This post summarises a PMLD Link article on how arts-based practices can bridge the gap in communication and foster a more inclusive sense of belonging for people with Profound and Multiple Learning Disabilities (PMLD).
The article was published by PMLD Link by Jill Goodwin, Melanie Nind, Laura Dunne, Zoë Howe, Kerry Martin, Chris Mellor, and Asha Ward in 2023. It delves into the challenges, successes, and impacts of a UK-based project designed to foster a sense of belonging for people with profound and multiple learning disabilities (PMLD) through arts-based activities.
About the Project
Led by People First Dorset (PFD) in collaboration with SPIRIT (Southampton Platform for Inclusive Research and Ideas Together), this initiative partnered with academics from the University of Southampton to explore how creative expression can bring people with PMLD together with learning-disabled self-advocates in ways that transcend verbal communication.
Inspired by a parent who felt excluded from the self-advocacy movement due to her daughter’s need for others to speak on her behalf, the project set out to create a community where those with PMLD could experience meaningful connection and interaction in a shared space, using creative, non-verbal activities.
The Sessions
The project was organized into three interactive sessions, each designed to encourage engagement through various types of art-based activities:
- Session 1: Large-scale materials like rolls of paper, dust sheets, and cardboard tubes were used to create immersive, whole-body interactions that allowed participants to explore movement and tactile engagement.
- Session 2: Sound-based activities encouraged participants to play with sounds, vocalizations, and active listening.
- Session 3: Play-based games facilitated further interaction and engagement, encouraging participants to explore social connections in a relaxed environment.
Key Reflections
The sessions provided moments of joy, connection, and new ways of interacting. As participants became more comfortable, People First Dorset members found they relied less on verbal introductions and instead used the materials as tools for communication. The project proved to be rich in learning, with many participants reporting feelings of happiness and fulfilment following a session. The materials and activities offered unique, memorable experiences that helped create a genuine sense of belonging and community.
An annual subscription to PMLD LINK gives access to a range of articles about people with profound and multiple learning difficulties. For further details go to the PMLD LINK website at https://www.pmldlink.org.uk/ or contact [email protected].
Citation:
Liberty Sheard, November 2024