Don’t just take our word for it…
We could tell you about the benefits of this program until we’re blue in the face, but we’re well aware that it’s more meaningful hearing it from the experts, the media, those who purchase the program, and the participants themselves. Part of the strength of our program is listening to those who are using it or observing it, and making necessary changes when necessary. We take a lot of time to make sure we allow all a chance to provide their critique, suggestions, compliments and stories. We hope the articles, reviews, and comments are helpful to you in better understanding the value this program brings to those with developmental disabilities.
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The Improvaneers and The Improvaneer Method have had some really great media exposure nationally. Please take a second to click on these terrific features from some of the country’s biggest news sources.
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The feedback we receive directly from those who participate in our programs or purchase our programs is incredibly valuable. Click here to see some of our results.
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Check out the reviews from the organizations within the developmental disability community that have purchased our programs.
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These are reviews directly from the parents and/or caregivers of the participants in the program.
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Direct from the participants of the programs themselves. These reviews mean more to us than perhaps all others.
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The reviews and comments from our medical experts and the leaders in the developmental disability community are crucial to establishing the credibility of this program.
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Our online program is used by over 500 people each week. Click to read the comments of those purchasing or participating in this program.
MEDIA
The Reviews Are In!
“The Arc of the Mid Ohio Valley continues to be impressed with the talent of the Improvaneers. You helped make our fundraiser a success! Thank you!”
- — The Arc Of West Virginia
“Bringing the Improvaneers to Minnesota was well worth it and left us wanting more. The Improvaganza Workshop was such an amazing experience for the participants. In just a few short hours we saw changes in confidence and voice projection, flexible thinking and team work, and eye contact. If gains can be made in just 2 hours...imagine what could happen if we brought the full program here?!?”
— Sarah Curfman Executive Director Down syndrome Association of Minnesota
“The Improvaneers put on an amazing performance for our fundraiser! Not only did they engage the audience during the entire performance but they were so inspirational to all who were in the room!”
— Stacy Jackson GiGi's Playhouse Canton, Ohio
“We loved the Improvaganza-- thanks so much for bringing them to DSAMN! We would sign up for more in a heartbeat!”
— Mom of Participant Michael, MN
“The Improvaneers are a true team, confident in their ability to bring laughter and comedy into every scene they perform. Through imagination and audience participation, the Improvaneers created a show that kept everyone engaged and laughing in their seats. While doing what they love, the Improvaneers prove that entertainment comes from those with all abilities. We were all thoroughly spellbound!”
— Megan Smith, The Arc of Ohio, Program & Events Coordinator
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The Improvaneers were professional, personable, and really funny. I would highly recommend them for any presentation, but especially a school district as they helped our teachers to see a great way to teach communication, collaboration, and problem solving skills at a high level to all learners
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— Milwaukee Elementary
Leaders In The Medical and Disability Community...
“All of that, this awesome energy. It was really great to see. And as a doctor the studies they're doing and showing how these young adults are growing their speech skills and their ability to get out there and be confident and what changes it has made in their own lives is really great. This needs to grow!”
— Dr. Kishore Vellody- Director of Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh DS Clinic/Board President National Down syndrome Congress.
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How amazing! How many of your sons and daughters with Down syndrome have tried improv? What a great way to exercise the brain! Bravo, The Improvaneer Method!
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— Dr. Brian Skotko – Renown Geneticist and Co-Director Mass General Down Syndrome Program.
Kari Jones is the CEO of the Down syndrome Association of Central Ohio. They were the first organization to run the Level 1 Improvaneer Method. Kari and her families are ecstatic with the results and says bringing the Improvaneer Method in was a "no-brainer" for their organization. She sees the benefits for her own brother who is in the program and the other participants in a very big way.
“The Improvaneers program isn’t just about having fun – though it’s obviously great fun. Amidst all the laughter, members of the troupe learn important communications skills and confidence that enhance both their work and personal lives.”
— David Tolleson - President of the National Down syndrome Congress
Improvisation Teachers and Celebrities…
“What Rob Snow and the troupe of The Improvaneers have done for DS is immeasurable. Like so many in history who dare to break barriers and the status quo, they shatter our expectations and force us to rethink what is possible. They are moving the bar to altitudes never seen...bring an oxygen tank to their next show! Super!!”
— Brian Donovan - Actor, Teacher and Creator/Producer of the award-winning film Kelly's Hollywood
“I’m so happy to be apart of this class and I love doing this with all of you guys around the whole world!”
- Zach Gottsagen - Star of Peanut Butter Falcon
Parents and Family Members
“Hearing Kim tell a relatively coherent story about how she won a trophy after a one hour session at my university (sorority) reunion and later hearing her laughter from a room far far away - not sure which is the highlight of my day, but thank you. She would not practice the story-telling part with me - too independent - so I was completely blown away by the fact she pulled it off. “
-Nima
“I have learned so much by having him do this. It has truly been the answer to my prayers for him. I am realizing more about what he struggles with that I really had not thought of like the emotions part. Also just having ways to engage him in conversation. He is improving most definitely. He mostly says yes or no but I hope this will begin to engage him with others and not just me. Give him confidence. I don’t want to be the one who speaks for him.”
-Rebecca Franklin, St. Louis
“I just want to say thank you for the Improvaneer program. Emma was the maid of honor at her sister's wedding last month and had to give a speech. I was a little worried that nobody would be able to hear her or understand her as she has always been very shy about public speaking in the past. It was much to my surprise that she stood up there with confidence and spoke very loudly (she did have a mic) and clearly. Everyone has raved about her speech and how clearly she spoke. I have to contribute it to her exercises she does in the Improvaneer Method Program. Thanks for finding a way to give our kids confidence while having fun! Thanks for all you do!”
-Sharon Stone, OH
“The biggest growth through the Improvaneer program has been giving him the confidence to know he can and should have a seat at the table. He has a renewed confidence that has fueled him to take more control over his life decisions, be more purposeful in his thought process and take calculated-well thought out risks to pursue his life goals.”
— Lisa and Tim Doyle
“We are so excited that Margaret is part of the Improvaneers team! Much thanks to Rob, Maggie and Kathleen for all their hard work and guidance!”
-Michelle and Guy Connors
“Theresa has shown considerable growth in her conversations and interactions with her family, friends and coworkers over her past year with the Improvaneers. Her eye contact, and ability to initiate and stay engaged in conversations has been recognized by many. Theresa’s spontaneity and confidence to join in conversations has blossomed, which lets her joy and sense of humor shine through! She loves all her new friends and performing with the Improvaneers cast. Many thanks to Rob, Maggie and Kathleen!”
—Eileen and Allen Buzzelli
“This experience has benefited Adam in so many ways. He has become more socially engaged with his peers, speaks with more inflection and projection, and has enhanced his sense of humor. Improvaneers has led us to further expand our participation in the Down syndrome community and rejuvenated our beliefs in their limitless capacities.”
— Kurt and Fran Schoen
“We have noticed a confidence we haven’t witnessed in Emily prior to the Improvaneers. She has grown immensely in her conversational skills with other adults. She has also increased her ability to keep a conversation going and on topic. Emily has gained a keen sense of inquisitiveness in language arts and uses this to the best of her ability in her performances and throughout her daily activities. We are grateful to be members of such an awesome group of individuals.”
— Lisa and Rick King
“Improv is a new concept for Dani. She absolutely loves it! She is still learning to have confidence which this program is helping her with so much. We envision her “taking on the stage” with her best friends in town!”
— Erica Chase
“Improv has given Joey a safe structured environment with his peers to work on communication skills and self confidence.”
-McGhee Family
“We are very grateful to Rob and Ellen Snow and SUFD for providing this amazing opportunity for our daughter, Audrey. It is the first all-Down Syndrome activity group in which she has been a full-time participant and it was gratifying to learn of the high expectations set for the IMPROVANEERS' cast members. Our family members have told Audrey that they have noticed improvement in her eye contact and clarity of speech. We have also seen an improvement in Audrey's confidence being a part of an adult group conversation, both listening and expressing her opinion and asking on-topic questions. The hour drive to Akron each Tuesday gives Audrey and I the opportunity to discuss what is happening in life and practice upcoming IMPROV skits. It is a pleasure to be a part of such a dynamic and meaningful program which brings pleasure to the whole family.”
— Cheryl and Mark Costilow
“When we heard that GiGi’s Playhouse was going to host an improv workshop, we immediately knew Tony would love that. My mom expressed that she was worried about dropping Tony off and not being there with him, in fear he might get in a “mood” and become withdrawn. I assured her that Tony was in good hands with our volunteers, Erin and Kim. Both Erin and Kim expressed to my mom that they were super excited about this opportunity for Tony and were going to help in any way to make sure Tony and everyone else had an amazing experience. The workshop consisted of a group of participants working with comedian Jeff Blanchard and Rob Snow, founder of Stand Up for Downs, for a few hours. The family members then came at the end for a performance. Sitting with my parents in the audience watching Tony up on stage, as he unraveled out of his shell and spoke was truly an honor to witness. I could not take my eyes off the stage in fear I would miss something amazing. Tony was so proud to show his skills off to us. In that moment I knew something had changed inside him- something big! Tony was on cloud nine walking around afterwards, holding his certificate with a sense of accomplishment and pride, asking us to read it to him. This was truly an honor to experience with him and my family. Tony still talks about how much fun he had, and how excited he was to be involved. My family and I cannot stop telling friends and family about how well Tony responded to this workshop, and the positive impact it left on him. We have enjoyed seeing him approach a friend with a hug or initiate a conversation with someone. We are all so proud of Tony and his life-changing experience he had becoming an “Improv Ninja.”
— Lexi Cusma, Board member of GiGi's Playhouse Cleveland and sibling to Tony
The Improvaneer Method…Online!
When I first saw the Improvaneers I thought my brother Pete would have been great at that in his younger days. Now at the age of 56 with early Alzheimer’s disease I wasn’t sure, but I thought we’d give it a try. I’m so glad we did. I think our weekly improv sessions is part of the reason Pete hasn’t experienced as much of a decline the last two years as some of his friends. The games engage his thinking, language, and social skills. Improv really is a great confidence booster too. Our director, Maggie, has been great at tailoring the curriculum to meet the ability level of everybody in our group.
-Mary, MI
“Rob-
Rachel has loved the Improv class. She is so excited about it every week. We were thrilled when you offered it for the month of May. I hope you do it all summer. Appreciate your role in teaching our self-advocates. Thank you. ”— Jawanda B. Mast
“Liam loves his Improvaneer class, seeing the same folks every week, feeling more and more comfortable to respond to the tasks and I definitely think it’s super valuable for his self confidence and practice of spontaneity and thinking on his feet.”
-California Participant Caregiver
“I love how Maggie accepts any answer the kids say and moves on even if it didn't make sense. She was also very energetic and encouraging.”
— Kris MN
“Awesome, awesome, awesome!! So glad Rob came up with this amazing concept! “I'm so glad the virtual classes were started. Besides COVID, geography/distance has always been an obstacle for us to participate in person. Mac isn't overly enthusiastic, but he always remembers that Friday is Improvaneer day and I see him smiling/giggling to himself at times as he watches/listens to the others. I hope if this continues he will be able to continue and improve upon his voice projection and general active participation. I love to eavesdrop from a distance on the sessions!! So much fun and so many skills being worked on!!”
— Jill OH
“The Director is doing a fantastic job! She has built a connection with the participants and they all clearly lover her and the job that she is doing.”
— Ed DE
“My daughter LOVED this!”
— Danielle CA
“Director is so respectful of everyone's ideas very careful to let everyone have a turn”
— Sandy OH
“You do a great job engaging all levels of young adults. I appreciate this! It has come at a great time!”
— Chris MN
“Maggie,
I just want to thank you for bringing joy to my son in this time of quarantine. You are terrific at this!”— Janice MI
“Todd says she's helping him a lot. Just like Mom, she tells me to slow down when speaking. Nick is a good instructor, too.”
— Debbie OH
“Maggie and Nick are the best! This is the next best thing to being there in person, thank you!”
“Where does Maggie get her energy?! I love it!”
— MI
“Happy weekend!!
Can I just say how AMAZING this class was?!! What a find! I remember wanting to sign Matthew up for this, last Summer, but the timing didn’t work for whatever reason. Matt enjoyed the class and was quite engaged. Maggie was a wonderful facilitator and kept everyone on track. The best part was her unending energy which is super important to keep people’s attention, when facilitating virtually.”-Massachusetts
“I just want to take a minute to say Thank you for allowing Joe to join in on these sessions of Improv.
Not only does he love participating in these weekly sessions, I can see huge improvement in Joes Speech, confidence, and learning to wait his turn to speak.”
-David, OH
I am the mom of Violet, an 11 year old who participates in your program with the Down Syndrome Association of MN. I just wanted to tell you that this program is so wonderful for our girl – she just loves it! She’s always been very verbal and a very good talker, but would be shy in front of others. She is now a very proud contributor in her weekly sessions with Maggie. I love what your program does and I’m a huge fan of the weekly, virtual programming – and I can’t say that about any of our other virtual programs for our daughter. I also just wanted to tell you how much we love instructor Maggie! She is so great!
-Karen MN