Like most children, those with special needs enjoy being creative and sharing their projects with others. While people with disabilities are present in all societies, many are hidden or excluded from society because of social stigma.This project will be an interactive and informative approach to addressing some of the issues that persons living with disabilities face, which are not already offered. Art will be used as an expressive outlet for their traditions and recent life experiences.
There are many barriers - physical, attitudinal, policy, legal, lack of information - that limit disabled persons the opportunity to participate in varying activities in Botswana. The crucial need for social inclusion of People with disabilities in all aspects of social and cultural life cannot be overemphasized. Especially given that according to the 2011 Population and Housing Census, there are 59, 103 people with disabilities in Botswana which is 2.92% of the total population of 2,024,904.
The ultimate goal of this project is to create a safe space and community through art therapy for those with disabilities so that they no longer feel isolated or disrespected. Such sessions would arm the participants with the necessary skills to express themselves as well as arm them with the vocational and interpersonal skills that could ultimately lead them to economic independence.
The disabled participants will gain confidence through their participation in the various art activities. Such participation will offer persons who have longterm physical, mental, intellectual or sensory impairments an opportunity to overcome various barriers that usually may hinder their full and effective participation in Botswana. The project will also in the long run offer a "human rights approach" as a paradigm for understanding disability issues.
This project has provided additional documentation in a PDF file (projdoc.pdf).
