There are tools that help make art activities accessible.  Whether a person has visual, cognitive, or motor needs, adaptive art tools can help them participate.  Art is a great way to express yourself and have fun!

Many artists are creative with their adaptive tools.  Some use special grips to hold their paintbrushes; others attach a brush to a hat and paint by moving their head!  Materials and tools can be used in different ways for all artists to create.

What kinds of adaptive art tools are there?

• Grips for paintbrushes, drawing and coloring tools
• Daubers and rollers for paint
• Finger paints
• No-spill paint containers
• Dot markers or paints
• Jumbo or specialty shaped crayons
• Modified easels
• Stamps and textured rollers
• Wheelchair accessible potter’s wheels
• Adapted scissors and other tools
• Tracers

Other Tips

• Stabilizers or tremor cancellation devices can help with fine motor tasks.
• Magnification can assist with detailed work such as sewing and needlecrafts.
• Tools can be attached to different areas of the body (like using a hat or head pointer).
• Tools can be attached to wheelchairs, walkers, and other mobility aids to create larger works. Artists can also create using gross motor movements!

Related Apps

Coloring apps are available for download on smartphones and tablets.