I too have a voice!
Published 20 February 2024 | By surdocecitate.ro
During December 2023 – January 2024, within the 22 special schools partnered with Sense International Romania nationwide, a campaign dedicated to the International Day of Persons with Disabilities took place. Over 800 children with deafblindness and sensory impairments were involved, alongside over 340 teachers, parents, and volunteers.
The main goal was to raise awareness and understanding of deafblindness among the general public, as well as among authorities and institutions in the fields of social services, healthcare, and education.
Pottery-therapy
The activities were based on art therapy, particularly pottery therapy, which proved to be an effective means of expression and communication for children with such disabilities. Pottery therapy is a form of expression that allows pupils to explore and express their emotions, thoughts, and experiences in a creative and accessible way.
Through pottery molding, the pupils had the opportunity to manifest their inner world and translate their inner experiences into material forms. The artworks created were diverse and varied, including objects in different shapes and colors, such as beads, bracelets, Christmas tree decorations, refrigerator magnets, snowman figurines, candle holders, pretzels, elephants, migratory birds, and many more. The campaign slogan, "I too have a voice!", was reflected in each creation made, emphasizing the importance of recognizing and listening to the voice of each individual, regardless of the mode of expression.
Impact on Children
It is also essential to mention the positive impact that this type of activity has on the individual development of pupils. Through engagement in the creative process and through art therapy, students had the opportunity to develop fine motor skills, freely express their thoughts and emotions, and strengthen their confidence in their ability to make their voice heard in the world. Thus, this campaign was not only an opportunity for awareness but also a means of providing confidence in their abilities for individuals with deafblindness and multiple sensory impairments.
In memory of Professor Vasile Adamescu
As we do every year, we dedicate this campaign to the memory of Professor Vasile Adamescu (1944-2018), a remarkable individual who, despite being completely blind and deaf, achieved remarkable feats in life, becoming a teacher, writer, and sculptor, a true advocate for the rights of individuals with deafblindness.
"The Voice of People with Deafblindness from Romania" is a project carried out by Sense International Romania Foundation in partnership with Sense International, with financial support from the Active Citizens Fund - Romania, a program financed by Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway through the EEA Grants 2014-2021. The content of this material does not necessarily represent the official position of the EEA and Norwegian Grants 2014-2021; for more information, visit www.eeagrants.org
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