No matter who you are, or where on the path of life you stand, arts and crafts are one of the best routes to finding a sense of joy, self-expression, and feelings of accomplishment. This applies particularly to individuals with intellectual disabilities; arts and crafts will offer a significant avenue for emotional, cognitive, and social development. People often discover unique abilities through creativity, finding ways to communicate non-verbally and present their work as an emotional connection to society at large.
Intellectual disabilities often come with challenges in verbal communication or cognitive processing, which can make it difficult for individuals to express their emotions, thoughts, or desires in the usual way. Art provides a platform to express feelings that may be difficult to articulate in words. A simple stroke of a paintbrush, the molding of clay, or the assembly of colourful materials can reflect emotions like happiness, frustration, or curiosity. Communication in any artistic shape or form, can help to reduce feelings of frustration or isolation. There’s no pressure in art; creativity is not bound by right or wrong, but open to freedom of expression.
Enhancing motor skills and cognitive abilities
- Because arts and crafts are so physical, they often present repetitive activities that can improve fine motor skills and hand-eye co-ordination. Activities such as cutting, gluing, painting, or sculpting can help to strengthen small muscle groups, develop precision, and improve co-ordination.
- Moreover, many craft projects may also involve following simple instructions or steps, which can help improve cognitive abilities such as sequencing, memory, and attention. A project that requires selecting materials, organising them in a particular way, and assembling them into a finished product helps to reinforce concepts of order, planning, and completion. It’s important to remember that these cognitive skills are vital to survival in daily life, and engaging in tasks that require repetition and practice, will ultimately improve an individual’s ability to perform everyday tasks more independently.
Encouraging independence and self-esteem
- An intellectual disability often means a person has to be dependent on others for help or care. This can affect their sense of self-worth. The act of participating in arts and crafts activities fosters a greater sense of independence because during the creative process individuals make their own decisions—whether it’s selecting the colours, choosing materials, or designing their projects. Making creative choices helps to build self-confidence as they realise their input matters, and they are more than capable of creating something unique and meaningful.
- Completing an art project, regardless of its complexity, will therefore also bring a feeling of accomplishment. For many intellectually disabled individuals, the joy of completing an artwork and sharing it with others brings pride and validation. In this way, they are encouraged to see themselves as capable of becoming valuable contributors to their communities.
Social interaction, building relationships
- The beauty of arts and crafts as therapy, is that they are often communal activities that present excellent ways for intellectually disabled individuals to interact with others and build social relationships. Whether in a classroom, community centre, or therapeutic group, these activities encourage collaboration, communication, and social bonding. Shared art projects, such as mural painting or group crafts, engender team spirit and a sense of belonging.
Emotional wellbeing
- Many forms of art, such as painting or sculpting, can serve as a form of mindfulness or relaxation. Creative expression through arts and crafts can have a deeply calming and therapeutic effect, helping intellectually disabled individuals manage anxiety, stress, and other emotional challenges. The repetitive nature of certain crafts like knitting or colouring, can be particularly soothing, reducing anxiety, providing individuals with a sense of control and stability.
- Creativity can elevate the mood and drive a sense of purpose. Through guided activities, individuals can explore their emotions, confront challenges, and develop coping mechanisms, all within the context of a supportive and non-judgmental environment.
Lifelong learning and growth
- Arts and crafts provide intellectually disabled individuals with opportunities for continuous learning and personal growth, opening doors on personal interests and passions. For some, this might lead to a lifelong love of painting, sculpture, or textile art, which can become a hobby or even a career path. Many intellectually disabled individuals have successfully pursued careers or volunteer positions in art-related fields, such as selling handmade crafts, working in art studios, or participating in art exhibitions. As intellectually disabled individuals find joy and value in the arts, they are empowered to lead richer, more meaningful lives, discovering their unique potential and place in the world.
The story of Sunfield Home
Chris and Lynne Bennett, parents of a young girl with Down Syndrome, pursued their dream of establishing a home for their daughter and other intellectually disabled young adults in the Western Cape. Together with other parents, they founded the Sunfield Home in Wellington, providing a loving and nurturing environment for over 100 residents and day-care adult individuals.
Each individual is screened to evaluate their strengths and allocate activities according to their abilities. A protective workshop has been established where contract work is undertaken, as well as arts and crafts activities. An employment scheme has also been developed and as a result permanent and successful positions have been found within the surrounding wine and cheese industries.
