A Matlock charity has received £45,000 from Lloyds TSB Foundation for England and Wales to develop an innovative arts project for people with learning disabilities.
First Movement runs a number of artistic workshops that use IT and video technology as a way of enabling people with profound learning disabilities to express themselves. The charity is now taking this one stage further and developing a project that uses motion sensor detectors found in gaming consoles such as Nintendo Wii and Xbox Kinect to allow individuals with learning and complex disabilities to create art and communicate.
Peter Shelton, the Coordinator at First Movement, explains: “People with learning disabilities can often feel very isolated and lonely, as they may not interact with others through traditional avenues like employment and training. This can lead to feelings of frustration and sometimes mental health problems. Art is a great way of enabling people with learning disabilities to express themselves, interact and feel part of their surroundings and community.”
The charity received a £45,000 grant over three years to review and develop this cutting edge arts project through research and user activity.
Peter continues: “By harnessing this technology people with even the most profound of disabilities who may not be able to use traditional IT devices such as a mouse or keyboard will be able to take part in these sessions. Lloyds TSB Foundation’s grant will enable us to move this project forward and have a huge effect on the people that take part.”
Gary Beharrell is Lloyds TSB Foundation’s Grant Manager for the East Midlands, he says: “When I visited the charity there was a lot of laughter in the air, it’s such a unique and inspiring project that treats every user as an individual. This is why the Foundation is committed to supporting organisations that have a real impact on the lives of disadvantaged people and welcomes registered charities to apply for funding. For more information please visit our website – www.lloydstsbfoundations.org.uk”
