Open AccessCreating inclusive Performing Arts practices for development of youth with disabilities: A critical ethnographic study
Author(s) -
Marlene le Roux,
Harsha Kathard,
Theresa Lorenzo
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
african journal of disability
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.301
H-Index - 8
eISSN - 2226-7220
pISSN - 2223-9170
DOI - 10.4102/ajod.v10i0.753
Subject(s) - empowerment , the arts , performing arts , thematic analysis , theme (computing) , positive youth development , inclusion (mineral) , youth empowerment , focus group , sociology , ethnography , psychology , qualitative research , public relations , pedagogy , gender studies , political science , social science , developmental psychology , visual arts , art , computer science , anthropology , law , operating system
Background Youth with disabilities are a marginalised group in society. This marginalisation traps them and prevents their full participation in social and economic development. Objective This study sought to understand how exposure to the Performing Arts facilitates the inclusion of youth with disabilities. Methods The study adopted a qualitative research approach, utilising critical ethnography. Primary data consisted of three focus group discussions with youth with disabilities, and an in-depth interview with a performer with disability. Thematic data analysis was conducted. Results Four themes emerged. Theme 1, Blown away , shares the experiences of youth who attended Artscape Theatre. Theme 2, I can do it, you can do it , describes their career aspirations. Theme 3, Embracing hope , identifies the social and life skills learned through visited Artscape. Theme 4, Long way to go , presents the factors that influence the participation of youth with disabilities in the Performing Arts. While their experiences are diverse, and their impairments are unique, contact with the Performing Arts supported social and economic inclusion, and triggered empowerment of youth with disabilities. Insufficient accessible and available transportation is the most notable barrier to accessing development opportunities. Conclusion Exposure to the Performing Arts provides important skills development and social opportunities for disabled youth. It is up to the ‘keepers’ of the Performing Arts – those in administration and management – to realign the Performing Arts in a way that can best benefit everyone.