Nicole Verret

10/13/2015

LEI 4724
Invisible Art
Citation Source: Shotts, A. (1999). Invisible Art. Retrieved from
http://www.recreationtherapy.com/tx/txsensor.htm

Equipment Needed: sandpaper, bubble wrap, textured paper, textured fabrics , screen, wax
paper, wood, (at least a 8x8 square of each); vasoline.
Activity Description: This activity is meant to explore a variety of textures through touch. zThis
may be done with participants who have decreased sensory perception or who are looking to
explore senses in a new way. Secure all items at stations around a table or room. Have each
participant start at a station, and put approximately a tablespoon of vasoline on each surface.
Encourage participants to spread the vasoline around and see how the vasoline changes the
texture of the surface. You may want to invite all participants to touch each of the surfaces prior
to putting the vasoline out as well, as this can help facilitate any discussion about how it feels
different. After a fixed amount of time, have the participants (or the stations) rotate so that they
get to experience all stations.
Leadership Considerations The facilitator will want to monitor all participants, so that if
agitation is noted, or regressive behaviors they can be aided. If the sensation is too much, or they
do not like having vasoline on their hands gloves can be provided, or the object can be placed
inside a plastic bag, or plastic wrap can be placed over the object, although this will also alter the
texture.
Adaptations For participants who want to explore the textures, but without the sensation of
vasoline (perhaps participants with severe sensory difficulties) each textured item can be placed
underneath a box or in a bag so that the participant cannot see what they are touching.