Regardless of ability, ADAPT Community Network empowers the individuals we support to experiment with a wide range of artistic pursuits. Not all the individuals in our programs can hold a pencil or paintbrush, but ADAPT’s Laser Art Program uses technology to help them put their artistic visions on paper.
ADAPT supports people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and so many of the individuals we support have limited mobility. As an alternative to a paintbrush, our Art Teacher, Deborah Dawson, uses adaptive laser technology. Our people supported can use their heads or wrists to point the adaptive lasers at a canvas where they want to place a brushstroke, and Deborah paints along the laser with the individual’s color of choice. What results is a variety of vibrant, abstract pieces from the minds of the individuals we support.
Deborah has been perfecting the art of laser painting for ten years and has been working with ADAPT for three of those years. She originally founded the Laser Painting Program with the head of the Arts for D75 schools, Kathy London, and has worked tirelessly to bring her method to children and adults with disabilities around New York City.
“They feel a sense of accomplishment they would not have ordinarily,” Deborah said of her collaboration with the people we support. “Through laser they have the freedom of mobility to explore this process.”
Yudelka Matta, the Director of Bronx Day Habilitation 2, has seen a huge difference in the individuals in her program since Deborah began to work with them.
“Some individuals are naturally shy, but with Deb they flourish–they come out of their shell,” Yudelka said. “This program empowers people, brings them out of the shadow and makes them shine. They can’t always use words, but you see it in their faces and in their art–they light up, it’s magic.”
The Laser Art Program can visit ADAPT thanks to funding from grants and from our donors. More funding would not only allow us to expand our program, but would also allow the artists to frame, display, and sell their paintings.
“Funding buys lasers, paint, canvases,” Deborah said. “With more funding, we will be able to bring this to more individuals who would not get the opportunity to make professional photos that they can frame or sell.”
By donating to ADAPT Community Network, we can continue bringing accessible painting to the people we support. If you are interested in making a contribution of any amount, please visit bit.ly/ADAPTDonate. We thank you greatly for your support.