Artform for Special Needs PopulationsAn artform for special needs populations,, technique included require certain adaptations to the usual tools used for art and craft work. This is to allow the disabled to create the same art and craft work we normally think of. But when people from the special needs population create something beautiful, imagine the feeling of achievement! Having worked as a developmental aide for 5 years, and prior to that, as a nurses aide in a nursing home for several years,I can safely say that a little bit of accomplishment goes a very long way in artwork for special needs populations! I can think of three art forms at present that would be adaptable to the special needs populations. Of course, the physical handicaps and the mental cognition need to be considered, however, it's very likely that these two things may not be stumbeling blocks at all. The tecnique will need to be altered somewhat, but a new technique may come of it. Artform for special needs populations that I'm referring to are ; 1) reverse glass painting with graphic assistance 2) staining on glass, which results in a stained glass window effect, most beautiful when light is allowed to pass through both the front and the back of the painting. 3) monotypes, the ''no talent needed' artwork that can be strikingly effective, because Mother Nature is so willing to help do it! Any of these art forms handled or taught at the correct pace, acording to the cognitive abilities that you are dealing with in special needs populations would be such a nice addition to the lives of the people who need it so much! Here, you will find a brief summary of how ordinary paint brushes, and even the paints themselves can be adapted to the requirements of special needs populations You can even use acetone or plexiglass if there are some unpredictable folks who might be inclined to be temporarily disruptive to the point of possible breaking the glass. The alternatives are only limited to the extent of the imagination... As for modifying paint brushes for people who are unable to grasp the thin handles, the same plastic tubular grips for the handles of dinnerware can be placed over the brush handle. If your special person would rather stain the glass, instead of painting it, almost all types of paint will thin out with a standard paint thinner, or many times, even with water. If you want to thicken the paint, there is a powdered substance, one of which is called "Thickit". Normally used for thickening fluids for people who can't swallow normally, it can also be used to thicken paint (or even gravy) to the consistancy equal to the soft lead piping used for stained glass. The financial investment for these types of work is truly minimal compared to the beauty of the results. And who knows? maybe they might even invent some new technique! So why not give it a try, when you have the opportunity to help someone, or maybe more than only one, of our very special artform for special needs populations!
Artform for special needs populations,technique
Go to How to do Monotypes
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