Disability History Month
UK Disability History Month
Disability History Month Display, artwork by ‘Touch and See’ group, The Higgins Bedford, Entrance Foyer
16th November 2022 – 8th January 2023
Disability History Month theme for 2022 is Disability, Health and Well Being. To recognise the month The Higgins are working in partnership with ‘Touch and See’ in sharing a display of artwork and some sculpture from participants with visual impairments. The TOUCH and SEE group started in the early 1980’s at Acacia Road Bedford through the Special Adult Learning Programme (SALP).
It has been led throughout by two tutors with different skills to offer the students including painting, printing, collage, ceramics, weaving and fabric work. Students came from a variety of ethnic and working backgrounds, often with additional underlying health problems. Close friendships often developed and humour played a big part. The group always contributed to St Paul’s Church Christmas Tree decorations appeal with imaginative and inventive use of available materials. This group met regularly at Bedford Arts and Crafts Centre following the social isolation of the Covid 19 pandemic and it helped them to re-connect with the outside world and help with improving their health and well-being. This is the first time that their work has been shown in a display outside of Bedford Arts and Crafts Centre (BAACC). Please do come and view the artistic expressions of the participants experiences of their vision for our Disability History Month display 2022