Journal of Education & Social Policy

“I Discovered I’m An Artist!” An Evaluation of the Impact of a Collaborative Arts Project on the Wellbeing of Young Adults with Learning Disabilities
Dr Allison Boggis, Dr Cristian Dogaru, Terrie Cornwell-Dunnett

Abstract
In a climate where arts-based interventions are under increasing pressure to justify activities in terms of instrumental benefit, this small case study sought to evaluate a collaborative arts project, seeking an understanding of the ways in which it impacted on the well-being of adults with learning disabilities. Recognising arts-based practice as a location for further investigation into civil rights and drawing on an interpretivist paradigm, the study facilitated the investigation of potential contributory factors to wellbeing. The capabilities approach has been applied throughout as the inclusion of the participant’s voices was central to the research. Their narratives illustrated that increasing feelings of well-being related to connections with others, positive relationships and sense of self-worth.

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