Programs, Workshops & Classes for Women with Disabilities
NYU Langone’s Initiative for Women with Disabilities at the Elly and Steve Hammerman Health and Wellness Center offers programs, workshops, and classes specifically designed for women with physical disabilities.
We offer educational workshops that bring information directly from the experts to our participants. Our medical professionals also hold a lecture series on various topics to help promote healthy lifestyle decisions. The goal of the workshops is to help build participants’ knowledge and confidence in managing their health, and to keep them informed of resources available in the community.
Exercise classes are available on weekdays and are designed to help women stay active and improve strength, stamina, and flexibility. The majority of our classes can be done in a seated or standing position.
Fitness Classes
All fitness classes are offered virtually. To register or learn more, please call 212-598-6429.
Adaptive Workout
This class is a total body, cardio, and strength-conditioning workout. With a new workout every week, the classes are designed to push participants harder than they’d push themselves.
Dates: Monday, September 14, 21, 28
Time: 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Dates: Wednesday, September 2, 9, 16. 23
Time: 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Instructor: Steph Roach
Move and Groove
Move and Groove is a dynamic, fun-filled total body workout. We use light weights, dynabands, and other props to strengthen, tone, stretch, and revitalize the entire being. You can do the class sitting or standing.
Dates: Tuesday, September 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
Time: 1 to 2 p.m.
Instructor: Jyothi Larson
Strike and Strength
Empower your strength and coordination in this adaptive boxing class. Engage in a full-body workout that enhances fitness and boosts confidence while staying seated.
Dates: Wednesday, September 2, 9, 16, 23
Time: 3 to 4 p.m.
Instructor: Laurie Malen
Empowerment Program
This program provides an opportunity for young adults to engage with peers, build community, and practice socialization skills. The group is facilitated by our staff and is a safe space for creating friendships and community.
Dates: Thursday, September 3, 10, 17, 24
Time: 11 to 11:45 a.m.
Led by: Jane Pfitsch, LMSW
In-Person Workshops and Events
Discover a variety of in-person workshops and events where you can connect with others, gain valuable knowledge, and grow through shared experiences. All in-person activities are held at Loeb Auditorium at NYU Langone Orthopedic Hospital unless otherwise specified.
Diamond Art
Shine a little brighter at our Diamond Art workshop, where every tiny gem turns into something beautiful. Relax, create, and take home a piece of art that sparkles just like you.
Date: Thursday, September 8
Time: 2 to 3:30 p.m.
Date: Tuesday, September 22
Time: 2 to 3:30 p.m
Trivia and UNO Flip
Get ready to put your knowledge to the test! Join us for a lively gathering filled with trivia, laughter, and friendly competition. We’ll kick things off with fun trivia questions and then turn up the excitement with UNO Flip, where one card can change the whole game!
Date: Friday, September 11
Time: 1 to 2 p.m.
UNO, Scattergories, and Pictionary
Join us for a few of our favorite games. Come test your strategy with UNO, get creative with Scattergories, and see if your drawing skills can help your team guess the answer in Pictionary. Come ready to play, connect, and have a great time!
Date: Tuesday, September 15
Time: 2 to 4 p.m.
Contact, Connection, Convenience? Workshop
These days we have so much technology to facilitate our connections with other people, it can be difficult to discern when it's important to share physical space with people and when to prioritize the convenience and accessibility of a virtual space. At IWD, we are continually negotiating this question. Join us in person for a conversation about the benefits and difficulties of navigating our multi-layered world.
Date: Friday, September 11
Time: 2 to 3 p.m.
Presented by: Jane Pfitsch, LCSW
BINGO
Get ready for Bingo, where every number called brings a little more excitement and a lot more smiles. Join the fun, try your luck, and see if today’s your winning day.
Dates: Tuesday, September 29
Time: 2 to 3 p.m.
Color and Connect Workshop
Unwind, create, and share your favorite color mandalas or designs. This is an opportunity to chat with others about your favorite NYC spots and activities while you relax, unwind, and enjoy time together.
Date: Tuesday, September 29
Time: 3 to 4 p.m.
Presenter: Litsa DeJulio, LCSW
Gen Y and Z Peer Support Program
This program provides an opportunity for young adults with physical disabilities to engage with one another, build community, practice socialization, and hang out.
Date: Friday, September 18
Time: 3 to 4:30 p.m.
Location: NYU Langone Orthopedic Hospital, Room 500
Virtual Workshops and Events
Join our virtual workshops and events from the comfort of your home to connect, learn, and engage with our supportive community.
Trivia
It’s a game where you answer fun questions about history, pop culture, sports, and random facts to see who knows the most.
Date: Thursday, September 24
Time: 3:30 to 4:30 p.m.
Scattergories
Think fast, write faster! Scattergories is the ultimate game-night icebreaker where quick reflexes beat deep knowledge.
Date: Thursday, September 10
Time: 3:30 to 4:30 p.m.
Afternoon Teatime: Sip and Chat
This supportive virtual group serves as a calm, social space to unwind, engage in gentle conversation and connection, share small wins or the day’s events, and relax.
Dates: Monday, September 21 and 28
Time: 2:30 to 3:30 p.m.
Presenter: Litsa DeJulio, LCSW
Creativity Corner
Engaging creativity boosts self-esteem, supports social connection, and helps the brain recover from trauma. Join us for an hour of exercises designed to increase mental flexibility and build creative muscle.
Dates: Thursday, September 10, 17, 24
Time: 1 to 2 p.m.
Presenter: Jane Pfitsch, LMSW
Mindfulness Mornings
Writer, scientist, and meditation expert Jon Kabat-Zinn, PhD, defines mindfulness as paying attention in a particular way—on purpose, in the present moment, and non-judgmentally. This mode of attention calms the nervous system and helps us heal from trauma, but it takes practice. Join us virtually for a guided practice followed by a brief reflection.
Dates: Friday, September 11, 18, 25
Time: 11 to 11:30 a.m.
Presenter: Jane Pfitsch, LMSW
Virtual Discussion Series: Navigating Difference in the Disability Community
Having a disability in our ableist society can be isolating, and coming together as a community can help counteract that experience. But navigating diversity and difference within the disability community - visible versus invisible disability, congenital vs acquired disability - can be challenging. Join us for a two-part discussion series about how to embrace and celebrate the different experiences within our close-knit community.
Date: Friday, September 18 and 25
Time: 1 to 2 p.m.
Presenter: Jane Pfitsch, LMSW