CURRICULUM
The Curriculum on how to support young people with DS/ASD to become agents of social change through art is addressed to art and mental health professionals working with young people with DS/ASD.
This training is aimed at professionals working with young people with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) or Down syndrome (DS), giving them additional skills to create lasting outcomes and empower individuals with intellectual disabilities to overcome barriers to self-expression and social integration.
The project is in line with the objectives of the EU and Erasmus+ programmes, which aim to promote inclusive and innovative societies.
This training is designed to equip specialists, professionals and carers with the knowledge, skills and strategies needed to support young people with ASD and DS to develop their social and entrepreneurial skills through arts entrepreneurship.
By addressing the barriers, they face, fostering flexibility, communication, joint attention and eye contact, and promoting self-expression and self-reflection.
The Curriculum contains 5 modules:
- Teaching young people with ASD/DS
- Art and young people with special needs
- Introduction to “Artrepreneurship”
- Promoting an Artistic Venture
- Art as a driver for social participation
Module 1: Teaching Young People with ASD/DS
This module explores the unique characteristics and needs of young people with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Down’s Syndrome (DS). It delves into effective teaching methodologies and best practices, emphasizing the importance of developing personalized and adaptable approaches. Additionally, it outlines the essential competencies required for professionals working with young people with learning disabilities.
Module 2: Art and Young People with Special Needs
In this module, participants will be introduced to various art forms, such as painting, drawing, sculpture, and photography, as tools to stimulate creativity and self-expression among young people with special needs. The module provides guidance on basic techniques, materials, and tools used in different artistic media. It also highlights how art can enhance communication skills, both verbal and non-verbal, and promotes self-reflection and socialization through group activities and collaborative projects.
Module 3: Introduction to "Artepreneurship"
This module focuses on the concept of “artepreneurship” and its relevance to individuals with autism and Down’s Syndrome. It explores the benefits of combining art and entrepreneurship for personal and professional development. Participants will identify the main barriers faced by young people with autism and Down’s Syndrome in social and entrepreneurial contexts and understand the benefits of entrepreneurship.
Module 4: Promoting an Artistic Venture
Participants will learn about marketing strategies tailored to the art industry, including the use of online platforms, social media, and exhibitions. This module covers the creation of a personal brand and the development of an art portfolio to showcase individual work. Additionally, it emphasizes the importance of networking and building relationships with potential customers and collaborators, and explores collaborative initiatives for entrepreneurship and art with young people with ASD/DS.
Module 5: Art as a Driver for Social Participation
This module highlights the role of art in enabling the recognition of the work of young people with ASD/DS and fostering social participation. It discusses how art can promote equality and tolerance, and how it can be used as a tool for social change by enhancing communication and empathy. Participants will learn how to leverage art to drive social inclusion and participation.
