Each year, the TASH Conference brings together a diverse community of stakeholders who gain information, learn about resources, and connect with others across the country to strengthen the disability field. This year’s conference theme, “Be Creative - Innovative Solutions for an Inclusive Life,” reminds us to think outside the box during times of uncertainty. Creativity, innovation, and determination can pave the way for meaningful and inclusive lives for people with disabilities.
This participatory action research project employed an arts-based collaboration model for community youth with and without disabilities in Lawrence, Kansas, Summer 2017 to measure changes in reported creative self-efficacy and hope. Filling out a Hope Scale for Teens and conducting pre and post-test focus groups discussing hope, resilience and creativity measured change in perspective. Arts-based process (PhotoVoice / devised theatre) including drama games, story building, narratives and a photography debriefing component allowed youth to create a culminating project.
