Art And Disability: Social And Political Struggles For

Description: In the past few decades, making art has been used in special education classrooms as a way of offering psychic freedom, if not bodily freedom, by providing a partial antidote to the social problems generated in an impoverished environment. The art that has emerged has redeemed the inevitable isolation and loss and become its driving force. Wexler argues that the arts are most effective when they are in service of social growth, critical to identity formation. This book balances theory with practical knowledge and offers critical research that challenges the biases regarding the nature of art and education. It includes case studies, examples of the author's strategies with children and art students, as well as a chapter devoted to lesson plans.

Review: "Coherent, insightful, and passionate, Wexler provides an essential text. Both practical and enlightening, the work provides a useful resource for teachers, administrators, and scholars. Summing Up: Highly recommended." --Choice

"Wexler's book starts with a good overview of the problem and need. Her new ingredient - the urgency to conquer isolation and reclaim selfhood often results in equally powerful art - is very important and often omitted...This book has interdisciplinary implications because it unifies art therapy, art education, science - brain research, and even social work."--Mary Stokrocki, Professor, School of Art, Arizona State University

Contents: Introduction Overview Autistic Spectrum Disorders Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Learning Disabilities Emotional Disturbance/Behavioral Disorders The Blind and Visually Impaired Traumatic Brain Injury and the Northeast Center for Special Care Community Outreach and Alternative Settings Lesson Plans

Author Biography: ALICE J. WEXLER is Program Director of Art Education at SUNY, New Paltz, USA.