Vanderbilt Kennedy Center (TN UCEDD) Art Program Encourages Individuals With Multiple Disabilities to "Look Forward"

March 17, 2008

The Vanderbilt Kennedy Arts and Disabilities program is facilitating weekly art therapy workshops for individuals with a triple diagnosis of psychiatric concerns, intellectual disability, and substance abuse who also have experienced social and legal difficulties. The program idea came from a committee that focuses on how to best intervene with these individuals on a case by case basis. The committee is comprised of representatives from the VKC UCEDD, the Davidson County Mental Health Court, Park Center East, the Tennessee Council on Developmental Disabilities, the Tennessee Division of Mental Retardation Services, and the Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities. Workshop participants explore healthy risk-taking and share their memories, hopes, and fears through the process of creating art. The exhibit, "Looking Forward," showcases the work of the artists and currently is running through May 2008 in the gallery of the Vanderbilt Kennedy Center.

To view the exhibit, click here.

For information on VKC UCEDD art and recreation activities, contact Gretchen Herbert.