ArtBridges asked the H’art Centre to share tips & tools, inspirations and reflections about their new and unique training program for artists working with seniors in the Deaf or disability communities. Peter Wolf, Volunteer/Board Member with the H’art Centre in Kingston, Ontario, tells us about the H’art Centre’s MixAbilities Artist/Educator Training Program: Enabling Access to the Arts for those Deaf and with Disabilities. Tailored somewhat to the specific needs of H’art Centre participants, the outcomes of the course are intended to be transferable to those in Deaf or disability communities and beyond, helping to ensure access to affordable and inclusive arts programs.

Here’s an excerpt:

« ArtBridges: What kind of special training does an artist need to work in community-engaged arts with seniors? How does training better prepare artists working with seniors in community-engaged arts?

The H’art Centre is a non-profit charitable organization dedicated to providing people with disabilities and those facing barriers with opportunities to study, enjoy, and produce works in the arts throughout their lives and as they age. Artists with some education background and educators with some arts background come already equipped with many of the characteristics and skills, interest and motivation to work with seniors and others who experience barriers to arts engagement. We aim to support their ongoing development and to formally recognize that development through the H’art Centre MixAbilities Artist/Educator Training Program – enabling access to the arts for those Deaf and with disabilities. Our desired impact is that artists/educators will be more engaged and proficient in their work with H’art Centre participants and more broadly sensitive to ensure inclusion of all adults and seniors with disabilities. […] »

Click here for the full ArtBridges Tips & Tools: Training for Artists Working with Seniors in the Deaf or Disability Communities. For more FREE resources and tools like this, please visit the ArtBridges Resource Portal or reach us at info@artbridges.ca.

The ArtBridges Tips & Tools Series is funded by the Ontario Trillium Foundation and translated with support from the Department of Canadian Heritage Interpretation and Translation grant.