Arms Wide Open provides a wide range of classes that foster creativity and provides social opportunities that help remove barriers to learning and other risk factors that may jeopardize these individuals’ chances for success. Classes are held six days a week and are open to special needs students within the age groups for each class. In addition to classes and workshops, AWO presents an annual recital showcase, community performances and a "Broadway" production that allows students to perform in front of a live audience, showcasing their talents, creativity and abilities. AWO rehearses each production for 7-8 months. The many hours of learning the choreography, the songs, and the dialogue, allow for creative expression, both individually and in a group setting, which in turn encourages exercise, promotes healthier living, and stimulates learning.

Arms Wide Open programs serve special needs students in grades K-12 as well as adults who would never have thought that fitness or exercise could be an important part of their lives. The focus of educational programs for people with special needs, especially adults, is primarily on teaching independent living skills, and many times their physical activity needs are never addressed.

Arms Wide Open serves more than 300 individuals with disabilities, from every cultural and socio-economic background. They live in a variety of settings, including group homes, foster homes, and with their families. They come to AWO from throughout San Diego County. Rehearsal schedules are adapted in order to meet the needs of people who live in far-reaching parts of the County. And in January 2024, AWO began offering weekly classes at the California Center for the Arts in Escondido!

Arms Wide Open does not deny services to any student based on their disability and instead, adapts classes to help all special needs students gain coordination skills improve balance, mobility, critical thinking, problem solving, innovation, concentration, focus, speech and facilitate creativity as they learn and participate in performing arts.