Help Students With Orthopedic Handicaps Access the Arts
The cost of bringing two artists to teach drumming is $959, including <a target="new" href="http://www.donorschoose.org/html/fulfillment.htm" onclick="g_openWindow('http://www.donorschoose.org/html/fulfillment.htm', 300, 800, 'fulfillwindow');return false;">fulfillment</a>.
I am a teacher for students with orthopedic handicaps in a self contained classroom in Sara Collins, an elementary satellite school set up to address the needs of these unique students. Participation in the arts is a necessary part of any student's balanced curriculum, and these students in particular need the stimulation of imagination, increase in self esteem, and inspiration that exposure to the arts can bring. Sadly though, these students are the very ones who are often left out because of the difficulties in finding an appropriate participation.
Students with physical disabilities face many obstacles in life. Many of my students are confined to wheelchairs. Others have problems with simple things like writing their names or buttoning a jacket due to poor fine motor skills. Some have communication problems and struggle to speak. Most have difficulty with reading, writing and mathematics. On top of all of these obstacles, these children also have problems accessing the arts and expressing their creativity. Due to their fine motor problems, visual arts and crafts are challenging at best. Due to reading problems, theatre and drama become extremely difficult. Due to speech problems, music and singing can also be a challenge. Due to gross motor problems, dance is often not an option.
When I thought about all of these things, I began to search for a way for my students to be able to access the arts. I wanted to utilize one of the artist's residency programs that are so successful for normal students, but find one that's been specifically successful with orthopedically disabled students. I finally located a residency group that fits: the Borenya West African Drum group. African drumming is an artistic outlet that my students would be able to participate in and learn from. This residency will culminate with a performance given by the special education students, a special treat for kids who don't often get to showcase their talents on stage. I can only imagine the pride that they would feel in being able to perform for their school. The NEA is now funding half of the cost of this residency, which includes artists and instructors from West Africa. However, state government and educational resources do not provide any funding. Thank you for your consideration in funding our project. I know that this experience will be one that will stay with them forever.
DonorsChoose is the most trusted classroom funding site for teachers.
As a teacher-founded nonprofit, we're trusted by thousands of teachers and supporters across the country. This classroom request for funding was created by Mrs. L. and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.