Sensory and arts practice
Pilot Project “Prisma de Luz”
Pilot Project "Prisma de luz"
Provincial Branch of the Cuban Association of People with Intellectual Disabilities – Granma Province In collaboration with De Montfort University, United Kingdom
What is Prisma de Luz?
Prisma de Luz is a pilot study running from January to August, led by the Granma branch of the Cuban Association of People with Intellectual Disabilities (ACPDI), in coordination with researcher and professor Rosi Smith (De Montfort University, UK). The project aims to enhance the well-being, learning, and inclusion of people with intellectual disabilities through sensory, artistic, and community-based practices.
Main Actions of the Project
- Che Guevara Special School (Bayamo)
- Use of sensory panels donated by the University of Granma and ACPDI as educational tools.
- Training for teachers and families on their application.
- Weekly workshops led by a cultural specialist, aligned with the project’s research focus.
- Donation of Sensory Toys
- Young participants (over 18 years old, not currently enrolled in school) create and donate sensory toys to educational institutions.
- Purposeful Creation
- Sensory objects are crafted for meaningful dates (Valentine’s Day, International Women’s Day), using local materials to promote environmental awareness.
- Physical Activity and Well-being
- Sports and movement-based activities are incorporated to support holistic development.
- Psychological Support for Families
- Talks and therapeutic tools are offered by a psychologist to legal guardians and family caregivers.
- Territorial Expansion
- The experience is replicated in the municipalities of Río Cauto, Guisa, Bartolomé Masó, Bayamo, and Manzanillo.
- Training is provided to educators, interns, special education professionals, and social workers.
- Recommendation: establish a sensory corner in every educational center.
- “Adding Hearts” Exhibition
- Hosted at the Art Gallery of Bayamo’s Casa de Cultura, with participation from authorities, protagonists, and their families.
- Highlights the artistic and social value of the sensory creations made by participants.
- Celebrating Meaningful Dates
- Activities such as dance therapy and music therapy promote expression, enjoyment, and social integration.
- Media Coverage
- CMKX Radio Bayamo accompanies and broadcasts all project activities on its website, strengthening public visibility and recognition.
Observed Outcomes
- Improvement in fine and gross motor skills.
- Progress in socialization and self-esteem.
- Greater awareness of surroundings and self as active subjects.
- Shared well-being among participants and their families.
- Sense of belonging and protagonism in public and cultural spaces.
Testimonials and Memory
Project participants have expressed, in their own words, how Prisma de Luz has helped them make their dreams come true. The exhibition captures their voices, emotions, and achievements, consolidating a space of inclusion, creativity, and respect for human diversity.
