Access At CVUHS

This 10-week cooking class will cover cooking safety (including safe cutting techniques), healthy cooking hygiene, and how to cook various simple foods. This course is adapted to be accessible for people with Down syndrome and other intellectual disabilities. The classes will break each cooking task down into manageable steps. Cooking topics may include: no bake cookies, pasta, nachos, coffee/tea, and seasonal treats using a toaster food safety including how to decipher expiration dates, how to know when food is cooked, how to identify mold, how to properly clean the kitchen, how to avoid burning yourself on the stove and pans following steps of a recipe team work in a shared kitchen space memory techniques to remember to turn the stove and oven off. This course will run for 10 weeks and the lessons will build on each other with the chance for lots of repetition. While students will snack during each class, there will not be full meals provided during every class; students are recommended to plan accordingly. Aids are welcome to join a student. A needs assessment covering food sensitivities/allergies, past cooking experiences and more will be part of the registration process. This class is intended for young adults ages 14 and older. June 1st will be a makeup day in case of instructor illness or weather cancellations.

Join Evelyn and spend an engaging evening exploring the art of Asian dumplings, beginning with the creation of a versatile base filling that serves as the foundation for a variety of dumpling styles. You’ll learn how this single filling can be shaped and adapted for boiling, steaming, and pan-frying, allowing you to create multiple styles of dumplings with confidence. The class will also cover preparing a flavorful broth for wonton soup and show you how to turn dumplings into a complete, satisfying meal. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced home cook, this class is designed to expand your skills while treating you to a delicious cultural experience. The menu for this class contains shellfish and gluten, and unfortunately these can not be avoided. Please contact Access at access@cvsdvt.org or 802-482-7194 with any questions. For students aged 13 and older. This is a participatory cooking class. A small group of students will work together at each cooking station to complete the recipe on the night's menu. "Evelyn is an amazing instructor. She’s passionate about food... and excited to share her knowledge."

Join us for a fun, hands-on, one-night beginner class (2.5–3 hours) where students of all ages can build a functional and attractive bat house. No prior woodworking experience is needed. Children are welcome to attend with a parent or guardian, making this a great opportunity for families to learn and build together. Participants will select their wood and prepare each piece for assembly. While some components will be pre-cut, there will also be opportunities to cut, adjust, and customize each bat house to make it your own. The class takes place in the CVU woodshop, with access to both hand tools and power tools as appropriate. All materials are included in the course fee. By building a bat house to keep or give as a gift, you’ll be supporting an important and increasingly threatened species affected by habitat loss and urban development. In addition to completing a meaningful, eco-friendly project, this class serves as a great introduction to the other woodworking courses offered, helping students build comfort and confidence with the tools and the shop environment. Please bring safety glasses and a dust mask if you have one. We have a small supply on hand if you need one. Long hair will need to be tied back and no open toed shoes or loose clothing. Note: The electric tool usage can create a bottleneck so please be patient, and use this time to learn and help others. "Teacher ( Tony) is generous, skilled, patient and a delight. I learned a lot about tools, bats, and woodworking!"

Digital Photography Studio offers a highly personalized learning experience designed to meet you exactly where you are in your photographic journey. This small, studio-style course is guided by your interests and goals—whether you’re just getting comfortable with your camera or refining a more advanced creative vision. Each student will receive individualized instruction and thoughtful feedback tailored to what they want to explore. Topics may include mastering camera settings, strengthening visual composition, understanding the history of photography, improving print quality, or developing and articulating a personal photographic style. After enrolling, students are encouraged to email the instructor to share the specific aspects of photography they’re most excited to focus on. This helps shape the course content and ensures meaningful, relevant instruction for everyone. Enrollment is limited to just 8 students to allow for in-depth guidance, discussion, and hands-on support in a collaborative studio environment. This class will use the CVU Photography Lab. Each student will have use of a computer loaded with Adobe Photoshop software to use to enhance their photographs.. Ages: 16+

This gentle yoga class is a meditative, fluid, and soothing class suitable for all levels. Students will experience slow movements to warm the body and release stress and muscular tension, breathing techniques to support the nervous system, and simple postures to help build strength and stability. Suitable for beginners and seasoned practitioners alike. Bring your mat and water bottle, as well as blocks and strap (towel) if needed. We will have some yoga mats and blocks available to borrow. "Ellen is a wonderful instructor, love her and her yoga classes!"

If you are interested in learning the basics of clothing construction and would like to create a wearable garment then this course is for you! In this 6-week course, students will learn essential garment sewing techniques while constructing the digital Itch to Stitch Simien Pattern Top and Dress. Using How to Start Sewing as a foundational guide, students will build skills in pattern reading, fabric selection, seam finishes, fitting adjustments, hemming, and garment construction. By the end of the course, each student will complete a beautiful handmade top or dress—and gain the confidence to sew garments independently. Throughout the course, we will explore: Reading and understanding patterns and pattern markings Selecting appropriate fabrics Accurate cutting and marking Seam construction and finishing Inserting sleeves Neckline finishing techniques Hemming and professional pressing Basic fitting adjustments We will use How to Start Sewing as a companion guide to reinforce core sewing principles and best practices. This course is ideal for confident beginners who are comfortable using a sewing machine and are ready to complete their first garment—or refine their foundational skills. Students will leave with a finished top or dress and the knowledge to confidently tackle future garment projects. Materials and supplies: A list of materials and supplies will be emailed to you after registration. Requirement: Comfortable using and operating a sewing machine. All students will have use of a sewing machine in our sewing lab. A brief tutorial will be provided on the first day of class. Age 16+.

Join John, an enthusiastic musician with years of teaching experience, to learn basic acoustic guitar skills and work on learning a few chords through popular songs. Everyone will be playing music before long! This class is designed for those of all ages, with little or no experience, as well as those who have experience and are looking for a tune-up or refresher and a chance to gather with a group for more practice. Bring your guitar, and an electronic tuner which is strongly recommended, but not a prerequisite. "I learned more in Guitar for Beginners than I have in decades of playing. The instructor, John Creech is outstanding. He is extraordinary in both his knowledge of the instrument and his support for his students. I recommend this course for anyone interested in getting a great start on learning guitar." "This class was a joy to take! John is gifted in his musical talents and ability to teach it to others!" Wendy

Join our upcoming Shuffle Dance Series—perfect for total beginners who want to move, connect, and have fun. Shuffle dancing is an energetic, easy-to-learn dance style set to upbeat music that lifts your mood and gets your body moving. No experience needed, each class will guide you step-by-step. Just bring your curiosity and a willingness to try something new. You’ll be dancing with other beginners, with a focus on having fun and working learning together. Along with the fun, Shuffle dance is a fantastic workout, improving your cardio, coordination, and stamina without feeling like “exercise.” If you love good music, positive vibes, and want a fun way to stay active, this series is for you. Come Shuffle with us! Wear comfortable clothing and sneakers Bring a water bottle and good vibes! Not sure what Shuffle Dancing is... check it out HERE.

Join Nick Rosato, professional woodturner and owner of Vermont Peppermill, for this hands-on and step-by-step introduction to wood turning! In this two-session class, you’ll learn how to safely and confidently use a lathe to create projects of your choice—no prior woodworking or lathe experience required. Learn essential lathe safety, tool techniques, and how to create balanced, symmetrical designs will be covered. Whimsical, charming, and endlessly customizable! Wooden mushrooms and trees are a joy to make! In this fun and creative lathe class, Nick will show you how to turn both caps and stems and trees. Experiment with proportions, and create smooth, polished finishes. Perfect for garden décor, tabletop or mantle displays, and gifts. These projects are approachable and guaranteed to make you smile :) Bring your ideas, inspiration photos, or sketch. Each participant will have their own lathe to use during class, and wooden blanks (maple, birch or cherry) are included in the course fee. Feel free to bring your own wood if you want a specific or more pricey wood species. - Interested in a different project? With advance notice (email access@cvsdvt.org), students may use this class time to work on an alternate lathe project. - Experienced participants may work on targeted practice projects to advance their spindle turning tool skills and build confidence for independent work at home. Wear closed toed shoes, hat (hair tied back), and bring your own protective eye wear/goggles. No loose clothing, jewelry, or accessories! Note: Only 7 spots available per session. Min age: 16+