michelle sent ya..and thank him for what he has done for the disability community.  It's truly fantastic!

Safe travels on seeing the world and I hope you continue to get many standing ovations for your outstanding performances.....                     GO SPROUT!! :)

Hear Anthony talk about all things Sprout, Here:  http://www.arcind.org/view-into-sprout/

Michelle Fischer is host of A View from My Window, a podcast produced by The Arc of Indiana