Arts Education for Children with Disabilities: A Systematic Literature Review
Abstract
Research, testimonies and descriptions of successful projects and initiatives have shown the benefits of well-planned inclusive arts education for students with disabilities. The group of students with disabilities is diverse. The only thing they have in common is a disability that prevents them from taking advantage of the general curriculum without specialised support. Teaching students with disabilities is a requirement for all teachers, regardless of their subject-matter expertise. The goal of this research is to provide a thorough knowledge map of the intellectual framework of the field of study of arts education for students with disabilities. Using the PRISMA method to analyse articles published between 2012 and 2022, a systematic literature review methodology was used. An overview of the study’s articles, authors, top journals and research themes is given. The findings indicate the existence of three themes in the research of arts education for children with disabilities. In summary, this paper reviews key findings from the research analyses and suggests future research trajectories for the arts education area.
Downloads
References
Al Hashimi, S., Sadoun, J., Almahoozi, Y., Jawad, F., & Hasan, N. (2021). Examining perceptions of inclusion of deaf and hard-of-hearing students in art and design higher education in Bahrain. Cogent Arts and Humanities, 8(1). https://doi.org/10.1080/23311983.2021.1960698
Alter, F., Hays, T., & O’Hara, R. (2009). The challenges of implementing primary arts education: What our teachers say. Australian Journal of Early Childhood, 34(4), 22–30. https://doi.org/10.1177/183693910903400404
Bacon, A. M., & Bennett, S. (2013). Dyslexia in higher education: The decision to study art. European Journal of Special Needs Education, 28(1), 19–32. https://doi.org/10.1080/08856257.2012.742748
Blagoeva, N. V. (2019). Project-based integration of contemporary art forms into teaching visual arts to primary school students in the after-school art clubs. International Journal of Education and the Arts, 20. https://doi.org/10.26209/ijea20n18
Blaisdell, C., Arnott, L., Wall, K., & Robinson, C. (2019). Look who’s talking: Using creative, playful arts-based methods in research with young children. Journal of Early Childhood Research, 17(1), 14–31. https://doi.org/10.1177/1476718X18808816
Boughton, D. (1986). Visual literacy: Implications for cultural understanding through art education. Journal of Art & Design Education, 5(1–2), 125–142. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1476-8070.1986.tb00193.x
Boyd, W., & Cutcher, L. (2015). Learning from early childhood philosophy, theory and pedagogy: Inspiring effective art education. Australasian Journal of Early Childhood, 40(1), 91–98. https://doi.org/10.1177/183693911504000112
Carpio, C., Amérigo, M., & Durán, M. (2017). Study of an inclusive intervention programme in pictorial perception with blind and sighted students. European Journal of Special Needs Education, 32(4), 525–542. https://doi.org/10.1080/08856257.2017.1297567
Chapman, S. N., & O’Gorman, L. (2022). Transforming learning environments in early childhood contexts through the arts: Responding to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. International Journal of Early Childhood, 54(1), 33–50. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13158-022-00320-3
Cherney, I. D., Seiwert, C. S., Dickey, T. M., & Flichtbeil, J. D. (2006). Children’s drawings: A mirror to their minds. Educational Psychology, 26(1), 127–142. https://doi.org/10.1080/01443410500344167
Cole, S. M., Murphy, H. R., Frisby, M. B., Grossi, T. A., & Bolte, H. R. (2021). The relationship of special education placement and student academic outcomes. Journal of Special Education, 54(4), 217–227. https://doi.org/10.1177/0022466920925033
Corradi, S., Crippa, C. M., Drąsutė, V., Sgaramella, T. M., & Ferrari, L. (2022). Arts for inclusive education: Insights from the Increa+ Project. Journal of Higher Education Theory and Practice, 22(1), 92–105. https://doi.org/10.33423/jhetp.v22i1.4966
Craw, J. (2015). Making art matter-ings: Engaging (with) art in early childhood education, in Aotearoa New Zealand. Journal of Pedagogy, 6(2), 133–153. https://doi.org/10.1515/jped2015-0018
Davis, W. B., & Thaut, M. H. (1989). The influence of preferred relaxing music on measures of state anxiety, relaxation, and physiological responses. Journal of Music Therapy, 26(4), 168–187. https://doi.org/10.1093/jmt/26.4.168
Derby, J. (2011). “I believe art educators can develop vibrant contributions to disability studies by culturing critical artmaking curricula that address disability.†Disability studies and art education. Studies in M Education: A Journal of Issues and Research, 52(2), 94–111.
Devolli, A., & Avdiu-Kryeziu, S. (2022). Music as an inclusion tool: Can primary school teachers use it effectively? Rast Müzikoloji Dergisi, 10(3), 345–363. https://doi.org/10.12975/rastmd.20221032
Dmitriev, Alexey & Chukalskaya, Valeriya & Dmitrieva, Svetlana & Golubović, Slavica & Novosiltseva, Evgeniya. (2020). The development of creative competence of primary school students under the condition of inclusive education. E3S Web of Conferences. https://doi.org/10.1051/e3sconf/202021018110
Dobson, T., & Stephenson, L. (2022). A trans-European perspective on how artists can support teachers, parents and carers to engage with young people in the creative arts. Children and Society, 36(6), 1336–1350. https://doi.org/10.1111/chso.12580
Dunn-snow, P., Amelio, G. D., (2000). How art teachers can enhance artmaking as a therapeutic experience art therapy and art education. Art Education, 53(3), 46–53.
Eisner, E. W. (2020). The role of the arts in cognition and curriculum. Reimagining Schools, 84–93. https://doi.org/10.4324/9780203019078-12
Elpus, K. (2022). Access to arts education in America: The availability of visual art, music, dance, and theater courses in U.S. high schools. Arts Education Policy Review, 123(2), 50–69. https://doi.org/10.1080/10632913.2020.1773365
Erina, I. A., Mychko, E. I., Sorokopud, Y. V., Karabulatova, I. S., & Streltsova, M. A. (2019). Development of communication skills in children with special needs (ADHD): Accentuation of the schoolboy’s personality and musical preferences. Universal Journal of Educational Research, 7(11), 2262–2269. https://doi.org/10.13189/ujer.2019.071103
Ewing, R. (2010). Teaching drama: Lessons from its recent development in the UK. Australian Council for Educational Research.
Ewing, R. (2020). The Australian curriculum: The arts. A critical opportunity. Curriculum Perspectives, 40(1), 75–81. https://doi.org/10.1007/s41297-019-00098-w
Feliu-Torruella, M., Fernández-SantÃn, M., & Atenas, J. (2021). Building relationships between museums and schools: Reggio Emilia as a bridge to educate children about heritage. Sustainability (Switzerland), 13(7).
Flowers, A. A., Carroll, J. P., Green, G. T., & Larson, L. R. (2015). Using art to assess environmental education outcomes. Environmental Education Research, 21(6), 846–864. https://doi.org/10.1080/13504622.2014.959473
Freedman, K., Heijnen, E., Kallio-Tavin, M., Kárpáti, A., & Papp, L. (2013). Visual culture learning communities: How and what students come to know in informal art groups. Studies in Art Education, 54(2), 103–115. https://doi.org/10.1080/00393541.2013.11518886
Gaztambide-Fernández, R. A., & Parekh, G. (2017). Opções de mercado ou caminhos estruturados? Como educação especializada nas artes contribui para a reprodução da desigualdade [Market “choices†or structured pathways? How specialised arts education contributes to the reproduction of inequality]. Education Policy Analysis Archives, 25. https://doi.org/10.14507/epaa.25.2716
Green, D., Karafa, K., & Wilson, S. (2021). Art therapy with grieving children: Effect on affect in the dual-process model. Art Therapy, 38(4), 211–215. https://doi.org/10.1080/07421656.2020.1823197
Grosvenor, I., & Pataki, G. (2017). Learning through culture: Seeking “critical case studies of possibilities†in the history of education. Paedagogica Historica, 53(3), 246–267. https://doi.org/10.1080/00309230.2016.1264981
Haerani, R., Masunah, J., Narawati, T., Rochyadi, E., & Mujiarto. (2020). Models of arts teacher’s professional development. International Journal of Higher Education, 9(6), 77–86. https://doi.org/10.5430/ijhe.v9n6p77
Hajeak, F. (1980). Creativity for the retarded. Arts & Activities, 88(1), 64-66.
Heinisch, B. S., & Gerber, B. L. (1988). Questions art teachers ask about mainstreaming special education students. Arts & Activities, 102(5), 49-59.
Houghton, J., Bronicki, G. J. B., & Guess, D. (1987). Opportunities to express preferences and make choices among students with severe disabilities in classroom settings. Journal of the Association for Persons with Severe Handicaps, 12(1), 18–27. https://doi.org/10.1177/154079698701200104
Hsiao, P. W., & Su, C. H. (2021). A study on the impact of steam education for sustainable development courses and its effects on student motivation and learning. Sustainability (Switzerland), 13(7), 1–24. https://doi.org/10.3390/su13073772
Huotilainen, M., Rankanen, M., Groth, C., Seitamaa-Hakkarainen, P., & Mäkelä, M. (2018). Why our brains love arts and crafts. FormAkademisk - Forskningstidsskrift for Design Og Designdidaktikk, 11(2), 1–17. https://doi.org/10.7577/formakademisk.1908
Kamenets, A. V., Anufrieva, N. I., Grushina, E. E., Gribkova, G. I., Ershova, O. V., & Yushchenko, N. S. (2021). The influence of performing arts competitions on the formation of artistic and pedagogical space. Edelweiss Applied Science and Technology, 5(1), 67–70. https://doi.org/10.33805/2576-8484.197
Kantor, J., Chráska, M., & LudÃková, L. (2019). Czech arts therapies in educational institutions. Education Sciences, 9(2). https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci9020082
Kantor, J., & Lei, X. (2020). Arts-based assessment in educational settings. International Journal of Evaluation and Research in Education, 9(4), 947–954. https://doi.org/10.11591/ijere.v9i4.20346
Kárpáti, A. (2019). Art education in Central and Eastern Europe. The International Encyclopedia of Art and Design Education, 1–17. https://doi.org/10.1002/9781118978061.ead107
Kárpáti, A. & Gaul-Ãcs, Ã. (2017, October 19-21). Nature or nurture? The significance of art education in developing visual literacy of young children. [Conference presentation]. Art Education Research Institute, 2nd Annual Symposium, Naperville, Illinois, United States. https://doi.org/10.13140/RG.2.2.19517.72167
Katušić, A., & Burić, K. (2021). Music therapy in educating children with developmental disabilities. Croatian Journal of Education, 23(1), 63–79. https://doi.org/10.15516/CJE.V23I1.3915
KÄ™dra, J., & ŽakeviÄiÅ«tÄ—, R. (2019). Visual literacy practices in higher education: What, why and how?. Journal of Visual Literacy, 38(1–2), 1–7. https://doi.org/10.1080/1051144X.2019.1580438
Kellman, J., Visual, S., Art, S., Symposium, T. A., & Kellman, J. (1988). Narrative and the art of two children with autism. Visual Art Research. 24(2), 38–48.
Kementerian Kesehatan RI. (2018). Riskendas 2018. Laporan Nasional Riskesndas 2018, 44(8), 181–222. http://www.yankes.kemkes.go.id/assets/downloads/PMKNo.57Tahun2013tentang PTRM.pdf
Kencana, D., Supriatna, M., & Yudha, E. S. (2020). Tinjauan pembelajaran visual ekspresif dalam program pendidikan inklusif [An overview of expressive visual learning in inclusive education programmes]. Jurnal Ilmiah Pendidikan Citra Bakti, 7(2), 149–158. https://doi.org/10.38048/jipcb.v7i2.96
Kerby, M., Lorenza, L., Dyson, J., Ewing, R., & Baguley, M. (2021). Challenges, implications and the future of the Australian curriculum: The arts. Australian Educational Researcher, 48(5), 901–922. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13384-021-00488-y
Kiling, I. Y., Due, C., Li, D. E., & Turnbull, D. (2018). Interventions supporting development of young children with disabilities at environmental risk in Indonesia: A scoping review. SAGE Open, 8(1). https://doi.org/10.1177/2158244018754935
Kraft, M. (2006). Art education and disability: Re-envisioning educational efficiency. The Journal of Social Theory in Art Education, 26(1), 302-322.
Lian, F., Zhang, Z., Ma, W., Wang, M., & Lin, Y. (2020). Improving typically developing children’s acceptance toward children with autism via teaching with picture books. International Journal of Developmental Disabilities, 68, 354-364.
Lund, P. A., Lund, P. A., & Massey, L. (2004). Art teacher preparation and learners with exceptional needs. Visual Arts Research, 30(1), 53–58.
Madrid-Manrique, M. (2020). Engaging, validating, imagining: A comicbased approach to (non) participation and empowerment. International Journal of Education Through Art, 16(1), 43–61. https://doi.org/10.1386/eta_00016_1
Malley, S. M., & Silverstein, L. B. (2014). Examining the intersection of arts education and special education. Arts Education Policy Review, 115(2), 39–43. https://doi.org/10.1080/10632913.2014.883894
Martinec, R., Šimunović, D., & Jerković, V. K. (2022). Various aspects of using bibliotherapy in the field of education and rehabilitation. Hrvatska revija za rehabilitacijska istraživanja, 58(1), 87–103. https://doi.org/10.31299/hrri.58.1.5
Mehr, S. A., Schachner, A., Katz, R. C., & Spelke, E. S. (2013). Two randomized trials provide no consistent evidence for nonmusical cognitive benefits of brief preschool music enrichment. PLoS ONE, 8(12). https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0082007
Metzl, E. S (2022). Art is fun, art is serious business, and everything in between: Learning from art therapy research and practice with children and teens. Children, 9, 1320. https://doi.org/10.3390/children9091320
Milbrandt, M. K., Miraglia, K. M., & Zimmerman, E. (2018). An analysis of current research in studies in art education and the International Journal of Education Through Art. Studies in Art Education, 59(1), 39–54. https://doi.org/10.1080/00393541.2017.1401882
Mumpuniarti, M., Ishartiwi, I., Azizah, N., & Prabawati, W. (2021). Parents’ training needs for intellectual disability learning about daily life activities. Cypriot Journal of Educational Sciences, 16(4), 1616–1630. https://doi.org/10.18844/cjes.v16i4.6026
Nieto-Miguel, I., GarcÃa, F. J. Ã., Urchaga, J. D., & Guevara, R. M. (2022). Use and value of music as a didactic tool in primary school education. Revista Electronica Complutense de Investigacion En Educacion Musical, 19, 83–91. https://doi.org/10.5209/reciem.74280
Østergaard, E. (2019). Music and sustainability education – a contradiction? Acta Didactica Norge, 13(2), 1–20. https://doi.org/10.5617/adno.6452
Page, M. J., McKenzie, J. E., Bossuyt, P. M., Boutron, I., Hoffmann, T. C., Mulrow, C. D., Shamseer, L., Tetzlaff, J. M., Akl, E. A., Brennan, S. E., Chou, R., Glanville, J., Grimshaw, J. M., Hróbjartsson, A., Lalu, M. M., Li, T., Loder, E. W., Mayo-Wilson, E., McDonald, S., … Moher, D. (2021). The PRISMA 2020 statement: An updated guideline for reporting systematic reviews. The BMJ, 372. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.n71
Paris, L. F., Nonis, K. P., & Bailey, J. (2018). Pre-service arts teachers’ perceptions of inclusive education practice in Western Australia. International Journal of Special Education, 33(1), 3–20.
Pataky, G. (2020). “Do not touch it!†Today’s children’s visual competencies in comparison with the pre-digital era in light of their art educational environment. Center for Educational Policy Studies Journal, 10(4), 75–96. https://doi.org/10.26529/cepsj.925
Petsilas, P., Leigh, J., Brown, N., & Blackburn, C. (2019). Creative and embodied methods to teach reflections and support students’ learning. Research in Dance Education, 20(1), 19–35. https://doi.org/10.1080/14647893.2019.1572733
Puslapdik (2021, December 3). Hari Disabilitas International 2021. Kepemimpinan dan partisipasi penyandang disabilitas menuju tatanan dunia yang inklusif, aksesibel dan berkelanjutan pasca Covid 19. [Leadership and participation of persons with disabilities towards an inclusive, accessible and sustainable world order post-Covid 19]. https://puslapdik.kemdikbud.go.id/hari-disabilitas-internasional-2021-libatkan-penyandang-disabilitas-pascacovid-19/
Puzanova, Z. V., Simonova, M. A., Filippov, V. M., & Larina, T. I. (2021). Additional education for children with special needs and disabilities in the Russian Federation: National monitoring concept. Vysshee Obrazovanie v Rossii, 30(6), 27–34. https://doi.org/10.31992/0869-3617-2021-30-6-27-34
Rasmitadila, Humaira, M. A., & Rachmadtullah, R. (2021). Teachers’ perceptions of the role of universities in mentoring programs for inclusive elementary schools: A case study in Indonesia. Journal of Education and E-Learning Research, 8(3), 333–339. https://doi.org/10.20448/JOURNAL.509.2021.83.333.339
Rihter, J., Košak Babuder, M., & Selan, J. (2023). Competence of Slovenian art teachers in working with pupils with special educational needs. Educational Studies, 49(4), 628–643. https://doi.org/10.1080/03055698.2021.1873740
Rihter, J., & PotoÄnik, R. (2022). Preservice teachers’ beliefs about teaching pupils with special educational needs in visual art education. European Journal of Special Needs Education, 37(2), 235–248. https://doi.org/10.1080/08856257.2020.1862340
Santos, G. D., & Lima-Rodrigues, L. M. (2016). Expressive arts – Embodying inclusive teachers. Journal of Research in Special Educational Needs, 16, 506–509. https://doi.org/10.1111/1471-3802.12177
Schwartz, D. C., & Pace, D. (2008). Students create art: Expanding an after-school program. TEACHING Exceptional Children, 40(4), 50–54. http://search.proquest.com/docview/61855654/1410F2A07886E2BC5B/434?accountid=14026#
Shaughnessy, N. (2022). Learning with labyrinths: Neurodivergent journeying towards new concepts of care and creative pedagogy through participatory community autism research. Critical Studies in Teaching and Learning, 10(SI), 127–150. https://doi.org/10.14426/cristal.v10iSI.546
Strycker, J. (2020). K-12 art teacher technology use and preparation. Heliyon, 6(7). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2020.e04358
Sugiyono. (2015). Memahami penelitian kualitatif [Understanding qualitative research]. Alfabeta.
Sydykova, R. S., Yussupova, A. A., Berekeshev, G. K., Smailova, T. A., & Kuldanov, N. T. (2020). Psychosocial foundations for pedagogical skills formation of future specialists in the special educational environment. Journal of Intellectual Disability - Diagnosis and Treatment, 8(3), 485–496. https://doi.org/10.6000/2292-2598.2020.08.03.26
Tarr, P. (2008). New visions: Art for early childhood a response to art: Essential for early learning a position paper by the Early Childhood Art Educators Issues Group (ECAE). Art Education, 61(4), 19–24. https://doi.org/10.1080/00043125.2008.11652064
Upitis, R. (2001). Arts education for the development of the whole child. Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario.
Theodotou, E. (2019). Supporting personal and social development through child-led art projects in the early years settings. Early Child Development and Care, 189(11), 1889–1900. https://doi.org/10.1080/03004430.2017.1418739
Theodotou, E. (2020). An empirical study comparing different art forms to develop social and personal skills in early years education. Education 3-13, 48(4), 471–482. https://doi.org/10.1080/03004279.2019.1618890
Nguyen-Viet, T.-T.C., Robert, P., & Poezevara K. (2022). Art mediation and sensory atmosphere in the symbolization process: Arvak’s Tesseract. Evolution Psychiatrique. 85(1), 95-108. https://10.1016/j.evopsy.2021.11.002
UNICEF Indonesia. (2023). Discussion Paper: Key issues for children with disabilities in Indonesia. https://www.unicef.org/indonesia/social-policy/publication/key-issues-children-with-disabilities
Wadeson, H. (2010). Art psychotherapy (2nd ed.). John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
WHO. (2021). Global report on health equity for persons with disabilities. https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240063600
Winner, E., Goldstein, T., & Vincent-Lancrin, S. (2013). Art for art’s sake?: The impact of arts education. Educational Research and Innovation. OECD Publishing. http://www.oecd.org/edu/ceri/ART FOR ART?S SAKE OVERVIEW_EN_R3.pdf
Žolgar, I., & Stopar, M. L. (2016). Pre-service teachers’ confidence in teaching students with visual impairments in inclusive education. Hrvatska revija za rehabilitacijska istraživanja, 52(1), 51–62. https://doi.org/10.31299/hrri.52.1.5
Authors who publish with this journal agree to the following terms:
- Authors are confirming that they are the authors of the submitted article, which will be published online in the Center for Educational Policy Studies Journal (for short: CEPS Journal) by University of Ljubljana Press (University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Education, Kardeljeva ploščad 16, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia). The Author’s/Authors’ name(s) will be evident in the article in the journal. All decisions regarding layout and distribution of the work are in the hands of the publisher.
- The Authors guarantee that the work is their own original creation and does not infringe any statutory or common-law copyright or any proprietary right of any third party. In case of claims by third parties, authors commit themselves to defend the interests of the publisher, and shall cover any potential costs.
- Authors retain copyright and grant the journal right of first publication with the work simultaneously licensed under https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/deed.en that allows others to share the work with an acknowledgement of the work's authorship and initial publication in this journal.
- Authors are able to enter into separate, additional contractual arrangements for the non-exclusive distribution of the journal's published version of the work (e.g., post it to an institutional repository or publish it in a book), with an acknowledgement of its initial publication in this journal.
- Authors are permitted and encouraged to post their work online (e.g., in institutional repositories or on their website) prior to and during the submission process, as it can lead to productive exchanges, as well as earlier and greater citation of published work.