The Art Club Foundation
Our Mission:
Ayanda I Am Art Gallery collaborates with The Art Club Foundation in its work with children with disabilities through art therapy sessions and workshops and by linking with artists for TACF fundraising on an ongoing basis.
The Art Club Foundation is a registered NPC that provides art therapy, support, awareness and advocacy for better environments (education, infrastructure, society, access) suitable for the individual needs for children living with disabilities and special needs.
Our Vision:
We envision a world where children living with disabilities and special needs like autism enjoy the same opportunities as other children. We work towards creating better environments that fundamentally address their individual needs, through bringing together an animate network of stakeholders committed to promoting better understanding and support.
From the Founder
My name is Ayanda Gumede, founder and director of The Art Club Foundation, an art consultant by profession and a mother to an 11-year-old autistic daughter, who in her own right is the beacon that shines bright in my heart.
The challenges I faced from diagnosis to finding relevant information, resources and schooling for my daughter that catered for her unique developmental needs sparked a flame deep inside me that as society and government we can do better especially with reference to children living with disabilities and special needs like my daughter Tiffany who in most instances are treated as peripherals.
From this spark The Art Club Foundation was born with the main mandate to make things much easier for children living with disabilities and special needs.
Our Services
Art Therapy
Therapeutic art programs designed to help children express themselves, develop motor skills, and build confidence through creative expression.
Educational Support
Assistance in navigating the education system, finding suitable schools, and advocating for specialized programs tailored to individual needs.
Family Support
Resources, guidance, and community support for families raising children with disabilities and special needs.
Advocacy & Awareness
Promoting better understanding, challenging stigma, and advocating for policy changes that improve opportunities and environments for children with disabilities.
Understanding the Challenges
The level of inclusivity in the education system significantly impacts the ease with which children with autism find suitable schools. Within the South African schooling system, several critical challenges exist:
Access to Special Needs Schools: Getting into a special needs school is a long and difficult process, with limited availability and extensive waiting lists.
Limiting Grading Systems: The grading system in many special needs schools automatically limits the opportunities that children can access within the wider society and community.
Lack of Resources: Inadequate resources and support services within schools and school districts make it difficult to provide individualized attention.
Mainstream School Challenges: Children with autism in mainstream settings often face:
– Difficulties in social interactions and communication
– Sensory sensitivities to sounds, textures, or lighting conditions
– Challenges with teaching methods that don’t align with their learning styles
– Academic difficulties and struggles keeping up with curriculum
– Behavioral challenges such as meltdowns during stress or sensory overload
Need for Government Action: The government needs to do more to ensure adequate resources and opportunities that are equitable and inclusive in all aspects of education and society.
Our Call to Action: Schools need special education programs, trained staff, and support services specifically tailored for children with autism. The availability of these resources can make a significant difference in a child’s educational journey and future opportunities.