Visual impairments and the impact visual, sensory textiles could have
Yesterday I decided that instead of ‘Project 1′ and ‘Project 2′, my projects needed to have explanatory titles. The project which focuses on sensory weighted products will simply be titled ‘Weighted Textiles’, and the project which focuses on wall paper/hangings will be titled ‘Visual Sensory Textiles’. This makes each project clearer to me and straight off explains to the audience, my peers, and my tutors, what each project represents in terms of combining wellbeing and textiles. I’ve mentioned in previous posts, when first exposed to the second project, that the idea of these textiles within a wall space could be interactive and/or sensory. I’ve titled the project ‘Visual Sensory’ because I think this best represents the designs within the development of the project so far- with their shiny, almost mirrored surfaces they’re automatically visual rather than tactile, although they can be handled, this would still be explored in a visual sense due to the materials used within the creative process. The feedback I’ve had so far from these designs has been positive, and I’ve had numerous comments about how you ‘can’t miss them’ as you walk into the studio. This is obviously the intended nature of the designs, the fact that eyes are automatically drawn to them because of how they look or stand out visually, is what these designs are based on, and is what I want them to propose. Therefore these little comments from my peers have positively reassured and encouraged me in thinking that the designs I have created so far, are fitting the brief I’ve set.
Going back to basics, the project ‘Visual Sensory Textiles’ must be further explained and examined in order for others (and myself) to understand what sensory textiles are. Within previous projects and within my dissertation, lots of my research has been based around Sensory Processing Disorders, and how the nature of the disorder affects how people perceive every day life when their senses are disrupted. Research on this blog already examines the different kind of Sensory Processing Disorders and how they can have an impact on people’s lives depending on the individual. In regards to visuals though, it must be narrowed down so that the research is appropriate towards the context of this project. However, aside from Sensory Processing Disorders, there are other reasons as to why and how creating visually stimulating designs may be beneficial to individuals with learning disabilities and/or complex health needs. In an article on nursingtimes.net [https://www.nursingtimes.net/a-vicious-circle-visual-impairment-in-people-with-learning-disabilities/200665.article], it is stated that ‘40% of people with a severe learning disability have experienced problems with their eyesight’. It is further written that this includes ‘specifically, individuals with Down’s Syndrome’. The article is referenced throughout (as can be explored via the link directly above). The writing states that ‘visual impairments may predispose individuals to communication difficulties, poor interaction with their environment, challenging behaviour, and low self-esteem’- this further promotes the importance and use of visuals (which can be textiles), in an environment commonly used by individuals with learning difficulties. It is also mentioned within the article that sign language is an effective use of communication amongst people with learning difficulties, ‘however, visual impairments can prevent the effective use of it, and a mental or physical disability restricts the use of braille, so the options are limited.’
Within the same article, underneath the sub-heading Environmental Factors, it addresses the fact that individuals are very obviously affected by their environment and that their ‘living space will have an impact on how they cope with day-to-day activities’. Making adaptions that may ‘alleviate feelings of boredom, confusion and anxiety’ should be considered. It is further stated that ‘people benefit from a stimulating environment and there is no reason to assume a person with a learning disability, sighted or otherwise, requires any different.’
Taking the points made in this article into account, it is clear that the use of visual sensory wall hangings/designs could be beneficial, aiding environmental factors by being aesthetic and visual, and promoting wellbeing in individuals with learning difficulties, particularly those with visual impairments. This is what the project aims to contribute towards through the use of visual textiles.
