Our East Harlem Hub for Innovation, Disability Culture, Creativity & Inclusive Wellness

Pathways to Independence

Each program is designed with accessibility at its core, led by peers with lived experience, and focused on building skills that translate to real-world independence.

275+ 

Weekly Particpants

10,000+

Annual Meals

6

Core Programs

CORE PROGRAMMING

CORE+ Independence
CORE+ Independence
Empowering Strength and Stability

Structured, adaptive strength and stability training designed for people living with disabilities and older adults, focused on building core strength, functional fitness, and independence through peer-supported sessions.

Core Programming Includes:

  • Adaptive Equipment & Technique Training – Instruction in the use of adaptive fitness equipment and modified exercise techniques that maximize safety, accessibility, and effectiveness.
  • Core & Trunk Stabilization – Disability-informed exercises focused on building core and trunk stability to support balance, posture, and functional movement in daily activities.
  • Functional Strength Training – Strength training tied directly to daily activities including transfers, mobility, endurance, and balance—building practical strength for independent living.
  • Group Sessions – Group fitness sessions that foster accountability, motivation, and connection through shared fitness goals and peer support.
  • Individualized Programming – Personalized fitness plans that progress at each participant’s pace, with modifications and adaptations to meet individual goals and abilities.
  • Long-Term Health & Wellness Support – Ongoing programming focused on maintaining strength, preventing secondary health complications, and supporting overall physical and mental wellbeing.
Community Commons
Community Commons
Fostering Connection and Belonging

A flexible gathering space for cultural events, performances, celebrations, and community programs that build belonging and connection. Creating opportunities for cultural expression, shared experiences, and community participation.

Core Programming Includes:

  • Cultural Events & Performances – Accessible cultural programming including live performances, art exhibitions, film screenings, and celebrations that center disability culture and community voices.
  • Community Celebrations & Gatherings – Facilitated social events, celebrations, and shared experiences that build relationships, reduce isolation, and create opportunities for joy and connection.
  • Peer-Led Workshops & Panels – Community-driven workshops, discussions, and panels on topics relevant to daily living, rights, health, and shared experiences.
  • Accessible Arts & Expression’ – Programming that supports creative expression through accessible arts, music, movement, and storytelling, honoring diverse abilities and cultural backgrounds.
  • Intergenerational Programs – Programs that bring together people of different ages and backgrounds to share skills, stories, and experiences, strengthening community bonds across generations.
  • Community Building & Social Support – Structured and informal opportunities for peer connection, mutual support, and building lasting relationships within a welcoming, accessible community space.
Makers Space
Makers Space
Design & Fabrication

An accessible studio positioning making, repair, and adaptive design as foundational tools for independence, self-determination, and community participation for people with disabilities and older adults. Emphasizing practical, real-world skill building through peer-based learning and creative problem-solving.

Core Programming Includes

  • Adaptive Making & Repair – Wheelchair maintenance, component customization, adaptive fabrication, and modification of everyday objects to strengthen access, independence, and daily functioning.
    Soft Goods & Textile Fabrication: Adaptive sewing, knitting, and crocheting using seated workstations and modified tools to support clothing repair, adaptive garments, and functional soft goods.
  • Digital & Technical Fabrication – Introductory 3-D printing, digital design, laser welding, and accessible woodworking (stationary, low-supervision tools) for safe, seated, peer-based fabrication and real-world problem-solving.
  • Creative & Visual Arts – Adaptive visual arts and creative skill-building that support fine motor adaptation, confidence, identity, and cognitive engagement.
  • Peer-Led Learning – Resident Maker – led instruction, mentorship, and collaborative projects grounded in lived experience and disability-responsive teaching.
  • Applied Learning & Community Integration – Field trips and real-world learning experiences that reinforce independent navigation, social participation, and exposure to vocational and creative pathways.
  • Visibility & Leadership – Public exhibitions and showcases that elevate participants as creators, leaders, and contributors within the broader community.
Media Lab
Media Lab
Innovative Creative and Tech Space

An accessible, peer-led creative and technology space designed to expand participation, expression, and opportunity. Integrating media, music, adaptive gaming, and AI-enabled tools that reduce physical strain and increase independence in communication, creativity, and work.

Core Programming Includes:

  • AI-Enabled Accessibility & Communication – Hands-free tools (speech-to-text, text-to-speech, captioning, transcription, translation) that support participants in communication, learning, and content creation.
  • Media, Podcast & Video Production – Storytelling and educational media using adaptive equipment and AI-assisted editing, captioning, and audio cleanup.
  • Music & Audio Production – Music creation, sound design, and scoring using adaptive instruments and AI-assisted tools that reduce physical barriers to musical expression.
  • Content & Production House – An accessible hub supporting audio, music, video, and multimedia projects from concept through distribution, including collaborative projects, residencies, and paid creative opportunities.
  • Adaptive Gaming & Virtual Community Engagement – Inclusive gaming and shared virtual experiences using adaptive controls and AI-supported accessibility features to foster connection and peer engagement.
  • Hybrid Events & Knowledge Sharing – In-person and virtual panels, workshops, performances, and convenings  that expand access beyond geography and physical space.
  • Peer Leadership, Co-Design & Skill-Building – Program design and facilitation that builds transferable creative, technical, and leadership skills linked to independence and economic opportunity.
Nutrition & Culinary Wellness
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Nutrition & Culinary Wellness
Food Access & Independence

A barrier-free initiative positioning food as both nourishment  a critical pathway to independence, self-determination, and long-term wellbeing for people with disabilities, older adults, and their caregivers. Integrating adaptive cooking classes, nutrition education, and a disability-centered CSA model with daily community meals as the heart of connection.

Core Programming Includes:

  • Accessible Teaching Kitchen & Tool Use –Hands-on cooking classes focused on seated and adaptive techniques, use of modified tools, safe food preparation, and meal planning that supports independence and daily living.
  • Family Meal – Regular, facilitated shared meals that serve as a primary site for peer connection, informal learning, and mentorship. These meals reduce social isolation, reinforce daily routines, and create space for knowledge exchange—positioning food as both nourishment and a foundation for community, dignity, and collective wellbeing.
  • Nutrition Education – Practical nutrition workshops addressing health considerations, including bowel and bladder health, inflammation, pressure injury prevention, energy balance, and long-term wellness—translated into actionable, everyday choices.
  • CSA & Food Access – A community-supported agriculture program providing fresh, culturally relevant food, paired with cooking instruction and nutrition guidance to ensure food access translates into usable, healthy meals.
  • Peer Leadership & Shared Learning – Classes, and workshops led by trained instructors and guest chefs, many with lived experience of disability, alongside peer dialogue that reinforces mentorship, shared problem-solving, and community connection.
Disability & Social Justice REsource Library
Disability & Social Justice Resource Library
Advocacy & Resources

An accessible resource library curated specifically for people living with disabilities and older adults. Providing materials related to disability rights, housing access, self-advocacy, independent living, and social-emotional wellbeing as a decision-support and stabilization resource.

Core Programming Includes:

  • Disability Rights & Advocacy Resources – Curated materials on disability rights, legal protections, and advocacy strategies that empower participants to understand and assert their rights in various settings.
  • Housing Access & Navigation – Comprehensive resources on accessible housing options, tenant rights, modifications, and navigating housing systems to support stable, independent living.
  • Self-Advocacy & System Navigation – Practical guides and resources that help participants navigate healthcare, insurance, benefits, and community systems with confidence and informed decision-making.
  • Independent Living Resources – Materials supporting daily living skills, community integration, transportation options, and strategies for building and maintaining independence.
  • Social-Emotional Wellbeing Support – Resources addressing mental health, peer connection, identity, and emotional wellness for individuals navigating life transitions and long-term adjustment.
  • Community Engagement & Peer Leadership
    Materials and guides supporting civic participation, peer mentorship, leadership development, and staying actively engaged in community life during periods of change.

scholarships

The Axis Project is dedicated to serving our community. With the generosity of donors, our Financial Assistance Program ensures accessibility to memberships, programs, and events. To apply, download the form or visit the Member Services Desk.

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