RISE Bell Choir Brings Good Cheer to Capstone Village Residents December 14, 2018 Written by Jamon Smith 1 min read TwitterFacebookLinkedInEmail The RISE Bell Choir recently performed for the residents of Capstone Village. UA’s RISE Center is a nationally recognized early childhood education program. The RISE program predominately serves young children with disabilities, but also includes children who do not have disabilities. The RISE Center currently serves close to 100 children and their families. RISE was started in 1974 to enrich the lives of infants and preschoolers with and without special needs. “The residents love seeing these youngsters,” said Troy Cannaday, executive director of Capstone Village. Music therapy is part of the RISE program. RISE provides a foundation for an inclusive community that celebrates diversity, said Andi Gillen, director of RISE. Visits like these provide residents with positive support, said Troy Cannaday, executive director of Capstone Village. The RISE model is a unique blend of early childhood education, child development, early childhood special education and integrated therapy. The purpose of the RISE program is to optimally prepare children for their next educational environment, and to provide support to families. RISE is part of the UA’s College of Human Environmental Sciences.