The Importance of Adaptive Programming
Art and expressive therapy can seem like an illogical choice
for special needs individuals. As it can require vocalization, social
participation, and motor skills.
What
people may be unaware of is... how adaptable the expressive arts programming is to
special needs individuals, as it can adapt/change/incorporate limitation by
using non-traditional material.
For example... painting with string instead of a
brush, or using masking tape or stencils to create shapes and patterns to paint
in.
As well expressive arts can incorporate sensory materials to
engage in self soothing techniques like shaving foam, beads, and clean hands
programming. The ability to adapt and change materials, techniques, make
programming inclusive is why art therapies is a great and valuable addition to
therapeutic programming.
Setting goals that anyone can achieve despite their
limitations, and providing support so no one feels struggle or frustration is
vital to our therapeutic perspective.
We can all participate together at our
own levels and abilities and feel a sense of inclusion and pride in what we are
able to create. It is important to support individuals and provide them the
opportunity to learn, express themselves, and be included in a community. As
well as present everyone with the opportunity to feel pride in what they can
accomplish no matter the outcome.
Our perspective of:
- support,
- inclusivity
- adaptation to needs... is what sets us apart from other services supporting special needs individuals.
We aim to provide service to whoever needs it and support them
achieve and succeed in their therapeutic goals. Whether behavioural, motor
skill development, language acquisition, emotional and contextual expression.
Expressive arts therapy can be beneficial in all these areas, creating a well rounded
perspective to therapy and developmental treatment.
written by Emily McLennan - Art therapist - BODiWORKS Institute
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