ABLEnews

                        Young Artists Workshops:
                          State of the Art

Art teacher Charles Petersen knows kids. Since 1969, he and his
wife Darlene have been foster parents to 125, many with
disabilities. The Petersons have 7 children of their own, 4 of
whom are adopted, 2 of whom have disabilities.

Charles first got involved with computers to involve his son Dan
in summer activities. Dan, 17, has paralyzed arms and legs. He
cannot speak or hold a pen, but he runs a mean computer with his
trusty thumb and trackball.

Now, Dan's father is teaching hundreds of kids with disabilities,
and their teachers, to use a growing array of assistive
technology to draw, compose, and write.

Since 1985, they have attended the Young Artists Workshops summer
programs at Peterson's school, St. Norbert College, in De Pere,
Wisconsin. In 1985, there were just 20. Last year, 125 took part,
including mentally retarded youngsters. This year hearing
impaired youth are participating. So are 60 teachers, their
numbers reflecting new laws regarding the education of students
with disabilities.

"Kids can use a light beam pointing system to write, draw, paint,
and compose music," observes Chuck Frame, assistive technology
specialist with the Green Bay, Wisconsin schools. "Computers and
adaptive equipment can eliminate the physical barriers.
Handicapped kids can go as far as the abled body." (Many we know
go farther.)

Peterson, whose degrees include the arts of jewelrymaking and
silversmithing, syas the obstacles that he and Darlene faced in
helping their son Dan inspired them to do more.

Summer park and rec programs "don't provide transportation or
attendant care," Peterson advises. "They are not very
accomodating." And camps often act as though "overwhelmed" by
kids with disabilities.

Not Charley Peterson. He works year-round on behalf of the summer
Young Artists Workshops, talking with special ed teachers and
seeking funds "any way that is legal."

But the bottom line is that the gifts that he and his wife give
their children...all 132...and many, many more does not come with
a price tag. True love, after all, cannot be bought.

...For further information, contact CURE, 812 Stephen Street, Berkeley
Springs, West Virginia 254511 (304-258-LIFE/5433).






