A total of 60 disadvantaged children in Da Nang who are disabled and autistic were very eagerly and enthusiastically engaged in participating in a drawing contest which recently took place at the General Science Library. This fact demonstrates how painting is beneficial to children with disabilities and autism.

Painting helps children with mental disabilities express themselves in a more effective way through images and colours

During the contest, these participants drew images on ‘ao dai’ (Vietnamese traditional long dress). 

Themed ‘Raising Wings for Future Dreams’, the annual contest was jointly organised by the Library and the city-based Phuong Nguyen Silk company.

The intention was to convey the message that the whole of society should create even more favourable conditions for disabled children, and encourage them to strongly express their desire for equality.

In addition, the contest aimed to help the children overcome their physical or mental health difficulties, and confidently integrate into the community.

A hearing-impaired pupil from the city-based Tuong Lai (Future) Special School could not hide her joy in painting the images of the city's beautiful landscapes and landmarks, especially the Han River Bridge and sparkling fireworks lighting up the city's sky.

Through the use of special sign languages, the little girl said she loves to paint whatever she most impresses about the beauty of her city.

Another participant is an autistic girl from the Da Nang Inclusive Education Resource Centre. She showed her keen interest in painting.

It is the fact that arts therapy creates a lot of benefits for children with autism as they can show off their feelings through images and colours which couldn’t be expressed through words.

Also, holding and working with a paintbrush strengthens motor skills and stimulated brain connections.

This effective method also improves concentration and emotional intelligence, removes autistic children from their chaotic reality, and frees them from anxiety and stress.

Teacher of Informatics and Arts Truong Tan Dung from the municipal Association for Agent Orange (AO) Victims, underlined the significance of painting in helping AO-affected children with mental disabilities express themselves in a more effective way, thereby helping them socialise with others.

Teacher Nguyen Thi Thu Hong from the Tuong Lai Special School said painting has already been added to her school’s syllabus for its disabled pupils in a bid to facilitate them to pursue their hobby and enhance their abilities in fine arts.

Meanwhile, the parent of a disabled pupil from the Tuong Lai Special School highly appreciated the ‘Raising Wings for Future Dreams’ drawing contest for its great benefits for disabled children. 

Such a meaningful event offers the opportunity for the disadvantaged children to show off their painting skills, make friends with one another, and more importantly, inspires them to confidently integrate into the community.