Sensory and arts practice
Sensory projects Holguín
Sensory projects Holguín
Results Report from a Neurodiversity Perspective. May-July 2025.
Continuing the sustained work with people with intellectual disabilities and their caregivers since August 2023, between May and July of this year (2025), actions aimed at improving the well-being and development of these groups and other neurodivergent individuals have been systematized. These initiatives have been carried out in collaboration between researchers “Take my Hand” Network, the Education Sector, the Radio and Television Directorate of the Holguín region, and ACPDI Holguín. In addition, international academic activities have been carried out.
Specific outcomes in this regard:
- Implementation of Pre-Professional Internships for Psychology Students at the University of Holguín
Psychology students from the University of Holguín carried out pre-professional internships at the Rudiberto Cuadrado Day and Boarding School, a general education institution in the city of Holguín. These internships were aimed at assessing and stimulating the well-being and development of students diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). The approach was framed within the perspective of neurodiversity and drew from practical experiences related to sensory stimulation aligned with “Take my Hand” Network. This reference framework, not yet systematized in the Cuban context, offered partial contributions by exploring its potential impact on the well-being of participating students. Furthermore, it enriched the professional training of Psychology students by equipping them with inclusive strategies for engaging neurodivergent individuals.
- Sensory Stimulation Workshop at José Martí Special School in Mayarí Municipality
A sensory stimulation workshop was conducted at the José Martí Special School in the municipality of Mayarí, involving students and graduates diagnosed with Down syndrome and autism. Following interactive activities with participants, a discussion was held with educators and family members to explore the neurodiversity perspective and the principles of sensory stimulation integrated into the workshop. Aligned with this approach, the creation of sensory objects was encouraged using locally available materials. These experiences represent a pioneering form of training within the Cuban context, challenging the binary framework of “normality/intellectual capacity” versus “illness/global disability.”
- Ongoing Impact of the Neurodiversity Perspective and Expressive Arts Training
Building on the neurodiversity-based approach initiated by “Take my Hand” Networkand the implementation of Expressive Arts training as a psychosocial groupwork program, the university has continued to support the well-being of caregivers of individuals with intellectual disabilities. In alignment with this work, graduates of the Psychology program have launched the community project “Drawing Smiles”, focused on engaging with individuals living with disabilities.
- Mainstreaming the Neurodiversity Perspective through Educators Linked to the Teresian Institution
The neurodiversity perspective has been mainstreamed among a group of educators affiliated with the Teresian Institution—unique in its kind in Cuba—through a cycle of conferences. This practice contributes to the systematization of professional development in this approach, which has recently been introduced to educational stakeholders in the region.
- Dissemination of a Sensory Inclusion Project for Neurodivergent Individuals in Eastern Cuba through Territorial Television
The project titled “Reflecting on the Co-creation of Sustainable Sensory Tools for Inclusive Disability Practices in Community-Based Learning in Eastern Cuba”, led by Monfort University, was publicly disseminated through regional television. In a program typically known for its high viewership, the initiative’s experiences promoting well-being and development among neurodivergent individuals were showcased. This was achieved through a range of activities involving diverse neurodivergent groups, both within and beyond educational settings, as part of the project’s implementation.
Additionally, ACPDI Granma played a prominent role in achieving relevant outcomes. Broadcasting this experience through public television contributed to raising awareness across population segments about the importance of fostering genuine integration of human diversity—in this case, neurodivergence.
