PlayDate is dedicated to broadening participation in the community for students preschool through high school. We offer social skills groups, sports instruction, parent training, respite care, and much more for families with special needs. All of these services are provided at rates well below industry standards. Our organization tackles the difficulties of communication, behavior, and social interaction that commonly hinder students with disabilities from fully participating in their communities. While students learn valuable skills, families receive peer support from other participating families as well as training from professionals. This is an invaluable process as it allows families to continue intervention in all environments. Misconceptions of disabilities and how it limits individuals abound in communities. PlayDate is committed to proving community education through outings with families. These provide perfect opportunities for students to practice skills in the natural environment as well as dispel myths through intentional interaction with the public by staff and parents. The community benefits as stereotypes are replaced through education and families are fully welcomed into society.

Christina M. Hansel is PlayDate's founder and executive director. Ms. Hansel is a board certified behavior analyst, certified special education teacher, and autism specialist. She has been working with students with various disabilities since 1994.