Empowered interaction through creativity

Abstract

This paper reflects upon a case study where exploration, play and empowerment in interactive therapy sessions with audio and visual stimuli resulted in achievement, self-esteem and a shared pride between a young adult with profound and multiple learning disabilities (PMLD), his mother and the special teacher that conducted the sessions. Following the gift to the mother of a video recording that depicted the young adult's progress as a result of the sessions it was found that upon viewing he was able to recognize himself and associate with his activities. Further, when watching alongside his mother, the recorded material became as a mediating reference for his communication. Conclusions consider contextual parallel activities from earlier research where digital paintings that were printed from screen shots of interactive sessions and recorded auditory achievements were presented to helpers and family of similarly severe disabled users.