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Reflection 1

odonnelllucy16_ — 2023-11-23 17:53:26 UTC

During this creative skills module, I was put in different situations that led me out of my comfort zone. One Class that really stood out to me was when we worked with students with disabilities. During this class, we gathered in divided small groups where we were able to work with the other students on creating an image about what community means to them while being creative using pictures from magazines, paint, pencils, and glitter. During this, my group and I were all able to connect by similar interests and working together on a meaningful image. During this I was able to see the importance of self-awareness as I am the type of person to take charge in group situations it was important to let everyone in the group to put down their own ideas and for the students we were working with to have their likes and interests represented. I found to do this it was important to communicate, by asking the students we were working with their interests, hobbies, about their family and what makes them happy in their community I found that by doing this I was able to get to know them, share my interests and this helped to create a relaxing, comfortable and a nonjudgmental environment. Being in this situation has helped me to gain more confidence as I haven’t been in a situation like that before, my group and I were able to learn teamwork skills and work using a person-centered approach as it was important that all students were represented, and how pictures alone can tell a lot about a person. As I am not the most creative person this class has helped to become more creative in different ways. This was directed towards a group of people with different disabilities but I found that anyone would enjoy doing this as it is a different way of expression.

Reflection 2

odonnelllucy16_ — 2023-11-23 17:59:56 UTC

One of the creative skills classes that stuck out to me was we looked at the case studies from the Lauralynn Foundation. In this class, we separated into small groups where we all got given a different person with a disability who has been involved in the Laura Lynn Foundation, our lecturer Helenwas able to give us some background information on each individual for example their likes, dislikes, their capability and the people around them. In our groups, we created a plan for how we would spend a day with them. Our group got given Freya who is a 12-year-old girl who is in a wheelchair. Freyas loved all girly things being with her friends, fashion,and makeup. Our group concerned the day around Freyameeting her friends, going shopping with them, and playing with makeup as we want her to enjoy her day with lots of good memories, but we also had to be aware of Freya's needs as Freya is in a wheelchair she may need time out of it, aware of how to be able to bring her to the bathroom and having time to eat as well. I found in this class that you were able to be creative in deciding how Freya spends her day as we were aware of her likes. In this class I was able to become aware of the importance of communication if u were working with a service user to be aware of these details, Working in this class has helped me to prepare when I am involved in creating a plan for an individual on placement on how to spend the dayand hearing other classmates ideas was insightful too.

Reflection 3

odonnelllucy16_ — 2023-11-23 18:01:05 UTC

In one of our creative skills classes, the class had to split up into pairs and design a workshop. Each workshop was for a different group of people for example mine was for children with neurodiversity. We narrowed the age group to ages between 6-12. We focus the workshop on sensory play and social needs. We had an icebreaker game to start where everyone got to know each other. We then broke the class into small groups we had three different tables one with sensory play with bags of rice, on table using biscuits, icing, and decorating for sensory and creative play, and the the final table where each student would draw themselves using pencils, markers, paint for creative play and to feel part of a group. When creating the workshop my partners and I thought it was important that we focus on what we feel is important for all kids and the needs of children with neurodiversity. Social needs are hugely important so splitting the class into small groups and having them work around tables helped the class to get to know each other, I found it important as the social care worker in this setting that communication was important to make sure everyone was comfortable and understood what they were doing, or if anyone needed help or guidance. I also found it important when watching over the groups to empower them and tell them how good their work is to help motivate them. Creating the workshop has helped me to always think about the needs and likes of clients I will be working with in the future, I also found it important to ask for feedback by the class to know how improvements can be made in the future when I am working with service users.

Part B- Video

odonnelllucy16_ — 2023-11-23 18:08:19 UTC

The project I choose to look at for arts in social care and Arts in health care is The Traces Dance ensemble from Waterford. Traces Dance Ensemble is a group of young people in Waterford with disabilities who share a love for dance. The classes focus on the abilities of the young dancers rather thantheir disabilities. They are able to freely express themselves,be creative, and support each other. The class took place in an open and bright place where all the dancers seemed full of joy.In the video, you got to see an interview with DeirdreGrant who is the artistic director and project director, and the dance students themselves which helped to give insight on the aims of the dance ensemble.

When watching the video of the dancers I noticed the creativity in the movement of the dancers how they were able to freely express themselves in their movement. The expressions on their faces and the emotions they were feelingand portraying. The matching clothing, wearing cool tones which was soothing and relaxing, it also showed how they are a team. The brightness of the rooms also stood out to me as it brought a happy and relaxing environment. Through this, I was able to learn how free expression can help individuals relax and how the environment is really important.

The Traces Dance Ensemble has shown in the video how they are a united group. The group demonstrates the importance of non-discriminatory practice as they focus on their abilities,not disabilities, the class welcomes all participants with disabilities who want to express themselves in a safe environment. The group is able to come together from different parts of Waterford and create a piece of art using dance and free expression.

The project has been an assist to the community of Waterford. It has helped to bring a group of people together to create a piece of artwork using dance. The traces of the dance ensemble group has said that the group helps them to feel healthy, and creative, express themselves through movement, support each other, and have a passion. Not only do the artistic directors and class instructors empower them, they start to empower each other when they are working together on dance pieces.
Watching this piece has shown me the importance of different groups in the community for people with disabilities, how creativity can be expressed in different ways,