Visual Arts & Adults with Developmental Disabilities

Produced by Sara Lige
Funded by the Disabilities Health Research Network
This film concerns the documentation and validation of artists with developmental disabilities. As an artist and parent of an adult child with a developmental disability, Sara realized that this population has had limited opportunity to access creative expression. It appears that an association between developmental disabilities and the arts is generally assumed to be therapy. There is little recognition of persons with developmental disabilities being creative people.

Research has shown a correlation between participation in art based activities and overall health for all people, therefore equal access becomes a health issue as well as one concerned with arts and culture. The methodology of this research project is emancipatory. The goals of the research are to educate the larger community concerning the abilities of adults with developmental disabilities and promote awareness; the intent is also to give voice to a marginalized population.

This film was made as part of a Special Topics graduate level course at UBCO with Professor Stephen Foster.

Category:

Nonprofits & Activism

Tags:

• developmental disabilities
• art health
• DHRN

[newhopecommunity1]

As an agency that supports adults with developmental disabilities, we really appreciate your video's message. Participation in the creation of art amongst those interested persons we support is of great importance and focus for our organization. If you look at our vids you will see some examples of the work done by the people we support. We have posted our most recent play, which stars actors we support, in it's entirety on our page. Great video and thanks for helping to spread this message!