Disabilities can impact how a person sees, hears, or communicates. Some disabilities affect how people understand, navigate through, or interact with the world around them.

Some people were born with their disabilities, while others gained theirs over time. Many people with disabilities, like the artists featured in this festival, use their talents and creativity to pursue their passions.

Some people use tools like canes, wheelchairs, hearing aids, or crutches to help them in their day-to-day lives. Some people also use paintbrushes, clay, and violins to create beautiful artwork.

Braille is a system that enables blind and visually impaired people to read and write through touch. It was invented by Louis Braille in 1821 and consists of raised dots arranged in "cells." A cell is made up of six dots that fit under the fingertips, arranged in two columns of three dots each. Each cell represents a letter, a word, a combination of letters, a numeral or a punctuation mark. Below is the Braille Alphabet. Try writing you name in Braille by coloring in the dots that correspond to the letters in your name. Click on the image below for a printable PDF download of the Braille Alphabet and blank cell worksheet! Reference: www.brailleauthority.org

American Sign Language (ASL) is a complete, natural language that has the same linguistic properties as spoken languages, with grammar that differs from English. ASL is expressed by movements of the hands and face. It is the primary language of many North Americans who are deaf and hard of hearing, and is used by many hearing people as well. There is no universal sign language. Sign languages differ from county to country. View the videos below to learn the ASL Alphabet and some simple phrases. Download a free printable ASL Alphabet chart from Start ASL HERE.

Illustrations created by visually impaired artist, Joey Hernandez.