Dance, Disability & Belonging: How Movement Creates Purpose and Community with Telisa Dubasov

Send us Fan MailIn this week’s episode of Forever Home for Our Kids with Disabilities, host Valerie welcomes longtime friend and dance educator Telisa Dubasov for an inspiring conversation about the transformative power of dance, movement, and community for individuals with disabilities.Telisa shares her journey from volunteering in disability summer camps as a teenager in Saskatchewan to founding Bloom Wellness Collective — a nonprofit dedicated to making dance, movement, and wellness accessible for people of all abilities. With over 30 years of experience in dance and specialized certifications in adaptive movement, yoga, and sensory regulation, Telisa has created spaces where children and adults with disabilities can experience joy, belonging, connection, and purpose.Valerie reflects on how Telisa first impacted her own family through private dance lessons for her daughter Melody-Anne, sharing the emotional experience of watching her daughter perform on stage for the very first time.Together, Valerie and Telisa discuss:How dance and movement support sensory regulation, physiotherapy goals, communication, and emotional well-beingWhy movement is “therapy in disguise”The importance of meaningful activities for adults with disabilities after graduationHow Bloom Wellness Collective creates community not only for participants, but for parents and caregivers as wellThe challenges Telisa faced during COVID and how she pivoted with driveway dance parties to continue bringing joy and connectionThe importance of creating opportunities for friendship, belonging, and purpose within a “Forever Home” visionTelisa also shares details about Bloom’s current programs, including:Evening mixed-ability dance classesAn adult expressive arts and movement day programThe new monthly “Bloom Mixer” — a fun social dance event for teens and adults with disabilitiesThis episode is a beautiful reminder that a forever home is about far more than housing — it’s about creating a meaningful life filled with movement, connection, friendship, and community.Memorable Quote“Connection is key. Find that village, find that community, and remember to applaud yourself every day for showing up.” — Telisa DubasovLearn MoreTo learn more about Bloom Wellness Collective, visit:Bloom Wellness CollectiveConnect with Telisahttps://www.facebook.com/bloomwellnesscollectiveyyc/ https://www.instagram.com/bloomwellnesscollective/ Connect with [email protected] Music Acknowledgement: Audio Coffee - Denys KyshchukEditor: Scott ArbeauLink for book: The S.H.I.N.E. Principle: The special needs mom's path to strength, hope and happiness by Valerie Arbeauhttps://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0CW18ZXGX (Canada)https://a.co/d/03hFdZI4 (United States) About the PodcastForever Home for Our Kids with Disabilities with Valerie explores the practical, emotional, and long-term planning aspects of creating meaningful futures for individuals with disabilities and the families who love them.Remember to Live with Intention and Embrace the Journey.Learn more about your host at:https://coachingwithvalerieanne.com/