Fostering Inclusion and Empowerment of Aging Adults with Intellectual and Development Disabilities in a Community University Art Hive Context

Hosted by the Centre for Research and Expertise in Gerontology (CREGÉS) as a part of their online CREGÉS Lunch-and-Learn series, engAGE partnered with the Centre to present the process and overarching outcomes of a study led by primary investigator Laurel Young, and co-investigators Shannon Hebblethwaite and Bing-Yi Pan. This study explored the perspectives and social needs of aging adults with IDD as expressed through actions, words, music, and art that they had created in a university community Art Hive. Using collaborative and participatory methods, this research contextualized the Art Hive as a place of social, creative, and relational engagement and inclusion. Embracing a philosophical approach of Empowered Aging enhanced participants’ sense of belonging, agency, and inclusion. Panelists also discussed insights gained during the pandemic, which disrupted the project, the need for policy development and social change.  This project was supported by a CREGÉS Leading Practice Award, and the Luc Maurice Foundation.

Watch a video recording of the conference

Speakers

Laurel Young
PhD, regular researcher, CREGÉS
associate director, engAGE – Concordia's Centre for Research on Aging

Shannon Hebblethwaite
PhD, regular researcher, CREGÉS

Bing-Yi Pan
PhD, LTA lecturer, visiting scholar, Music Therapy, Creative Arts Therapies

Partners

engAGE – Concordia's Centre for Research on Aging
Fondation Luc Maurice