DAD (Drums and Disabilities) is a 501(C)(3) non-profit organization that helps children and adults with Autism, Dyslexia, ADD, Tourette's, Aspberger’s, ADHD, OCD, ODD, and other disabilities, develop retention, coordination, self-esteem, and physical and cognitive functioning. The DAD Program is featured in Schools Systems, Hospitals, and Community Centers throughout the world.
DAD is certified by the New Jersey State Department of Education as an official teacher-training program. New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg helped Drum Virtuoso Pat Gesualdo launch segments of his DAD Program as a special education Pilot Program, in several New York City schools and communities in 2004. Now, Psychologists, Special Education Teachers, Occupational Therapists, Physical Therapists, and Behavioral Therapists in the U.S., Bosnia, London, South Africa, New Zealand, Italy, Slovenia, and other countries, use the DAD Program to help special needs children and adults develop retention, coordination, self esteem, and physical and cognitive functioning.
Numerous Celebrities, Sports Stars, Community Leaders, and Major Corporations have joined forces with the DAD Program. Some include Senator Anthony Bucco, New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg and his Administration, the WWE Superstars, the NY Giants, the NJ Nets, Borders Books, Pepsi-Cola, the Morris County Park Police, The New Jersey Department of Education, Hasbro Toys, Vater Percussion, Zildjian Cymbals, TD Bank, Modern Drummer Magazine, Live Nation, and Sony Music Entertainment, among others.
"We need the DAD Program to help children with disabilities," said New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, as he wished DAD Founder/CEO Pat Gesualdo the best of luck with the program, as the two spoke on a major radio station recently. "It's absolutely amazing, the kids don’t want to leave school until they've had the DAD program," says Principal Alexis, from one of the many schools where DAD is featured.
Pat Gesualdo was invited to the White House to meet President George W. Bush, in an effort to help expand his DAD Program to wounded troops in Walter Reed Army Medical Center, and in Veterans Administration facilities throughout the United
States. He was also invited by President Barack Obama’s administration to take part In an official Obama Administration event, to help expand the DAD Program.
The WWE, and the NY Giants have also made a donation to the New York City Schools, on behalf of the DAD program. Various WWE and NY Giants Superstars, and several Politicians joined DAD Founder Pat Gesualdo at the Meadowlands Continental Airlines Arena, at a live televised WWE event, to announce the DAD Program, and present the donation to New York City School Officials.
The New Jersey Nets have also teamed up with Pat Gesualdo and his DAD Program, and held a very special event at the Izod Arena in the Meadowlands, for 200 special needs children enrolled in the Bergen County school system’s DAD Program Drum Therapy® curriculum.
Pat Gesualdo/DAD have been featured in major media outlets including, WABC, the New York Post, CNN, Parents Magazine, Fox Television Network, the Star Ledger, the Herald News, MTV, USA Today, the Daily Record, VH-1, Milan TV, the Neighbor News, the News Tribune, the WOR Radio Network, the Bergen Record, Wayne Today, Drum Magazine, DrumHead Magazine, Modern Drummer Magazine, NEA Teacher’s magazine, and Clear Channel Radio Networks among other major media.
Official DAD Program/Pat Gesualdo Websites:
DAD PROGRAM
P.O. BOX 341
Towaco, NJ, 07082
E-Mail: INFO@DADPROGRAM.ORG
Phone: 973-725-5150
