Need to be More Active?

Want to be More Tech-Savy?

Hope to Build Independence?

Open the Lid has Tools & Community For Everyone.

Classes Available 5 Days a Week!

SIGN UP FOR FREE TRIAL

Just you and your teacher

1:1 Classes

Individual 1:1

4 Sessions

$487 / month

200 minutes of 1:1 time a month

  • Four 50-minute 1:1 sessions a month
  • $121.75 per 50-minute session
  • Lessons built around your goals, with master educators
  • Visual learning series
  • Email your teacher, Monday to Friday
  • Bonus: self-paced video classes
Buy Now

Double 1:1

8 Sessions

$974 / month

400 minutes of 1:1 time a month

  • Eight 50-minute 1:1 sessions a month
  • $121.75 per 50-minute session
  • Lessons built around your goals, with master educators
  • Visual learning series
  • Email your teacher, Monday to Friday
  • Bonus: self-paced video classes
Buy Now

Triple 1:1

12 Sessions

$1,461 / month

600 minutes of 1:1 time a month

  • Twelve 50-minute 1:1 sessions a month
  • $121.75 per 50-minute session
  • Lessons built around your goals, with master educators
  • Visual learning series
  • Email your teacher, Monday to Friday
  • Bonus: self-paced video classes
Buy Now

Quadruple 1:1

16 Sessions

$1,948 / month

800 minutes of 1:1 time a month

  • Sixteen 50-minute 1:1 sessions a month
  • $121.75 per 50-minute session
  • Lessons built around your goals, with master educators
  • Visual learning series
  • Email your teacher, Monday to Friday
  • Bonus: self-paced video classes
Buy Now

Already in Group?

Add 1:1 for less

Only with Group Classes

Individual Add-on

+4 Sessions

$425 / month

You save $62 a month

  • Four 50-minute 1:1 sessions a month
  • 200 minutes of 1:1 time a month
  • $106.25 per 50-minute session
  • Email your teacher, Monday to Friday
Add On

Double Add-on

+8 Sessions

$850 / month

You save $124 a month

  • Eight 50-minute 1:1 sessions a month
  • 400 minutes of 1:1 time a month
  • $106.25 per 50-minute session
  • Email your teacher, Monday to Friday
Add On

Triple Add-on

+12 Sessions

$1,275 / month

You save $186 a month

  • Twelve 50-minute 1:1 sessions a month
  • 600 minutes of 1:1 time a month
  • $106.25 per 50-minute session
  • Email your teacher, Monday to Friday
Add On

Quadruple Add-on

+16 Sessions

$1,700 / month

You save $248 a month

  • Sixteen 50-minute 1:1 sessions a month
  • 800 minutes of 1:1 time a month
  • $106.25 per 50-minute session
  • Email your teacher, Monday to Friday
Add On

Learn What Open the Lid has to Offer:

Some people learn in groups, and others learn best with one-on-one support. Open the Lid meets you 

where you are and takes you to where you want to be.

Open the Lid Offers:

• Technology Classes

• Movement Classes

• Empowerment Classes

Lets Dig Deeper..

  • Step 1

    Set Up a Free Trial

    Try a class, explore our programs, and get a feel for the Open the Lid experience before deciding what works for you.

  • Step 2

    Discover the Best Fit

    Talk with us about your interests, strengths, and goals. Together, we can explore the classes and support that fit your needs.

  • Step 3

    Start Your Classes

    Explore Technology, Movement, and Empowerment through individualized or group classes with supportive teachers.

  • Step 4

    Figure Out Funding

    We can help you explore potential funding options and understand the next steps for accessing eligible services.

Get Started

Ready to explore what's possible? Connect with us to find the next step that works for you.

Get Started

What are Technology Classes?

 Whether Group Classes, Individual Classes or Both, you will learn how to:

  • Research & apply organizational and time management apps

  • Safely create dating profiles and learn to navigate the apps

  • Learn how to create and use G-drive, Zoom, and Social media platforms (Youtube, Instagram, Facebook and Discord)

What are Empowerment Classes?

Whether Group Classes, Individual Classes, or Both, you will learn:

  • To build short-term goals

  • Simple tools to solve problems and make friends

  • Self-regulation

  • Conflict management

  • Creating long-term goals with short-term steps

What are Movement Classes?

In our Individual Classes you will learn how to:

  • Build mind-body awareness through movement

  • Strengthen your balance for stability and emotional well-being

  • Learn tools that keep you motivated to move

  • Make friends and connections through group activities and partner exercises

Group Classes

Your people, from all over the United States. Peer support, expert guidance, and teachers who love what they teach, all in technology and movement.

Every day starts the same way: share a highlight and a challenge from your week. Talk, type, or use AAC. Your call. Just want the good vibes? Pull up a chair and listen. Nobody’s grading participation.

Then the day’s theme takes over:

  • Monday: Self-regulation through mind and body

  • Tuesday: Online research and learning. Teach what you know, learn what you don’t.

  • Wednesday: Conversation strategies you’ll actually use, practiced in real time through tech

  • Thursday: Tech-y team-building games

  • Friday: Dance party!

Bonus Support Materials

Understand the concepts more deeply and reinforce new ideas by using the videos and visual learning series. 

  • Visual learning series act like homework and put new strategies into practice. 

  • Videos make content accessible to auditory learners. 

SIGN UP FOR FREE TRIAL

"I can’t recommend these classes/groups enough! Hats off to Lydia and Open the Lid!"

~Robin, Mom of a student

"The students at Open the Lid's group class celebrate me for exactly who I am. We've become close friends."

~B.M, Open the Lid member

"My anger went down by 50% for the first time in my 39 years of life! I've made new connections, learned new strategies, and extended friendships out of our group. I have a loving and charismatic girlfriend who knows what she wants!"

~J.S, Open the Lid Student

"I always look forward to this group. It's where I have the most meaningful and supportive conversations and connections.."

~G.L, Open the Lid Student

"Open the Lid is the missing link between home, school, and community.”

~Paul, Dad

Is Open the Lid Worth the Investment?

Our team is uniquely qualified to build and nurture meaningful community at Open the Lid.

We're able to adjust as the community's needs and interests change with new programming, outside experts, and flexible scheduling.  

If 1-on-1 support would be helpful, the Individual Classes allow us to spend time working toward specific goals at the right pace. 

"Open the Lid has made such a difference in my life, and our lives as a family. I don't know where we would be today without it.”

~Meghan, Mom 

Contact Us

Got Questions About Open the Lid, Workshops, or Classes (including NJ DVRS)? Want to be on the Mailing List? Reach out. We’ll Get Back to you Within One Business Day. 😊

There is No Pressure and No Specific Deadline.

What are you interested in? Choose as many as you like.
Open the Lid Class Terms of Use and Program Agreement

Open the Lid Class Terms of Use

Last updated: November 12, 2026

Welcome

These terms explain how classes with Open the Lid, LLC work. When you sign up for a class, attend a class, or use our website, you agree to these terms.

"We" and "us" means Open the Lid.

"You" means the participant, and parent or guardian where applicable.

We may update these terms. The newest version always lives on our website with the date it changed.

Cancelling and Rescheduling

If you need to miss a session

Let us know at least 24 hours before.

We will do our best to find another time.

Less than 24 hours notice counts as a late cancellation.

If an agency pays for your class and you miss it without 24 hours notice, you may have to pay for that class yourself.

If we need to cancel

We will tell you as soon as we can.

We will reschedule the session or offer a credit.

Refunds for self-pay classes

Cancel at least 24 hours before the first class: full refund.

After the first class: no refund.

No refunds for sessions missed with less than 24 hours' notice or no-shows.

These refund rules are for classes. Monthly programs and 1-on-1 coaching follow our Program Agreement.

Group Agreements

Our classes work best when everyone feels safe to show up as themselves.

Treat others with respect, including different ways of communicating and looking.

What people share in class stays in class. Ask before repeating someone's story.

No hate speech, bullying, or harassment in or out of class or in chats.

No selling or advertising to other members.

Classmates share from their own experience. They are not experts or OTL staff.

Tell us right away if something feels wrong or unsafe.

We may remove someone from a class if these agreements are not followed.

Access and Inclusion

We welcome everyone. We do not discriminate based on disability, race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, national origin, or any other protected status.

To request accommodations, like ASL interpreters, captions, AAC support, breaks, or materials in other formats, contact us before your class.

Need these terms or class materials in another language, or an interpreter? Just ask.

Who Agrees

Under 18: A parent or guardian agrees. We also check that the learner wants to join, in whatever way they communicate.

18 and older: Adults agree for themselves. If you have a legal guardian, they agree too.

Turning 18: We ask the learner to agree on their own.

How we track it

You agree by checking the box at registration.

Your registration confirmation includes a link to these terms.

You can withdraw at any time by telling us in writing.

Signing Up and Paying

If an agency pays for your class

Your spot is confirmed once we have the agency's approval or authorization.

You do not pay us directly for approved services.

If funding ends or is not approved, we will talk with you about other options before any charges.

If you pay for your class yourself

Payment is due before the first class.

Your spot is held once payment is received.

Attendance

Showing up matters. It also keeps your funding in good standing.

A no-show means missing a session without telling us.

After 3 no-shows, or 3 cancellations without rescheduling, we may pause or end services.

Before that happens, we will reach out to you. If an agency funds your class, we will also contact your point person at that agency.

Any decision to end services will be shared in writing.

Privacy and Communication

Who sees your information

Only OTL staff who work with you.

Your agency representative, as required by the organization.

Your school contact, if a school referred you.

No one else, unless you give written permission or the law requires it.

Recording

We only record a class if everyone is told first.

You can turn off your camera or ask not to be recorded.

How we contact you

We may reach you by email, phone, or text.

Texts are about classes, scheduling, payments, and programs.

Message and data rates may apply. Reply STOP to opt out or HELP for help.

We never share your phone number for marketing.

See our full Privacy Policy in this document.

SMS/Text Messaging

If you opt in to receive text messages from Open the Lid, LLC, we use your mobile number only to send messages about appointments, scheduling, payment reminders, program information, and events.

Mobile information will not be shared with third parties or affiliates for marketing or promotional purposes. Text messaging originator opt-in data and consent will not be shared with any third parties.

Message frequency varies. Message and data rates may apply.

You can reply STOP at any time to unsubscribe or HELP for assistance. You may also contact us at support@openthelid.com.

We will not share your opt-in to an SMS campaign with any third party for purposes unrelated to providing you with the services of that campaign. We may share your Personal Data, including your SMS opt-in or consent status, with third parties that help us provide our messaging services, including but not limited to platform providers, phone companies, and any other vendors who assist us in the delivery of text messages.

All the above categories exclude text messaging originator opt-in data and consent; this information will not be shared with any third parties.

Opting Out

From time to time Open the Lid, LLC may email you electronic newsletters, announcements, surveys or other information.

If you prefer not to receive any or all of these communications, you may opt out by following the directions provided within the electronic newsletters and announcements.

The Fine Print, Made Simple

Class materials

Our handouts, videos, and website content belong to Open the Lid.

You can save or print them for your own use.

Please do not sell, share publicly, or reuse them without asking.

What we can and cannot promise

We work hard to keep our information accurate and our classes running smoothly.

We cannot promise specific results, like getting a job.

Our classes do not replace medical, mental health, or legal care.

We are not responsible for websites we link to.

In an emergency

Open the Lid is not a crisis service.

In an emergency, call 911.

For a mental health crisis, call or text 988.

Legal basics

These terms follow United States federal law and the laws of New York State, where Open the Lid is based. You keep any rights your home state gives you.

If any part of these terms cannot be enforced, the rest still applies.

Concerns

Contact us at Support@openthelid.com or (607) 252-6531.

We will respond within 3 business days.

If we cannot solve it together, you can ask to speak with our founder, Lydia Dolch.

If an agency funds your services, you can also contact your agency representative at any time.

Questions?

We are happy to talk it through.

Email: Support@openthelid.com

Phone: (607) 252-6531

Mail: Open the Lid, LLC, 311 W Buffalo St, Ithaca, NY 14850

Open the Lid Program Agreement

Last updated: November 12, 2026

Welcome

This agreement covers our programs, live classes, and 1-on-1 coaching. It works together with our Class Terms and Privacy Policy.

"We" and "us" means Open the Lid, LLC.

"You" means the learner, and parent or guardian where applicable.

You agree by checking the box at registration or checkout.

What's Included

Live group classes and virtual meetings

1-on-1 coaching sessions, if you choose that option

Program materials like videos, workbooks, and handouts

Sessions are led by Lydia Dolch and the Open the Lid team.

Scheduling Sessions

You are responsible for booking and attending your sessions.

Sessions not scheduled or used within your agreed time frame cannot be carried over.

Cancel or reschedule at least 24 hours before your session.

If you pay for your program yourself, late cancellations and no-shows are charged in full.

If an agency funds your program and you miss a session without 24 hours notice, you may have to pay for that session yourself.

To cancel or reschedule, email Support@openthelid.com or call or text (607) 252-6531.

Payment

Current prices are listed on our website or your invoice.

When paying privately, payment is due before you get access to the program unless other arrangements are agreed upon in writing.

Monthly programs are charged each month to keep your access.

Payments are processed securely through Stripe. You give us permission to charge your card for the amounts you signed up for.

If an agency funds your program, our Class Terms explain how that works.

If you have a billing problem, please contact us first so we can fix it quickly.

Cancelling Your Program

You can cancel at any time by emailing Support@openthelid.com.

Cancelling stops future charges.

We do not refund months that are already paid.

Materials you already have access to stay available to you.

Classes follow the refund rules in our Class Terms.

We may also end this agreement at any time. If we do, we will tell you in writing.

Recording

We only record a session if everyone is told first.

You can turn off your camera or ask not to be recorded.

Recordings are only used by OTL staff for training, or shared with members of that group.

Group Sessions

You will learn alongside other participants.

What people share in group stays in group.

Other participants are not OTL staff or experts. Their advice is their own.

Our Group Agreements in the Class Terms apply to all sessions.

Your Instructor

We match you with an instructor who fits your needs.

We may change your instructor when needed. We will do our best to tell you ahead of time.

Access and Inclusion

We welcome everyone. We do not discriminate based on disability, race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, national origin, or any other protected status.

To request accommodations, like ASL interpreters, captions, AAC support, breaks, or materials in other formats, contact us before your session.

Need this agreement or program materials in another language, or an interpreter? Just ask.

Health and Safety

Open the Lid provides education and coaching, not clinical treatment.

Our programs do not replace medical, mental health, legal, or financial advice.

Never start or stop a medication because of something you learned in our program. Talk to your doctor.

Please tell us about anything that may affect how you take part, like a health condition or support need.

If someone may be at risk of harm, we may end the session and contact your emergency contact or emergency services.

Our staff are mandated reporters. We must report suspected abuse or neglect.

Open the Lid is not a crisis service. In an emergency, call 911. For a mental health crisis, call or text 988.

Program Materials

All program materials belong to Open the Lid.

They are for your personal or family use only.

Please do not copy, share, sell, or post them.

Please do not use our materials to create or teach a similar program.

Stories, Photos, and Videos

We may share your story as an example without your name or identifying details.

We only use your name, photo, video, or testimonial with your written permission.

For photos or videos of you or your child, we will ask first by text or email.

You can take back permission at any time by emailing Support@openthelid.com.

We will stop new uses right away, but we may not be able to remove items already published.

Concerns

Contact us at Support@openthelid.com or (607) 252-6531.

We will respond within 3 business days.

If we cannot solve it together, you can ask to speak with our founder, Lydia Dolch.

If an agency funds your services, you can also contact your agency representative at any time.

Results

Every person's journey is different.

We cannot promise specific results.

Progress takes time, practice, and support from your wider team.

Legal Basics

Our responsibility to you is limited to the amount you paid us under this agreement.

This agreement follows United States federal law and the laws of New York State, where Open the Lid is based. You keep any rights your home state gives you.

Changes to this agreement must be in writing.

If any part of this agreement cannot be enforced, the rest still applies.

Questions?

Email: Support@openthelid.com

Phone: (607) 252-6531

Mail: Open the Lid, LLC, 311 W Buffalo St, Ithaca, NY 14850

Consent is not a condition of submitting this form. Msg & data rates may apply. Msg frequency varies. Reply STOP to unsubscribe or HELP for help. View our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.

    • We conduct trainings for multiple companies, school districts and organizations in NY State and New Jersey such as Jersey City Public Library, The Ithaca Youth Bureau, & The Diversity Consortium of Tompkins County 

    • We are listed with care management companies as supported resources and are verified vendors with 15+ Fiscal Intermediaries 

    • Open the Lid is a part of the resources library for care management agencies across NY State & New Jersey

    • We work in collaboration with the largest care management organizations in NY State & New Jersey

    Follow us on Instagram: @openthelidcommunity

    Join our Facebook Group: www.facebook.com/openthelid/ 

    Read an article Lydia wrote: "3 Tips for Navigating the Holidays with Special Needs." 

    Watch our YouTube Video's on a variety of topics.

    References: If you would like to talk with some of the people Open the Lid has supported, email us at Support@openthelid.com and we will send you their contact info.

  • The benefits from the program come from consistent participation over time.

    That being said, in the rare circumstance that Open the Lid does not meet your needs, you may cancel any further payments.

  • Every person is different. Everyone's results depend on the effort they put in and the support they receive.

    Individuals we work with:

    • build websites, start Youtube channels

    • start dating

    • make friends

    • become more physically healthy

    We have also helped individuals:

    • join inclusive programming

    • access tens of thousands of dollars in public funding

    • learn self-regulation strategies

    • connect with community resources

    • work more collaboratively with their families and caregivers

  • True transformation happens when the whole network gets support. While this program is for individuals; siblings and other staff members such as therapists, respite and community habilitation workers are welcome to participate. Many of the lessons are best used with the whole network.

    Additionally, we offer a bonus caregiver Q&A session on Zoom once a month.

FAQ

  • Everyone is welcome regardless of communication styles. We welcome verbal communicators as well as people with alternative modes of communication such as iPads with communication apps and Yes/No buttons. Don't have a reliable form of alternative communication? We can help! Plus, you can hang out with communicators of all styles in group classes.

  • Open the Lid's Individual Program is a comprehensive community with expert support and resources.

    In addition to the live classes, the 38+ lessons help create coping strategies and long-term direction that will save thousands of dollars and lead to a better life.

    How?

    Each lesson takes you step-by-step through the process of figuring out therapies, services, activities, and support that will be the most meaningful and effective. We also teach you how to get many of these funded through schools and other public resources. 

    • These classes have been reimbursed for individuals through Medicaid Waiver and Self-Direction Funding in NY state and NJ. Let us know if you’d like support expanding into your state.

    • We can often invoice FIs (Fiscal Intermediaries) so families do not have to pay upfront and get reimbursed.

  • We offer monthly Wednesday night parent/caregiver groups via Zoom as well as access to the training videos and workbooks as a bonus offer.

    We also offer 1:1 classes for parents and caregivers for a monthly rate. 

"Our entire family benefited from Open the Lid, which helped us to find a deeper understanding of each other and put in place solutions for a more balanced life. "

~Margaret, Mom