The Importance of Art Education for Children with Disabilities

Education is generally a process that spans years and supports the all-round development of every individual. By helping people change and improve their abilities and behaviours, it fosters a sense of belonging within the society in which they live. Special education refers to “education provided with regard to the particular needs of children or young people with disabilities for whom education at a given stage of the mainstream system is considered unsuitable” (Çağlar, 2009:70).

Art education comprises all creative activities within the general education system, both inside and outside school.

According to Artut, art education, within the overall mental and physical education of the individual, is based on developing aesthetic concerns, ideas and perspectives, nurturing ability and creativity, and encouraging a tolerant approach to artistic values (Artut, 2004:91).

The aim of art education is not to achieve the artistic; that is the aim of art itself. The aim of art education is to reach the individual. For this reason, it should be designed and delivered in a way that responds to the individual’s needs (Salderay, 2001).

Visual arts education helps both typically developing children and children with intellectual or physical disabilities express their inner world, socialise through group activities and develop their motor skills more fully. Painting and drawing have held an important place in human life throughout every stage of human history.

Looking back at the lives of early cave dwellers, we see that people tried to express themselves through colours and symbols before using verbal communication. Children with disabilities, particularly those who have difficulty with social skills in daily life, can use art as a way to express their inner world. We should never forget that people with disabilities are members of society who need education like everyone else and, when given the opportunity, can develop themselves and make a contribution. Providing education in settings suited to these children’s disabilities and individual characteristics, so that they can participate in life, grow and fulfil their potential, shows the value a society places on people.

Alongside artistic knowledge and skills, art education helps individuals express themselves, offers psychological relief and develops a range of manual skills. It enriches a child’s personality and supports behavioural development through social and aesthetic learning.

This field is particularly important in helping a child with a disability express different emotions. Developing a language of expression can help individuals become more understanding of themselves and the world, adapt more positively to their surroundings, enjoy life, gain confidence and develop productive abilities that support a better quality of life.

The institutions affiliated with the Ministry of National Education that provide educational assessment, vocational training and educational rehabilitation for individuals requiring special education, as listed in the Country Report on Persons with Disabilities, are:

1. Guidance and research centres

2. School guidance and psychological counselling services

3. Public and private primary and secondary schools

4. Residential special education schools

5. Special education day schools

6. Vocational schools and vocational training centres.

“As a result of joint work by the State Planning Organisation, the Turkish Statistical Institute (TÜİK) and the Ministry of National Education (MEB), net school enrolment rates began to be published in Turkey from 2000 onwards” (Çağlar, 2009:252).

Turan Vardar
Rekor Sanat – Art Teacher