The CACTI Blog: My Journey at ArtWorks Exploring Communication Through Art

Nov. 20, 2024
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Maleah Goza-Maxwell, a  a young person with dark skin and long, braided blond hair, wearing a black top and smiling

By Maleah Goza-Maxwell, 2023 - 2024 Interdisciplinary Approach to Disability in Professional Practice Intern

During my final year as an undergraduate studying public health, I started an internship that really changed how I see disability issues and communication. I worked with ArtWorks and the Sonoran Center for Excellence in Disabilities, where I got to explore scrapbooking with some amazing artists. Under the guidance of Dr. Yumi Shirai, I was able to discover the power of art as a means of expression and communication for individuals with disabilities. My journey began in September 2023, when I joined ArtWorks UA as a senior undergraduate intern. The program's mission is to explore various forms of communication through art, led by Dr. Yumi. ArtWorks provided a space for artists with disabilities to express themselves creatively and share their unique perspectives with the world. 

One of the projects I had the privilege to be part of involved scrapbooking sessions with our artists. Through this collaborative process, we explored different ways of communicating emotions, stories, and experiences visually. As we worked together, I witnessed firsthand how art breaks traditional communication barriers, creating a connection and understanding for people. Our scrapbooking sessions were held every Monday and Tuesday. We explored different modules covering topics such as personal strengths and weaknesses, creating a personal safety plan, and understanding their good and bad days. During these sessions, we worked with our artist to translate these modules into visual representations in our scrapbooks with a few sentences explaining the art. Our artists were also able to personalize their scrapbooks by incorporating photographs and drawings of things that have significant meaning to them. 

Under the support of Dr. Yumi Shirai, I gained so much knowledge into the world of art, disability, and communication. I was able to learn about ways to reduce stigmas and barriers centered around disabilities. Similarly, I also learned about new communication methods and ways to help advocate and facilitate more open conversations in our society. With Dr. Yumi Shirai’s expertise and dedication to empowering our artists with disabilities has inspired me to explore deeper into the role of art in promoting inclusivity and advocacy.

Throughout my internship, I faced challenges - particularly in adapting my communication style to better connect with artists with disabilities. My journey learning to communicate effectively and respectfully was an experience that enhanced my understanding of accessibility and inclusion. As I navigated the world of art and disability advocacy, I embraced the principles of plain language to ensure that my communication was accessible to all. I did this by using clear, concise language that became essential tools in my advocacy toolkit during my time interning for ArtWorks.

Reflecting on my journey, my internship at ArtWorks has been a journey of discovery, growth, and transformation. From my internship journey, I carry with me the lessons learned and the connections made at ArtWorks. Through scrapbooking sessions and collaborative projects, I have gained a deeper appreciation for the power of art as a universal language. Dr. Yumi Shirai and the talented artists I had the honor to work with have inspired me to continue using my empathetic, communicative, and adaptability skills, while advocating for inclusivity and accessibility in all aspects of public health in my future career in healthcare administration.

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The author, fellow interns Co’y and Jane, Dr. Yumi Shirai, and one of the ArtWorks artists pose with Wilma Wildcat


The CACTI Blog features the voices of our interdisciplinary trainees and Community Advisory Council members as they highlight diverse images of people with disabilities and provide community information and advocacy on disability issues. Check Out The CACTI Blog