Arts Accessibility Workshops: All that about Inclusive Art
School of Dance students participated the Arts Accessibility Workshop in the evenings of 25 September for ​the workshop which was organized by Student Recruitment and Community Engagement Office collaborated with Arts with the Disabled Association Hong Kong (ADAHK). Through these workshops, participants acquired essential understanding of arts accessibility and its requirement. Our School of Dance students share their thoughts and feelings after the workshops:

 

Jan Mikaela Bau Villanueva, yr2
It's a heart-warming experience for me to see passionate educators understanding people with special needs and providing ways as to how these people can experience and enjoy all kinds of art!

 

Chelsea Lau Cheuk Yi, yr3
The workshop is so meaningful. I realised that physically-challenged persons might face lots of difficulties when they want to enjoy art. It is great to let people know more about their difficulties so that art accessibility in society can be raised. People with different abilities can have the chance to enjoy art.

 

Grace Lim Jia Wen, yr3
Today's workshop opened my eyes to another part of the world of art! It was enjoyable and very intriguing to learn about the different methods used to aid people with different abilities in being able to experience and enjoy art.

 

Lilian Liu Ya Lien, yr3
After I heard the demonstration of the audio description, I realised that it must be carefully recorded, and the images must be viewed from the perspective of the visually impaired to make the dictation more cautious and make them easier to imagine.

 

Carol Chung, yr3
It was an interesting workshop. I have learnt a lot. The workshop let me know there are many ways to let people enjoy "Art", especially for physically-challenged people.

 

Rosanna Pang Yuen Man, yr3
The workshop is nice. There is a lot of useful information which can be applied in our daily life or even in our teaching. The most impressive thing is, I know how they feel, and I learnt how to communicate in the right way with people in need. Before that, I would feel panic in communicating with them because I was afraid that I would do something wrong and make them feel bad. After this, I have more confidence; in that, I will be more willing to give a helping hand. It is meaningful and also lets me know more possibilities of the art forms. It is inspiring too.

 

 

 

Sammie Cheung Hoi Ting, yr3
I learnt a lot from this workshop. For example, the proper way to communicate with the physically-challenged persons and how to help them; also in what way we can help them to understand and enjoy the performance.

 

Venus Lai Wing Lam, yr3
I enjoyed today's workshop! I learned a lot about art accessibility. I now know more about what we can do to have all physically-challenged people participate and experience different art forms. Also, I learned some sign language too!

 

Christine Chan Yuen Kiu, yr4
I enjoyed the talk, it's meaningful for me and let me know arts are not only for entertaining, but it can also heal people who need help, including the physically-challenged and can make everyone feel the joy of arts.

 

Diche Beatriz Marie, yr3
I have learned in today's talk to let my passion and love for the arts serve a purpose to the society giving the chance/opportunity for the incapable to be capable.

 

Vilia Chan Sze Wei, yr3
I have been in the performance, Lord of the Flies, with the audio description. On the other hand, Dr Kim and Dr Joseph invited my class to work in the pre-show workshop, but I unfortunately could not be in the workshop. So, I know the school has this service, but I didn't know how they worked. The seminar gave me clearer information and a better picture of their job duties. At the end of the seminar, I'm thinking of my own independent project, whether this service can be added into my project or not.

 

Hinjic Leung Lok Hin, yr4
I think this is meaningful for me, to know how to let the physically-challenged enjoy art.

 

Evelyn Lee Wai Yan, yr3
I didn't expect that we would have such an interesting and inspirational workshop today! I have learnt a lot about the types of people with different abilities, and I just realised that Hong Kong actually has so many of them needed to be cared for. I think dance is really a good medium for us to get close to those with disabilities. While teaching dance movements, through verbal explanations, body touch and putting yourself into other's shoes, can make people connect and feel love. Besides, I found the part they taught us the sign language particularly interesting, practical and easy to learn. This is a wonderful workshop, the instructor and Marcus are very nice and funny, I love it so much!

 

Tracy Wu Yuxuan, yr3
This workshop is the most special one I have ever attended, learning about the way disabled people watch art performances and learning many different ways to help them. I really enjoy this class!

 

Fred Yan Chun Kit, yr3
Before we offer our help, ask whether he/she needs help first. Don't guess what they feel but ask. This is the best way to help and respect them. What we need to know is what they need in order to offer them our help or organise anything for them. They may have some weakness in some area but they still have their strength which is the same as everyone. I think it is same as teaching. Be respectful and communicate.

 

Obe Kwok Wing Chun, yr3
As an arts educator-to-be, what would be your main focus in considering arts experience for special-needs participants? I think that mainly it can be seen under 2 points. First, don't "zoom in" on their "difficulties". Stay in their situation to think more. Second, we are the same. But we just need to find other ways to let them enjoy "art" and make sure they get the key point as much as possible.

 

Katherine Tsang Ka Yee, yr3
It's an interesting workshop. I enjoy it. It's told me a lot about how to help disabled people. After the workshop, I started to think about the aspect of disabled people and art. It may have some impact on what I create in the future. I will think more about the accessibility.

 

Natie Fung Lap Tuen, yr3
The workshop is meaningful for me. I believe performing arts is for everyone. The physically-challenged people also have the right to enjoy dancing and shows. I have learned a lot how to work with the physically-challenged people and show them some love through arts. If I have a chance, I would love to use these special methods to let them know more about arts.