Why teach art history or art making to people who are blind or visually impaired?
There are many reasons to teach blind people about both art history and the making of art. Sighted and blind people alike benefit from the critical thinking skills, language skills, cooperative learning, and general life enrichment provided by studying art history. Art making can serve to foster sensory awareness, manual dexterity, self-confidence, and self-awareness. Among the benefits unique to blind individuals are Braille-reading skills, mobility and map-reading skills, and tactile-exploration skills, all of which contribute significantly to a person’s academic and professional success. Being versed in and contributing to visual culture helps blind people to break through social barriers and enables their full participation in the world. The Art Beyond Sight Around the World Collaborative recognizes that art education and exposure to the arts are crucial for advancement of many key issues in the education and rehabilitation of people who are blind.
