All Abilities Hub founder Katia Mukhammadieva, right, and daughter Nastasia. Katia founded the club two years ago after searching for a social group for Nastasia. Today the group has members ranging from ages 6 to 25. Courtesy photo<\/p>\n
Every Wednesday, kids, teens \u2014 and even adults with special needs\u2014 are invited to come as they are and join the All Abilities Hub. For some, that means sitting next to a new friend and participating in the day\u2019s activity; for others, it looks like watching the group from the sidelines. No one pressures, no one judges. Every person, every age, every ability \u2014 everyone \u2014 is welcome.<\/p>\n
\u201cSometimes, for the first time, they may just observe,\u201d said founder Katia Mukhammadieva. \u201cThey can walk around, they can stim, they can talk and be very vocal, which would usually disrupt a regular class. Then they may join us at the mat, and some kids can just sit. It doesn\u2019t look like they\u2019re participating, but sometimes it\u2019s great progress because two weeks ago they wouldn\u2019t come in and use the space. In our club, families are used to this behavior, and it doesn\u2019t bother anyone.\u201d<\/p>\n
By Whitney Alswede<\/p>\n