Transition

ing into F
A guide to
ine
Arts
realizing
young
artists dreams

Issues to explore
regarding transition into
Fine Arts
Is it possible?
Is it practical?
Is it necessary?
Does it make sense?
Are there resources
available?
Who can help?

What needs done to

facilitate transition in
Fine Arts?
When should it
begin?
Where does it start?
Why Fine Arts?
What are potential
outcomes?

transition
into Fine
Arts
possible?
o OF COURSE!!!
o It is difficult though
o Requires a strong network of

supports
o Has to be driven by the individual
o Individual Plan (IP) needs to

reflect individuals choice(s) to

pursue Fine Arts
o There are many individuals who

have successfully transitioned

into Fine Arts, such as: Henri de
Toulouse-Lautrec, Hikari Oe,
Ray David, Josh Blue, Christy
Brown, C.G. Meloy, and Stevie
Wonder to name just a few

Are Fine Arts practical?

Art is not always practical, in fact, the nature of
art is rather impractical, irrational, and imperfect
Whats practical is not always stimulating,
engaging or fulfilling
HOWEVER, art is an integral part of society and
learning
Learning is a practical tool for functioning in
society
Fine Arts actively engages both sides of the brain
and requires the use of mathematics, problem
solving, social involvement and spatial
reasoningyou tell me, are those skills
practical?

Are Fine Arts necessary?

o For survival, no
o For self-fulfillment and quality of life, yes
o Self-fulfillment leads to self-determination

and achievement
o Self-fulfillment/determination leads to
positive quality of life, which leads to

Does Fine Arts make

sense?
Does this make sense?
When aspects such as quality of life, self-fulfillment,
and personal growth are taken into consideration,
Fine Arts makes perfect sense for ANYONE with the
passion, drive, and desire to maintain a life within
Fine Arts
The Fine Arts and disability have went hand-in-hand
for centuries, they are a complimentary pairing; one
brings out the best of the other
Assistive technology and exceptional Fine Arts
software make the Fine Arts accessible to anyone
Even if it is more of a hobby than anything else, the
life affirming benefits of participating in Fine Arts
means that, it does indeed make sense

Are there resources

available?
o There are very few resources specializing in Fine Arts

students with disabilities

o However, there are plenty of community resources for
Fine Artists in general
o Fine Arts centers, theatres, galleries, concert venues,
teachers, and schools are just a few of the resources
available in the community
o Also, there are nearly endless resources available online

Who can help?

First of all, family and friends
Members of the individuals care team
Community centered boards
Doctors and therapists
Schools and educators
But, most of all, the individual has to help
themself. If the individual doesnt want it
more than anyone else, Fine Arts is out of
the question; this is true for ANY aspect of
the individuals life, not just Fine Arts

done to
facilitate
transition
in Fine
Arts?
o Listening to the
o
o
o

individual
Carefully planned IPs
A care team that is all
on the same page
Cooperation by
community members,
educators and families
Self-determination on
the part of the individual

When should it begin?

NOW!!!
o There is no time like the present
o The longer one waits to start

something, the more likely it is that

they never will

Where
does it
start?
oIn the mind of the artist
oThe truth is, drive and

inspiration can come from

anywhere, or anyone, at
any time
oParents, teacher, books,

music, theatre, paintings,

innate ability/curiosity,
memory, etc. can all

Why Fine Arts?

Why not?
The more individuals with disabilities who embrace
their creativity, the better off society will be
By showing that they are every bit as capable as
normal people, individuals with disabilities can
progress societal inclusion
Inclusion in society is essential to break down the walls
between normal and disabled
Fine Arts provides additional communication techniques
Since communication is one of lifes greatest
challenges, the more methods of conveyance, the
better
The possibilities for advancement and recognition are
endless
There are tremendous opportunities for personal

What are
the
potential
outcomes?
o The potential outcomes for Fine

Artists are numerous

o The music and artwork in this

presentation were all created by

individuals with disabilities
o From working artists, to

hobbyists, the possibilities for

individuals with disabilities are
truly unlimited
o This is one of few fields where

barriers can break down and

individuals can be seen for their
talents and who they are, not how
they look, sound, or talk
o Since barriers can be broken, fine

arts can provide more opportunity

for equality among all people

Conclusion
The Fine Arts is a largely untapped resource when it comes to
transition and self-determination
Individuals with artistic desires need to be allowed to pursue
their artistic endeavors
There are many practical, educational, and fun reasons to
encourage transition into Fine Arts
Specialized services to help individuals transition into Fine Arts
are desperately needed
Fine Arts can help demolish societal stereotypes and prejudices
for all demographics and sub-cultures, not just the disabled
community
Anything is possible for the individual who wants it bad enough

Resources
http://otarc.blogs.latrobe.edu.au
http://www.webdesignerdepot.com/2010/03/t
he-amazing-art-of-disabled-artists
/
http://www.youtube.com