Creative expression also emerges in less conventional contexts, where it is shaped by unique realities, as in the case of people with learning disabilities, where art has an impact not only in terms of social inclusion, but also in terms of self-esteem and personal development.
In this context, creative expression can be seen as a ‘spot of colour’ that illuminates the lives of people with mental disabilities, offering them a unique voice and a means of communication that transcends the barriers of verbal language or cognitive limitations. Through art, music, dance and other forms of expression, they find a way to connect with the world around them, assert themselves as individuals and contribute to society in ways that are often not immediately recognised or valued.
In this sense, those who work with people with mental disabilities are amazed every day by this ability to find beauty and possibilities where others see only obstacles. In fact, what may seem to many to be just a limitation turns out, from another perspective, to be a valuable lesson that teaches us to see beyond the obvious - free from social conventions and prejudices that restrict creativity, expression flows purely and authentically, revealing new perspectives and giving voice to a genuine creativity that inspires and touches deeply.
At AAJUDE, our commitment is to promote this special vision, employing various forms of artistic expression to highlight the palette of colours with which people with intellectual disabilities paint their days and those who interact with them.
Thinking outside the box
Here, we encourage this ‘out of the box’ thinking on a daily basis. In fact, people with mental disabilities often need to find creative solutions to daily challenges due to their limitations, and this ability is amplified when there is the opportunity to explore creative activities.
One of the most impactful projects we've developed is the Handicrafts workshop, where participants are encouraged to explore various techniques and materials. The result is not just a collection of artworks, but a testimony to lives and experiences that makes visible and tangible the ability to observe the world from a unique perspective. For many, art may even be the only form of communication, especially when verbal expression is absent or when, even if present, it cannot fully translate everything they think and feel due to various difficulties.
Seeing with All the Senses
Another fascinating aspect of creative work with people with disabilities is the ability to ‘see’ with all the senses. For those with visual impairments, for example, music and touch become fundamental forms of perception and expression. Our music projects are designed to involve all the senses, allowing for experimentation and the creation of deep and meaningful experiences. In these music therapy sessions, the focus is not on learning to play an instrument or sing, but on feeling the vibration of the notes, connecting emotionally with the music and using hearing as a window to the world. Music, with its transformative power, thus acts as a catalyst for emotions, facilitating emotional expression in a unique and powerful way.
Dramatic Expression as an Engine of Creativity
In addition to visual arts and music workshops, we offer dramatic expression programmes that allow you to explore the art of performance. These programmes provide a valuable platform for self-expression, promoting the development of confidence, social skills and a greater awareness of themselves, their bodies and their voices. Through dramatic practice, participants have the opportunity to discover new ways of communicating and connect deeply with their feelings and emotions.
At AAJUDE, we have the privilege of witnessing how artistic and creative expression transforms lives, revealing unlimited potential for the empowerment and self-esteem of people with intellectual disabilities. In a world that is often grey and monotonous, the works produced by AAJUDE users are spots of colour, reminding us how crucial it is to continue investing in and stimulating the arts as a vital means of communication and development.
AAJUDE
Website: https://www.aajude.pt/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Aajude/100064828532914/
