Arts Activities Support

100% of participants indicated they understood the concept “my body belongs to me.” Open ended survey responses about what was learned include “take care of myself, healthy relationships,” ”boundaries, relationships, respecting others,” “my body belongs to me. Not to do things that make me uncomfortable. Saying no.” and “how to effectively communicate wants and needs. Sex, babies, birth control.” The artistic goals for this project were to: 1. Provide adults with disabilities with high artistic experiences in theater, music, dance, visual arts, and poetry; 2. Provide a safe and creative venue to practice appropriate communication (body language, tone of voice, facial expressions) and “rehearse” relationship interactions; 3. Develop communication skills that will empower participants to make informed choices, with the goal of increasing self-sufficiency and decreasing risk of abuse and negative health outcomes. Midwest Special Services participants experienced a variety of art mediums through The Art of Relationships- theater (rehearsing appropriate relationship interactions), music (creating songs with lyrics), visual arts (painting emotions), and poetry (creating group poems with everyone contributing). Participants and staff expressed in post surveys that Upstream created a safe space where individuals could go “outside their comfort zone”. Participants demonstrated communication skills around the topics of sex, relationships, personal space, etc. They demonstrated this by sharing the information with peers who were not a part of the program- they were empowered by the information. When asked what they learned during the program some participant responses included “I had fun. Learned about personal space/"bubble." The importance of communication and working together,” and “relationships, sex, communication, boundaries. Taking safe risks.” Using art as a vehicle to relay this type of sensitive information to learners who may not be familiar worked well and was definitely a strength. It fostered an openness within the group and allowed participants some freedom in how they participated. Yes- this program successfully reached the intended community- adults with disabilities and their staff. 100% of the participants were adults with disabilities who attend Midwest Special Services. All of Upstream Arts’ programs are designed for groups with a range of abilities, and Upstream Arts artists have experience addressing the differing needs related to certain types of disabilities, and creating an environment inclusive of all individuals. Adapted tools and techniques were used to enhance the participation of non-verbal individuals; adaptive art supplies for those with limited mobility were used, as well as visual aids. Our goal for making this project open and accessible to all who might wish to participate was met by opening the program up to men. Previously Upstream Arts held an Art of Relationships program at Midwest Special Services that was only for women. This program was open to individuals of any gender identity and the program and group as a whole benefitted from the range in perspectives. This effort resulted in greater diversity of participants within the program and increased diversity in the topics covered in the program.