She was afraid; afraid of being wrong, judged, ignored, and criticized. Her ability to articulate her thoughts was limited, much less her ability to speak artistically about her work or her peers.

 

The Creative Arts Program has provided this young woman diverse, cultural opportunities in the arts that have allowed her to discover a new life, a new freedom, and a new form of self-expression. I get teary-eyed thinking of the significant personal growth in this young woman. In fact, she is an entirely new person. She has assumed a leadership position among her peers, has become much more articulate, and is glowing with pride, performing on stage in front of an audience. This is just one of dozens of stories of how the Creative Arts Program at Ark has substantially changed the lives of many individuals with and without disabilities by providing cultural opportunities, in theatre, music, dance, and the fine arts. "   

Rather than emphasizing the physical or cognitive limitations of my partner, the director urged us to find connections and commonalities through movement. On the dance floor, my partner and I communicated in a way that we would not in any other environment. The choreography became a collaboration between myself and my partner. We were equally essential and equally responsible for the work as a whole...The performance was a success. Several community members came to the performance two nights in a row: the first time out of curiosity and the second time, with friends in tow, out of appreciation for the entertainment and quality of performance!"