The CACTI Blog: Crafting Connections; Empowering Individuals with Disabilities Through Scrapbooking
By Aaliyah Washington, 2022-2023 Undergraduate Certificate In Developmental Disabilities
While studying speech-language and hearing sciences as a student, my academic journey led me to explore the fascinating world of developmental disabilities. During my senior year at the University of Arizona, I had the privilege of being a part of an undergraduate certificate program in developmental disabilities through the Sonoran Center for Excellence in Disabilities. This program required students to directly engage with and gain practical experience from organizations in the disability field. Being passionate about arts and crafts, I chose an organization called ArtWorks in hopes of incorporating my artistic capabilities and creativity into the mix. ArtWorks is an organization that promotes community learning and provides a welcoming space for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Within this space, the artists are encouraged to express themselves, connect with others, and grow as individuals.
My experience with ArtWorks was enriching, as I joined their scrapbooking project that aimed to help individuals with developmental disabilities create a person-centered book about themselves. It is always heartwarming to see how the artists channeled their creativity into the scrapbooks, which became reflections of their important needs and wants. Within the scrapbooks, there are different visual art forms such as drawings and photographs. Each “module” of the scrapbook covers different topics such as “roles and leadership” or “good days and bad days”. Every module was discussed and explained to the artists with a slideshow before they started creating scrapbook pages. The artists and their caregivers also filled out information sheets that helped guide their thoughts to transfer them artistically to a page.
As I worked alongside other interns and volunteers, I realized how this project was crucial in developing the artists’ skills, knowledge, and confidence. It was a joy to be a part of the process and gain experience working with those with disabilities. I also was able to build interpersonal skills while working with artists of different ages and backgrounds. I worked alongside other interns and volunteers who helped to keep things creative, fun, and meaningful.
I strongly believe that such projects are critical in emphasizing the importance of person-centered planning and advocacy for individuals with disabilities. Unfortunately, some individuals with disabilities do not always get the opportunity to have a say in matters that revolve around them. Through this project, the artists not only developed their skills, but also provided a “tell all” book that can help others get to know them better and understand their needs. This can be greatly beneficial to the artists and those around them, especially since it is not always possible for people with disabilities to communicate this verbally to others.
Overall, it was truly a rewarding experience to be a part of a project that has had significant impacts on the artists at ArtWorks. My involvement has been a fulfilling and transformative experience, and I hope to continue learning about disability and advocating for person-centered planning through my involvement in this community.
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