Rainbow DJ LabRas Tafari Inc. · Rainbow Beach Park, Chicago
Proposed:The Lab is not running yet. No class runs until every item on the launch checklist is complete.
Rainbow DJ Lab › About › Accessibility

Accessibility

How Rainbow DJ Lab plans to welcome children with disabilities, sensory needs and learning differences, and how to ask for an accommodation.

Our commitment

Every child who wants to learn to DJ should be able to. If your child needs something to take part comfortably, tell us, and we'll work it out with you before the first class. You don't need a diagnosis or paperwork to ask.

The Lab is not running yet. The options below are commitments for when it does. Where something depends on the park building or on approvals we don't have yet, we say so.

Physical access

  • Indoors (fall through spring): classes are planned for the Rainbow Beach Park fieldhouse, when space is available.
  • Outdoors (summer): classes are planned for the park lawn, as the park approves.
  • What we haven't confirmed yet: step-free routes, accessible restrooms, and accessible parking for the specific rooms and lawn areas we'll use. These will be checked during the site walk with park staff that is part of the launch checklist, and posted on Locations and Transportation and parking.
  • At the station: controllers sit on tables. If your child uses a wheelchair or needs a different height or seat, tell us and we'll set up the station to fit.

Sensory-friendly options

DJ class involves music, lights and a busy room. We plan for that.

  • A quieter station. On request, your child can work at the station farthest from the main speaker.
  • Ear protection. Headphone volume is capped on every laptop, and earplugs are free for any child, any time. Your child may also bring their own ear defenders. Children stay out of the zone in front of the speakers. See Hearing safety.
  • A visual schedule on screen. Every class follows the same 9 blocks, and the live class app shows which block is happening now and what the Mission is. Children can see what's next without having to ask.
  • Movement breaks. Every class has a built-in Move Break. A child who needs to move at other times can ask.
  • A calm place to reset. A cool-down space, always with an adult in view, is available to any child who needs a break. It's a support, not a punishment. See Cool-down space.
  • Spotlight is volunteers only. No child is ever made to play on the big speaker or speak on the mic.

Learning supports already built into the course

  • One Mission at a time, stated as a simple "I can…" Mission.
  • The coach thinks out loud while demonstrating, so the "how" is never hidden.
  • Everyone starts at Mild, and children can switch levels at any time.
  • Rotating jobs (DJ, Co-pilot, Hype, Logger) mean nobody waits long, and every child has a clear task.
  • Logger can draw or say ideas instead of writing them, and in Wordplay Lab anyone can draw or say their idea instead.
  • No grades and no tests. Kids rate themselves with a traffic light.

How to request an accommodation

  1. Tell us at registration. The registration form and the medical and allergy form have space for this.
  2. Or contact Stephen Henry directly: 872-255-9333, stephen@selassiefest.com.
  3. We'll talk with you about what works at home and at school, and agree on a plan before the first class.
  4. We'll check in after the first few classes and adjust. See the progress check-in.

IEP and 504 plans: welcome, never required

If your child has an IEP or a 504 plan, you're welcome to share the parts that help us support them, such as what calms them, how they take in instructions best, or what to avoid. It is entirely optional. We'll never require a plan, a diagnosis or medical records for your child to join.

Anything you share is treated as private. It's kept with the coach-only records and never shown on a family link or an in-room screen. See Privacy.

Medical needs

Allergies, asthma, seizures and other health needs are covered in the medical and allergy plan.