“Empowering Individuals with Special Needs Through the Expressive Arts”

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The H.E.ARTs Project

ACTIVITIES OF THE HEARTS PROJECT:

The HEARTS Project offers a wide range of experiential activities in the expressive arts, including:

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*Multi-Sensory Environments, known as MSE, both indoors and outdoors. The indoor model will feature adaptive switches that activate a variety of sound and lighting effects. This component will utilize assistive technology to maximize learning and growth opportunities. The MSE will utilize computer technology with special screensaver and graphics, which will be projected on the wall and ceiling to help create unique multi-sensory experiences for our participants.
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*Hands-on, experiential music. Here our students don’t just listen to music; they help make & create the music! Research has shown that the acts of making music stimulate more productive areas of the brain and are more beneficial for people. Students with physical and other challenges can use adaptive switches to become active participants in the music making process. Special activities here include drum circles, using the keyboards, playing hand held instruments, and even engaging adaptive percussion instruments through switches.
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*Drama Productions. Our participants will be involved in every phase of the productions, including acting, singing solos, creating the visual props and scenery, stagehands, singing duets, and even functioning as the show’s M.C. Some of our students will use adaptive switches and communication devices to enable them to participate as much as possible in these motivational productions. Several major productions will be held throughout the year that will be open to the community at large.
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*Outdoor & Nature Trips. The HEARTS Project will visit a variety of special nature & outdoor environments throughout the year. These include nature preserves, beach settings, the Everglades, canoe & kayak trips, and more exciting experiences that help our participants benefit from the great outdoors.
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*Micro-Enterprises. In this unique facet of The HEARTS Project, our participants will make all sorts of arts & crafts, as well as other visual arts, and have these available for sale to the community. Many of these special projects will be made from various items that most people simply throw away, such as plastic bottles, glass bottles, egg trays, old CD’s, and more. Our participants will turn these items into useful and beautiful artistic projects, such as candle holders, spinning tops, and more.
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