EDUCATION STATION

What is a disability?

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.

Did you know that 1 in 4 people in the United States has some type of disability? Disability affects all of us. 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.

Arts on the Move Virtual Scavenger Hunt!

Download the "Arts on the Move" virtual scavenger hunt by clicking the image below. Search the Art Gallery and Education Station to find answers to the questions.

Learn about the Braille Alphabet

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

Stories Inspired by Student Artwork with Jessica Hayes Nuñez

Jessica Hayes Nuñez holds her B.A. in Theatre Arts from Cal State Long Beach and has been a professional stage performer for over ten years. She has performed with many companies, including The Imagination Machine, Teatro Martini, the Laguna Playhouse, and 3D Theatricals. These days, while “Safer At Home” she spends her time writing songs to make her friends laugh and teaching virtual voice lessons.

Learn The American Sign Language Alphabet

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.

ASL with Saporito!

ASL with Saporito is a new YouTube series hosted by Vincent Saporito, who is Deaf, and is a teacher for Deaf and Hard of Hearing students in Huntington Beach, California. He also teaches ASL to all ages, including a local College. He is passionate about using the Dual Language Approach (ASL/English as language separation) and loves ASL!

Fingerspell the Alphabet

Signing the Colors

Create Your Own Superhero!

Make your own Superhero Cuffs

Create your own superhero cuffs made from toilet paper or paper towel rolls. Visit Kids Activity Blog or watch this video for step by step instructions.

Reaching New Heights with Sidewalk Chalk!

Use sidewalk chalk to create a city scene. Dress up in your super suit and have a friend or family member take your photo laying down above the chalk-drawn buildings. You will look like you are flying! Check out this photo by toutpetitpixel.com for inspiration!

Helpful Tools

We all use tools to help us in our day to day life. Here are some examples of helpful tools that people with disabilities and artists may use.

Blind and visually impaired people can discover unseen objects on the ground by tapping or sliding a White Cane on the paths in front of them.

Artists can use Paintbrushes to spread paint on their canvases and papers. Some paint brushes are designed for specific types of paint like watercolor, oil, or acrylic.

Some people who may have balance or stability difficulties can use Crutches to help them walk with confidence.

Easels can be used to hold up and support sketchpads and canvases for visual artists.

Wheelchairs can help with adventures big and small! People who might have difficulty walking or who might not be able to walk can use wheelchairs to roll where ever they need to go.

A Bow is used to glide along the strings of a violin, viola, cello or bass to make beautiful music.

Captions are written descriptions of sounds that help deaf and hard of hearing people understand and enjoy movies, TV shows, videos and live performances.

Musicians can make sure their voices and instruments are heard loud and clear by playing or singing into a Microphone.

Some people with limb difference (which means they might not have two arms and/or two legs) might use Prosthetics to accomplish different tasks. Some people use prosthetic legs to help them walk. Some people use prosthetic arms to help them hold things.

Some skilled dancers wear Pointe Shoes in ballet performance, which support their feet and allows them to dance on the tips of their toes.

VSA Orange County is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization in partnership with the Orange County Department of Education. VSA Orange County's mission is to provide arts, education, and cultural opportunities by, with, and for people with disabilities, making the arts accessible to people of all abilities. All artwork for this virtual art show was provided with special permission from participating students, their guardians, teachers, and community organizations.

For questions or more information about "Arts on the Move" and VSA Orange County, please contact:
Marleena Barber, Director VSA Orange County at (714) 966-4303 Email: s.mbarber@ocde.us
Annabel Arreola, Administrative Support Phone: (714) 966-4438 Email: aarreola@ocde.us

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