{"id":22581,"date":"2018-07-03T14:46:38","date_gmt":"2018-07-03T18:46:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogarchive.utc.edu\/news\/?p=22581"},"modified":"2018-08-24T09:31:13","modified_gmt":"2018-08-24T13:31:13","slug":"through-art-ot-students-help-kids-with-epilepsy-feel-connected","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogarchive.utc.edu\/news\/2018\/07\/through-art-ot-students-help-kids-with-epilepsy-feel-connected\/","title":{"rendered":"Through art, OT students help kids with epilepsy feel connected"},"content":{"rendered":"
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As part of the Studio E program, Occupational Therapy students and kids with epilepsy make art at the HART Gallery.<\/p><\/div>\n

 <\/p>\n

Satchel Cundiff is a full-body talker.<\/p>\n

When he speaks\u2014which is often\u2014he uses his hands and arms and legs and head to illustrate what he\u2019s saying. Arms flail, legs bounce, head ducks down. No matter what he\u2019s talking about, he\u2019s enthusiastic about it.<\/p>\n

Right now, he\u2019s enthusiastic about art.<\/p>\n

In the H*Art Gallery in Southside, he and UTC Occupational Therapy student Michaela Banks are making art. Stars hang from copper wire attached to a blue base shaped like crescent moons.<\/p>\n

The pair sit around a table with three other OT students, making art. The students get hands-on experience by dealing with the children; the kids get a chance to be with others who deal with an always-present part of their lives: Epilepsy.<\/p>\n

Called Studio E: The Epilepsy Art Program, the program began in 2011 nationwide and began in Chattanooga three years ago, Brick says. This is the first year, however, that UTC students are participating.<\/p>\n

\u201cIn occupational therapy, we have a term called \u2018therapeutic use of self\u2019 and we believe that,\u201d says student Emily Hook. \u201cDeveloping relationships is key to the therapy process.\u201d<\/p>\n

Jackie Brick with the Epilepsy Foundation of Southeast Tennessee notes that, being around other kids with epilepsy gives them relax and just be kids without fear of being judged.<\/p>\n

\u201cA lot of kids with epilepsy kind of close up and don\u2019t want to talk about it,\u201d Brick says.<\/p>\n

Ian Cohen, whose daughter, 10-year-old Ella, is one of kids taking part in the program, notes that \u201ckids in general have self-esteem issues. And when you have a special need, it can create its own challenges,\u201d he says. \u201cThis is a great opportunity for her to get her hands on and get messy without worrying about anything.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ella\u2019s mother, Allison, says her daughter didn\u2019t express interest in making art until she joined the Studio E project.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt brought out the artist,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"Michaela <\/a>
Michaela Banks helps Satchel Cundiff with his artwork. <\/div> <\/div> <\/div>
\"Hensley <\/a>
Hensley Barnes and Willow Pierce chat while making a piece of art. <\/div> <\/div>
\"Tabitha <\/a>
Tabitha Williams, right, works with Genna Pease. <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div>
\"As <\/a>
As part of the Studio E program, kids with epilepsy make art with help from students in UTC’s Occupational Therapy department. <\/div> <\/div>
\"Ella <\/a>
Ella Cohen, right, makes art with Valerie Jensen. <\/div> <\/div> <\/div>
\"Ella <\/a>
Ella Cohen’s art project. <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div>\n

 <\/p>\n