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The Love Of Art, The Love Of Life

Education > Teachers > Recent Tampa Trib Article by Kathy Greenberg
 

Recent Tampa Trib Article by Kathy Greenberg

This Fall I am participating in this Artist in Residency Program. I am looking forward to the challenge and the experience.

ARTS PROGRAM HELPS DISABLED REALIZE INCLUSION AND SUCCESS

By KATHY L. GREENBERG

Tribune correspondent

Published: September 7, 2008

TAMPA - Eloise Hayes, facilitator with the Florida Inclusion Network, stands before a small group of artists and teachers and voices a common goal: "We will be treating students for what they need. We will reach them, so you can teach them."

Hayes addressed teaching artists and artists with disabilities who wish to become teachers at a workshop. The event, organized by VSA arts of Florida, a state affiliate of the international nonprofit organization in Washington, D.C., is one among many programs that helps people with disabilities learn through, participate in and enjoy the arts.

The Florida Inclusion Network provides learning opportunities and consultation to educational personnel, families and community members.

Both the topic of discussion and the diverse company - toes artist Ann Harrison-May, who was born with no arms; Lora Duguay, who paints from a wheelchair since contracting post-polio syndrome - emphasized the heart of VSA arts' mission: inclusion.

The session, "Hand 'n Hand Creativity Expressed," was held in late August at the Tampa Museum of Art. Attendees learned inclusion strategies for disabilities they might face in a classroom - skills they will later bring to residency programs in Hillsborough, Pasco, Pinellas and Sarasota counties.

This session focused on visual arts, but VSA arts also benefits the literary and performance arts.

"Strategies depend on the disability," said Marilyn Farber, professional development coordinator at VSA arts. "It could be raising the desk height to accommodate a wheelchair. If you have someone who is hearing impaired, you have to have a signer or do visuals so they can understand. Vision-impaired people have to be told where things are placed.

"It's making accommodations that make it easier for students to participate and modifying lessons so they can achieve success."

Founded in 1981 by the Florida Department of Education and the Florida Department of State, and under the direction of Marian Winters, VSA arts creates skill-building opportunities through its extensive programming and entrees to careers in the arts for people who might otherwise never have that chance.

"Hand 'n Hand" is part of a professional development program that includes workshops and teacher residencies. Educational programs feature artist residencies, community art classes, exhibitions, performances and mini grants.

Cultural access and inclusive art services provide opportunities for individuals who are physically and financially limited from promoting their work and engaging with the community.

The online Artist Registry for adults with disabilities publicizes the work, biographies and contact information of the state's emerging and established artists with disabilities.

VSA arts also announces calls for adult and children's art, locates accessible venues for shows and offers technical assistance such as transportation or installing artwork.

Although these programs bring public awareness to the physical needs of people with disabilities, VSA arts also highlights the overall benefits that come from artistic expression.

Duguay's illness curtailed her career as a medical transcriptionist but motivated her to paint.

"VSA has helped me realize my potential and capabilities as an artist and what I can give back to the community," she says. "The opportunity to teach makes me feel that I have someone else to help."

For information, go to www.vsafl.org.

Kathy Greenberg of Tampa is a freelance writer.

posted on Sept 9, 2008 7:13 AM ()

Comments:

You go girl!
comment by dragonflyby on Sept 10, 2008 9:10 PM ()

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