ARTiculate is an
arts-based program that seeks to develop vocational, social
and life-management skills for District of Columbia youth
between the ages of 14 and 25 who receive special educational
services and/or have a learning and/or emotional disability.
AETP accomplishes its mission by providing participants with
training and experience in three distinct skill areas: applied,
graphic and fine arts, social and life-management skills,
and career readiness preparation.
Our
goal is for ARTiculate apprentices to gain and exhibit
a greater sense of self-awareness, social awareness, and
human creative potential by developing their artistic
abilities,
career readiness skills and aptitude for citizenship. This
goal will be achieved through the integration of ARTiculate’s
three-part curriculum:
Applied & Fine Arts Training – Using our art studios
apprentices are trained in the appreciation and execution of
applied and fine arts as a means of providing them with a lifelong
tool for self-expression and self-awareness. These skills include,
but are not limited to: Mixing and varying color tones with
acrylic paints; Mixing water-colors according to wanted effect;
Linoleum printing; and 2 & 3 dimensional work. Apprentices
skills such as: using digital camera, digital scanner,
digital imaging software and developing arts, education
or other
products using technology.
Social
and Life Skills Training – Apprentices are trained
in social behavior skills that are reinforced by staff in all
aspects of the program. ARTiculate provides an environmental
and instructional context through which an individual develops
self-respect; self-esteem, as well as respect for staff, colleagues,
and equipment. The staff stresses to all participants the importance
of self-determination in one’s life and making choices
and decisions regarding quality of life. The ARTiculate staff
also makes clear the significance of appropriate workplace/studio
language, attire, and etiquette. Participants have the opportunity
to apply, broaden and enhance these skills in “real world” settings
through practical and formal experiences such as gallery
openings, marketplace commerce, public performances,
and street promotions.
Employment
Readiness Training – Apprentices complete
inventories that facilitate the exploration of their
career interests, unique strengths, talents, aspirations.
While
also working on career exploration exercises and
career preparation strategies through programmatic tasks
specifically suited
to
their individual strengths and needs. Apprentices
are encouraged to understand the range of occupations available,
and to
become attentive of how social and self-awareness
is critical to preparing
for a career. Our Job Shadowing Project provides
on-site and community-based instruction to students with
special
needs
that enable them to learn and practice employment-related
concepts in authentic settings. ARTiculate runs
on an open enrollment semester schedule (Fall, Spring,
and Summer). The fall session typically runs from
September to December; the spring from January to mid June;
and during
the summer we facilitate an all day 5-week Arts
@ Work Summer Institute from July to August. The school year program operates
in two fully functioning and accessible art studios.
For
our apprentices needing day habilitation, supportive employment,
or pre-vocational training
our classes
run Monday through Friday,
between the hours of 9 am - 2:30 pm. We also
provide an after school program Monday – Thursday from 3:30 pm – 6:00pm.
For
more information on WVSA’s Outreach
and Training Program contact the Director
at outreach@wvsarts.org or v. 202-261-0214, f. 202-261-0200, tty.
202-261-0201. |
