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, August 3, 10, 17, 24, 31
Time: 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Dates: Wednesday, August 5, 12, 19, 26
Time: 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Dates: Thursday, August 6, 13, 20, 27
Time: 3 to 4 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, August 4, 11, 18
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, all while staying seated.
Dates: Wednesday, August 5, 12, 26
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, August 6, 13, 20, 27
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, August 6
Time: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Date: Monday, August 31
Time: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Trivia, Pictionary, and UNO
Stack the fun, skip the boredom. Join us and play your way to a winning streak. Meet new friends, enjoy some lighthearted competition, and make every game a good one.
Date: Tuesday, August 11
Time: 2 to 4 p.m.
Find the Difference and UNO Flip
Double the fun with two distinct game experiences! Challenge your focus with a relaxing, sharp-eyed "Find the Difference" visual puzzle, then bring the chaos with "UNO Flip!" the classic card game flipped on its head with a ruthless, unpredictable dark side.
Date: Thursday, August 20
Time: 2 to 4 p.m.
Everyday Self-Compassion Workshop
In February, we wrote ourselves Valentine's Day cards to practice self-compassion. But we need to practice self-support and self-kindness every day to build a loving and sustainable relationship with ourselves. Join us to discuss how to integrate this radical self-care approach into everyday life.
Date: Friday, August 21
Time: 1:30 to 2:30 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: Monday, August 24
Time: 2:30 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: Monday, August 24
Time: 3 to 4 p.m.
Presenter: Litsa DeJulio, LCSW
Aurora Borealis Painting Workshop
Come and have some fun while bringing out your inner artist at our painting workshop.
Date: Thursday, August 27
Time: 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.
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, August 21
Time: 3 to 4:30 p.m.
Location: NYU Langone Orthopedic Hospital, Room 500, 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.
Crossword
Who is up for a quick crossword puzzle? It is low-stress, super satisfying, and a great way to wake up our brains.
Date: Tuesday, August 4
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: Tuesday, August 18
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.
Date: Monday, August 3, 17, 31
Time: 2:30 to 3:15 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, August 6, 13, 20, 27
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, August 14, 21, 28
Time: 11 to 11:30 a.m.
Presenter: Jane Pfitsch, LMSW
Virtual Workshop - Your Digital Helpers
"How do I make daily life a little easier when my energy and health are already asking so much of me?" Living with disabilities and chronic illnesses can contribute to executive functioning challenges, fatigue, brain fog, anxiety, and decision fatigue. The good news is that technology—including AI—can help lighten the load. Join us to explore simple ways to use AI and other digital tools to support self-care, organization, planning, and everyday decision-making. You will leave with ideas, strategies, and simple tools you can start using right away to make daily life a little easier.
Date: Monday, August 10
Time: 2:30 to 3:30 p.m.
Presenter: Litsa DeJulio, LCSW
Bronx Independent Living Services and American Lung Health Association on Poor Air Quality and Lung Health
Learn how poor air quality can impact your lung health and learn how to protect you and your loved ones! Bronx residents have a chance of winning an air purifier.
Date: Tuesday, August 11
Time: 11 to 11:45 a.m.
Presenter: Jessica Tambor, Bronx Independent Living Services
Virtual Discussion Series: What is Internalized Ableism?
People with disabilities experience ableism in every public space, be it navigating a corner without a curb cut or discrimination in an organization or institution. But sometimes we also internalize those same messages and carry them with us everywhere we go. In this two-part discussion series, we will define internalized ableism and have an opportunity to share experiences and seek support around changing the ways we have been taught to limit ourselves.
Dates: Friday, August 14, 28
Time: 1 to 2 p.m.
Presenter: Jane Pfitsch, LMSW