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, October 5, 12, 19, 26
Time: 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Dates: Wednesday, October 7, 14, 21, 28
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, October 6, 13, 20, 27
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, October 14, 21, 28
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, October 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
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.
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.
Date: Monday, October 5
Time: 2:30 to 3 p.m.
Color and Connect
This workshop gives us time to color and chat with IWD participants and staff. We gather to unwind, share ideas and experiences, and enjoy time together.
Date: Monday, October 5
Time: 3 to 4 p.m.
Presenter: Litsa DeJulio, LCSW
Art Journaling with Tahira
Sketchbook journaling is a creative way to express yourself, explore your thoughts, and practice self-care. Each workshop will feature a creative prompt where you can draw, doodle, color, and experiment. There’s no right or wrong way to create.
Dates: Tuesday, October 13, 27
Time: 2 to 3 p.m.
Halloween Trivia and UNO
Come out to our ultimate card game filled with spooky questions, strategic skips, and broken friendships. Answer correctly stacking the deck and shout “UNO” before it ends!
Date: Tuesday, October 13
Time: 3 to 4 p.m.
Discussion Workshop: The Many Faces of Fear
It’s October—the spooky season! Why is it that some people seek out the thrill of haunted houses and horror movies, while our nervous systems are programmed to crave a sense of safety and stability? How does the experience of a ghost story differ from a concern or worry you have in your daily life? Join us for a discussion of the varied experiences of one of our most basic, instinctive emotions.
Date: Friday, October 16
Time: 2 to 3 p.m.
Presented by: Jane Pfitsch, 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, October 16
Time: 3 to 4:30 p.m.
Location: NYU Langone Orthopedic Hospital, Room 500
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.
Teddy Bear Key Chain
Date: Tuesday, October 20
Time: 2 to 3:30 p.m.
Flower Magnet
Date: Thursday, October 29
Time: 2:30 to 4 p.m.
Location: NYU Langone Orthopedic Hospital, Room 500
Black and White Floral Painting Workshop
Come and have some fun while bringing out your inner artist at our painting workshop.
Date: Thursday, October 22
Time: 2 to 3:30 p.m.
Scattergories and UNO Flip
Scattergories race a timer for unique words starting with a single letter, while UNO Flip! upends classic card matching with a ruthless, double-sided deck. Together, they bring quick wit and chaotic competition to your game day.
Date: Tuesday, October 27
Time: 3 to 4 p.m.
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.
Word Search
Ready to spot the hidden words? Join us for a quick, fast-paced word search game to test your eyes, sharp-focus your mind, and see who can clear the grid first!
Date: Thursday, October 1
Time: 3:30 to 4:30 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, October 2
Time: 4 to 5 p.m.
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, October 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
Time: 1 to 2 p.m.
Presenter: Jane Pfitsch, LMSW
Mindfulness Mornings
Mindfulness helps us reduce anxiety when navigating uncomfortable situations or emotions by honing the skill of curious awareness - which develops with time! Carve out regular time to practice this important skill among supportive and caring friends.
Dates: Friday, October 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
Time: 11 to 11:30 a.m.
Presenter: Jane Pfitsch, LMSW
Book Group: Being Heumann
Introducing Our New Audio Book Club!
Love a good book but prefer listening? Join us for a new weekly audio book club where we’ll listen to a book together for one hour each week, then share our thoughts, reactions, and perspectives as a group. You can also read or listen on your own if you prefer, but there is no need to read ahead. In October and November, we’ll explore “Being Heumann,” the memoir of disability rights activist Judith Heumann. Bring your curiosity and your voice!
Dates: Friday, October 2, 9, 23, 30
Time: 1 to 2:30 p.m.
Presented by: Jane Pfitsch, LMSW
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, October 12, 26
Time: 2:30 to 3:15 p.m.
Presenter: Litsa DeJulio, LCSW
Scattergories
Think fast, write faster! Scattergories is the ultimate game-night icebreaker where quick reflexes beat deep knowledge.
Date: Thursday, October 15
Time: 3:30 to 4:30 p.m.
Discussion Workshop: It’s Complicated—Our Relationship with Money
Money is about more than numbers. Join us to explore what shapes the way we think, feel, and make choices about money.
Date: Monday, October 19
Time: 2:30 to 3:15 p.m.
Presenter: Litsa DeJulio, LCSW
Crossword Puzzle
Put your word skills to the test! Join us for a crossword puzzle challenge to crack the clues, fill the grid, and see who can solve it first.
Date: Wednesday, October 21
Time: 1 to 2 p.m.
Family Feud
Survey says…it’s time to play! Gather your crew for a high-energy round of Family Feud to see if you can guess the top answers on the board and score the big points.
Date: Wednesday, October 28
Time: 1 to 2 p.m.