| I am often asked: "How do I support the artistic | | | | * Consider a summer art camp. One that offers a |
| development of my disabled child now and as he | | | | spectrum of art experiences would be great. He can |
| grows up? What community resources are available | | | | explore a variety of art mediums and decide what he |
| for him?" | | | | likes or dislikes and what he may want more training in. |
| I believe it is very important to identify and cultivate the | | | | * Consider encouraging his classroom teacher to write |
| artistic skills and interests of children with disabilities. | | | | for a grant to have an artist-in-residence. |
| There are several reasons for this. First, art gives | | | | Artists-in-residence offer students an opportunity to |
| these children an opportunity to be successful. Second, | | | | work on a quality project over an extended period of |
| art gives them a way to communicate. Third, art | | | | time. These projects may be purely art or art in |
| improves development by involving a variety of | | | | support of academic and/or IEP goals. |
| cognitive, sensory, and motor skills. | | | | * I would encourage you to look for a high school with |
| I have a few suggestions to offer about where to look | | | | a strong art program. |
| for art opportunities in the community: | | | | * As your child approaches adulthood, there are many |
| * Consider enrolling him with a private professional art | | | | non-credit classes available in a variety of art mediums |
| teacher. This is better than a class as he will get | | | | through local universities and community colleges. |
| one-on-one attention. However, depending on his | | | | Resources vary by community. You may be surprised |
| issues, many may not be equipped to handle or | | | | to find a wealth of opportunities just waiting for you to |
| address his special needs. Be sure to ask about the | | | | tap into. |
| art teacher's specific skills. | | | | |