Anne Malinoski
DIGITAL MEDIA ARTS TRAINING Training in media arts—including audio and video
production, digital photography, and coding—can offer exciting new avenues for creative expression. Heidi Tulcan, MT-BC is a board-certified music therapist who works with podcasting students through Able ARTS Work (see below). According to Tulcan, media arts training activates the right side of the brain, bypassing neural pathways on the left side that may be impaired due to disability. “Media art is something that allows us to express ourselves when we may not have the verbal communication to do so,” she says. “This form of artwork gives those with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (I/DD) more opportunities as it can be more adapted to fit each unique individual’s needs.” Read on for a closer look at the best and most accessible media arts programs in the county. Able ARTS Work (AAW) offers courses in podcasting and video production through their adult day program—funded through the Regional Center or private pay. San Diego clients are now welcome in the virtual program, with in-person opportunities expected locally soon. Participants’ works are constantly visible to the public through the organization’s social media, podcast and gallery, allowing artists to express themselves and advocate for equality. “We promote reciprocity of learning, participation in community and selfdiscovery for development of self-identity,” says AAW CEO and Founder Helen Dolas. “Media arts have given our clients a chance to respect one another in a different way,” says Tulcan, “Being able to create virtually has helped break down some physical and social barriers between clients and their functioning styles. This helps them collaborate with one another in ways that they may not be able to in a traditional art style, leading toward a new understanding of one another and helping to gain new insight and respect.” Learn more at www.ableartswork.org.
“Media art is something that allows us to express ourselves when we may not have the verbal communication to do so.” ~Heidi Tulcan, Able ARTS Work
AAW also hosts an online learning platform called Able ARTS “Learn for Life,” with virtual classes on an array of topics, including visual arts and music. These classes are open to all abilities and ages. Learn more at www.ableartslearnforlife.org.
films from start to finish. Campers learn to do it all—from storyboarding and acting to editing and sound design. Artisteducators are on hand to teach exciting production techniques, such as stop-motion and green screen. Education Coordinator Larry DaSilveira is a former publicschool teacher and has a child with special needs. He designed the program with inclusion in mind. “Our lessons in camp are scaffolded to make the content accessible to everyone,” he says. “If needed, we’ll assign one of our camp assistants to work with a particular student to ensure they’re engaged in the activities.” One of the most exciting aspects of the job for DaSilveira is observing social-emotional growth in the campers. “The media arts experience enhances their social skills because they’re collaborating with other kids in a creative setting,” he says. “They get to express themselves and share their skills and knowledge, which helps build confidence and self-esteem.” Camps are available during most school breaks. Learn more and register at www.mediaartscenter.org/camps.
Media Arts Center San Diego (MACSD) offers Youth Media & Tech camps for ages 6–18, including students with mild to moderate developmental differences. During each fiveday camp, students work in teams to produce original short
Located in Liberty Station’s Arts District, Outside the Lens (OTL) is a photography, film, and media arts learning lab—as well as a gallery space. They offer inclusive media camps and workshops for all ages, both in-person and virtually.
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