COLIN TO READ AT CHIME INSTITUTE EDUCATIONAL EVENT: OCT 18TH, 2009

Acclaimed actors Benjamin Bratt, Amy Brenneman, Colin Farrell, Laura San Giacomo and Muse Watson will be gathering in Topanga Canyon next month to take part in dramatic readings to raise money for children served by the CHIME Institute, which has extensive ties to Cal State Northridge.

The actors will be reading selected pieces from literature that focus on “An Exploration of the Human Need to Belong” beginning about 3 p.m. on Sunday, Oct.18, at the Will Geer Theatricum Botanicum, 1419 N. Topanga Canyon in Topanga.

“We are thrilled to have these amazing actors supporting the CHIME Institute’s inclusive educational programs,” said Annie Cox, executive director of CHIME’s early education programs. “Their commitment and generosity will help us maintain the high quality of our inclusive model of education-where children with and without disabilities learn side by side. Our programs implement and demonstrate educational practices that promote the highest academic achievement while teaching children to value each other in a rich and diverse social environment.

“The readings should provide an interesting afternoon as the actors explore the human need to belong,” she continued. “Hopefully, they will inspire us to think about the inclusive experience for all of us, not just for people who are indentified as disabled. All of us at one point in our lives have felt we did not belong.”

The CHIME Institute offers an infant/toddler program and a preschool/kindergarten inclusion program, which is located at Cal State Northridge.

The work of the institute has been recognized by the U.S. Department of Education as a national model for full inclusion of students with disabilities and for providing a blueprint for local schools across the country.

Proceeds from the readings will go toward supporting inclusive practices for children in the institute’s educational programs and schools.

FOR MORE INFORMATION & TO READ THE FULL ARTICLE PLEASE CLICK THE LINK BELOW:

http://blogs.csun.edu/news/2009/09/11/read/