Contact: Maridith Geuder
STARKVILLE, Miss.--Through a summer program that continues this fall as an after-school offering, Mississippi State is providing fine arts recreational activities for 40 students, pairing youngsters with and without disabilities.
Offered by the university's T.K. Martin Center for Technology and Disability, the program "makes available opportunities that have not traditionally been an option for children with disabilities," said occupational therapist Cliff Dedeaux.
Titled "Art as Recreation with Technology"--or "Project ART"--the program is providing art and dance lessons to area children through July 15.
Funded for three years by the U.S. Department of Education, Project ART will continue in the fall as a public service, said center director Janie Cirlot-New.
"These recreational opportunities will continue to be available past the federal funding for a small fee that will help defray lesson expenses," she said. "Also, scholarship opportunities are being sought from area civic organizations for the program's continuation."
A concluding
In addition to aiding the participants, Cirlot-New said the project is designed to provide statewide training for professionals in the field, with the goal of replicating similar projects throughout Mississippi.
The summer program, which began in mid-June, has introduced students to activities that include dances with a sports theme, as well as painting and sculpting.
Tandi Weaver, whose 12-year-old daughter has a visual impairment, said Project ART has assisted with her daughter's social skills as well as artistic abilities.
"The program is fantastic," Weaver said. "Christina is establishing positive social relationships with others through her participation in the program."
Project ART provides art lessons Monday and Wednesday afternoons in the MSU art department's Stafford Hall studio. Dance lessons take place Tuesday and Thursday mornings at the Sanderson Center, a multi-faceted recreation facility.
Assistive technology helps those with disabilities have full access to the activities that otherwise may not be possible. For example, large print displays are being used for those with visual impairments, and adapted paint brushes for individuals who have difficulty with fine motor skills.
Dedeaux said some classes will be taught by individuals with disabilities. "Our thought is that young people with disabilities not only will gain from the creative opportunities they experience, but from seeing adults with disabilities in a leadership role," he explained.
The activities also encourage youngsters with disabilities to interact with their fully able peers, he said, adding, "We want to encourage talent, independence and inclusion for students who may never have had this creative outlet."