Yomi Karade, who runs a fitness program for adults and children with special needs and disabilities at Platinum Fitness in Verona, is kicking off Autism Awareness Month with a free dance party for individuals with special needs,
The Health and Wellness Dance Party will be held on Saturday, April 6, from 5:15 to 6:30 p.m. It s funded by Autism Speaks, which recently gave Karade a grant to support her Individualized Fitness Programs (I.F.P.), and includes DJ Addy101 and two dance instructors to lead the party: Jeffrey Castor for Hip Hop and Karade for Dance/Zumba. The theme for the party is wear something blue and spread love.
“This dance party is going to be a blast,” says Karade, who has a son with autism and other needs. “Everyone is invited to join the party fun and celebrate autism.”
Verona resident Eric Ortiz, who participates in I.F.P., attended its March dance party. “I had a lot of fun,” he said. “I enjoyed following the dances moves. The place has good energy.”
According to Autism Speaks, autism, or autism spectrum disorder, refers to a broad range of conditions characterized by challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, speech and nonverbal communication.
Admission to the Health and Wellness Dance Party is free but donations are welcome to support I.F.P. All participants must be accompanied by a caregiver or parent throughout the event. Age restrictions may apply. For more information call 973-857-2500. Platinum Fitness is located at 309 Pompton Avenue in Verona.
