FHSU Spotlights Prof. Amy Schmierbach’s FACT Workshops

In this month’s IA Member Spotlight, we bring lessons at the intersection of arts and disability justice. Since 2022 Art Professor, Amy Schmierbach, has been hosting First Responder, Art Collaboration, Training (FACT) workshops in conjunction with her ART 308: Community Engaged Art class at Fort Hays State University (a Carnegie classified “Leadership for Public Purpose” institution).

Tiger Media Network: First Responders Art Collaboration Training

In this course students engage with individuals who are under-served in the arts with the main goal of creating positive social change by facilitating awareness and understanding of diverse populations in Western Kansas. Specifically, the FACT workshops bring together first responders (police officers, fire fighters, and emergency medical technicians) and people with developmental and intellectual disabilities.

People with disabilities are 2.5 times more likely to experience violence than others and when faced with a dangerous situation, people with cognitive challenges may react differently than what first responders are accustomed to.

This collaborative textile weaving project creates space to have conversations, build trust, generate empathy, and foster friendships in a safe and comfortable environment.

During the Fall 2024 semester, the class will be expanding its reach and hosting FACT workshops in two additional Kansas communities, Garden City and Wichita. These workshops are an outgrowth of Professor Schmierbach’s Collaborative Arts Project which she launched in 2019.

Tips for Communicating with a Person with a Cognitive Disability:

1. Use simple and direct language 
2. Be literal and specific
3. Avoid slang
4. Communicate the plan – use first, then, last language:
For example:
First, I am here to help you
Then, I will check to make sure you are not hurt
Last, I will bring you home

“There isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach. Every single person with a disability is different and might react differently, but being aware of these best practices can be helpful.”

Amy Schmierbach

Art Professor, FHSU & Organizer of the FACT Workshops

Featured Image: From Amy Schmierbach’s website, participants weave together at a FACT workshop
Image Gallery: From Amy Schmierbach’s website, examples of Collaborative Art Project.
Amy Schmierbach’s tips and quote are excerpted from the article on Tiger Media Network.

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