Media Makers
The Media Makers program seeks to inspire and nurture young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD)—helping them express their place and purpose in the world through social-emotional and media arts skills.
Fostering Inclusivity
This pioneering program is designed to foster inclusivity and transformation through the medium of photography, animation, film, podcasting, and new media.
This initiative is dedicated to providing adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities—including those who may be autistic, neurodiverse, special needs, and more—with essential creative, educational, social, and economic opportunities, empowering them toward self-sufficiency and community inclusion.
Here’s What You’ll Learn at Media Makers
During each 20 week Semester, you’ll learn media skills ranging from animation to extended reality, entrepreneurship, and more.
In the fourth semester, your skills and goals will be evaluated. You will have the option to continue your training, explore employment options, or transition to a new service.
Animation: 2D and 3D Digital Animations
- Learn Pre-Production techniques including storyboarding.
- Develop your ideas through character design and world building.
- Bring your original character designs to life through voice acting.
- Discover your own art style and craft narratives that let your unique voice shine through each frame.
Filmmaking
- Learn to create short films, including documentaries, narratives and podcasts.
- Participate in all aspects of creating a short film or podcast, including screenwriting, acting, cinematography, sound design, editing and production.
- Create content for social media, marketing and education.
Photography/Mixed Media
- Learn the basics of photography including elements of design, composition and lighting.
- Transform your photographs into graphic artwork.
- Create your own portfolio of work including mixed media and graphic design.
Extended Reality/Digital Illustration
- Learn to create art through hands-on experience with extended reality technology including virtual reality and artificial intelligence generated art.
- Combine multiple mediums to create unique and expressive works of art.
- Create projects and designs utilizing pixel art and digital illustration.
Micro-Entrepreneurship
- Learn the basics of starting a micro-enterprise, including cost of goods, profit/loss and revenue/expenses.
- Develop a Brand/Style, Logo and Marketing for your micro-enterprise.
- Create unique products that can be sold at fairs and events.
2025 Semester Schedules
Media Makers takes place Monday–Thursday from 9:30 am – 3 pm in the Spring and Fall.
Each Semester is 20 weeks long with approximately 20 hours per week of instruction and training.
Spring
January 27–June 18, 2025
January 27, 2025:
Start of Spring Semester
February 17, 2025:
President’s Day Holiday (No Programming)
March 31–April 4, 2025:
Spring Break (No Programming)
May 26, 2025:
Memorial Day Holiday (No Programming)
June 17, 2025:
Last Day of Spring Semester
June 18, 2025:
Spring Showcase
Fall
July 21–December 19, 2025
July 21, 2025:
First Day of Fall Semester
September 1, 2025:
Labor Day Holiday (No Programming)
September 1-5, 2025:
Mid-Fall Break (No Programming)
October 13, 2025:
Indigenous People’s Day (No Programming)
November 11, 2025:
Veteran’s Day Holiday (No Programming)
November 24–28:
Thanksgiving Holiday (No Programming)
December 18, 2025:
Last Day of Fall Semester
December 19, 2025:
Fall Semester Showcase
Key Entrance Criteria
- The individual must be 18 and over with an Intellectual or Developmental Disability.
- The individual must express an interest in Media Arts.
- The individual does not present a danger to themselves or others.
- Funding must come through the Regional Center or private payment.
- The individual must travel independently to and from the program site.
Here’s How To Get Involved
1. Complete Application Form
This form outlines the entrance criteria for the program and should be reviewed to make sure the applicant meets criteria before completing the form.
2. Contact the San Diego Regional Center
- Notify the SDRC: Please let your SDRC service coordinator know that the applicant would like to enroll in the Media Makers program.
- SDRC Documentation: Please request that your IPP and “CDER” (Client Development Evaluation Report) be sent to: mediamakers@outsidethelens.org or kevintung@outsidethelens.org
For Self Determination Applicants: Individuals in the Self-Determination program will need to discuss inclusion of this workshop with the applicant’s independent facilitator and SDRC service coordinator as the team will need to make sure sufficient funding is in place to cover the costs of the workshop.
3. Screening/Intake Meeting
After the applicant’s IPP and CDER have been received, our team will contact the applicant and a member of the applicant’s support team to set up an intake meeting and site visit to make sure the Media Makers program supports the applicant’s IPP goals, and the applicant meets the entrance criteria set forth in the application.
SDRC Vendor Number: PY2509, Code: 094
Media Makers Next-Gen
Media Makers Next Gen is a Media Arts focused Social Recreation program designed for teens and young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities interested in learning more about animation, filmmaking, graphic design, photography and more.
The Next Gen program is a supportive community for youth of all skill and experience levels. It provides a safe space to explore media arts and develop new relationships with other youth.
SDRC Vendor Number: PY3542, Code: 094
Media Makers Career Pathway Navigator
Media Makers Career Pathway Navigator program is designed to provide one-on-one support and guidance for individuals who are interested in developing career oriented skills in Media Arts. The Career Pathway Navigator program will assist individuals in developing a person-centered career plan, identifying career options, and utilizing employment resources. The CPN program will also help individuals further develop their Media Arts portfolio, create a website and create Micro-Business plans.
Connect With Us!
