Afterschool Art Program Targeted to Children with Learning Disabilities
During the 2009-10 school year and at the request of parents in the community, the art education area of ECU’s School of Art and Design conducted a pilot afterschool art class for children who experience severe and profound learning disabilities.
The class will continue in the 2010-2011 school year, as part of the first practicum course for art education majors. The class was developed through a collaboration of faculty and students in art education, special education and interior design and merchandising.
ECU interior design students, led by professor Hunt McKinnon, observed the special needs students in their art activities and created easels crafted for the students’ needs. The easels are designed for use with wheelchairs, incorporating ergonomic features to enhance the students’ creative experiences. At least one of the designers has obtained a patent for her design.
Art education coordinator Cynthia Bickley-Green worked with Kay Barrow and others to develop the class.
