Aim Seattle is a grassroots organization that works to address systemic barriers faced by people with disabilities, especially children, teens, and young adults.
Our Story
AIM Seattle is a welcoming, affirming, and inclusive community. We strive to create spaces where people of all identities feel safe, respected, and supported. Our programs center consent, autonomy, accessibility, and belonging, and we are committed to ongoing learning and accountability as a community.
People with disabilities have the same aspirations and dreams that everyone does: healthy relationships, meaningful ways to participate in society, and the resources needed to be successful. Yet as a community, people with disabilities face numerous daily challenges and systemic barriers to full participation in society. In addition to basic challenges such as transportation and housing, access to supportive services is complex and multi-faceted.
AIM is addressing these barriers by supporting Disabled community members. In 2022, AIM began a weekly Adaptive Dance Program for teens with a diverse range of disabilities supported by volunteers. Since then, we have expanded our programming to expand our dance offerings and incorporated other arts programming, including music and theater.
Our Mission
We enrich the lives of people in the disability community through active engagement with and access to movement and the arts.
Our Commitment
AIM engages Disabled community members by providing opportunities for self-expression, connection and belonging through adaptive arts education and artistic experiences in an accessible and welcoming environment.
Our Pillars
Arts
Inclusion
Community
Our Touchstones: What Guides Every AIM Program
Over the years, AIM has developed a shared set of touchstones that guide how our programs are designed and facilitated. These principles show up in every class, workshop, and gathering—shaping how we create safety, foster connection and belonging, and support authentic artistic expression.
Before & Beginning
Ritual & Routine: Predictable openings, cues, and closings that make class feel safe and familiar—while leaving room for choice and flexibility.
Multi-Modal Participation: Multiple ways to participate—movement, music, voice, gesture, AAC, observing, and more—so everyone can engage at their own pace and intensity.
During
Participant Leadership: Participants shape the session and take on real roles. Staff shift from prompting to partnering.
Community Building: Practices that foster belonging, trust, and mutual support among participants, staff, and families.
Social-Emotional Learning: Intentional moments to notice, name, and navigate feelings; practice co-regulation; and build empathy and agency.
Arts Skill Development: Accessible, scaffolded instruction that grows technique, creativity, and confidence in the art form.
Self-Expression & Identity Exploration: Space to make authentic choices, share personal stories, explore identity as an artist, and see one’s identity reflected and respected.
Closing
Celebration: Consent-based recognition of effort, growth, and creativity—big and small.
Closing & Goodbye: A calm, consistent wrap-up that integrates learning, reflects on the experience, and previews what’s next.
