Institute for Creative Health & Wellbeing

The Center on Disability Studies is committed to advancing health and wellbeing, reducing social isolation and advancing the transformative benefits of creativity. Creative activity is associated with better wellbeing, and participation in cultural activities represents a positive coping strategy for people with disabilities who also have mental health issues (Kerr et al., 2012; Leadbetter and O’Connor, 2013; All-Party Parliamentary Group on Arts and Health and Wellbeing, 2017).

The United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) recognizes rights to participation in cultural life as important both for individuals with a disability and the societies in which they live, and access to creative learning opportunities as key for the development of the self, which can also positively impact their families and wider social circles.

Outreach Activities

Join us as we expand our outreach activities through the Institute for Creative Health and Wellbeing and experience music, movement, art, storytelling and more! See below for activities and live events to participate in!

Music and Movement Activities

We invite you to sing along to these free Music & Movement videos from our instructors. These videos intend to bridge relationships between people with disabilities, their families and the greater community who serve them through live musical interactions, training, and research in music-based approaches. Enjoy these at your own pace and on your own schedule.

“Finding Balance,” with Dr. Maya Matheis, Licensed Clinical Psychologist

This video series is designed to empower caregivers and families of individuals with disabilities on their wellness journey. Dr. Maya expertly guides viewers through a series of insightful and practical sessions, offering valuable tools and strategies for cultivating balance in their lives. Viewers will embark on a path of self-discovery, exploring topics such as mindfulness, anxiety management, cultivating gratitude, relaxation techniques, and self-care practices. Through these engaging and informative videos, participants will gain the knowledge and skills needed to navigate the complexities of caregiving while prioritizing their own mental and emotional well-being. Join Dr. Maya in this empowering series and embark on a journey towards finding balance, fostering resilience, and embracing holistic wellness.

Virtual Live Events

Our Virtual Live Events are a way to keep us all connected through music, regardless of where you live. Live events are free, fun, and focus on celebrating the joy of music together. Come join us for an upcoming event!

Articles

Interested in learning more about the benefits of creativity in our health and wellbeing? Check out these articles:

• Promoting well-being through creativity: How arts and public health can learn from each other
• The Connection Between Art, Healing, and Public Health: A Review of Current Liter
• Creative Art: Connection to Health and Well-Being

Contact Us

Please contact us if you are:

• A musician or artist wanting to serve in this outreach capacity for individuals online, worldwide
• A director at a hospice center, nursing home, hospital, etc. wanting to take advantage of our virtual performance opportunities or sponsor an activity.

Dr. Holly Manaseri
Center on Disability Studies
University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa
hmanaser@hawaii.edu