Original KS Speech Art Show participants Yusef Amira (right) and twins Dan and Nick Flynn
Camera IconOriginal KS Speech Art Show participants Yusef Amira (right) and twins Dan and Nick Flynn Credit: Supplied/Jon Hewson www.communitypix.com.au d483183

Victoria Park Centre of the Arts and KS Speech host art show with a difference

Bronwyn DonovanSouthern Gazette

AN art show produced by individuals diagnosed with no or low communicative abilities opens on May 28 at Victoria Park Centre of the Arts.

KS Speech Art Show began about five years ago, after Dr Kathy Ziatas saw a greater potential in works produced by a group of non verbal 30-year-old men who were her clients.

Dr Ziatas graduated from Speech and Hearing Science at Curtin University in 1985 before opening her private speech pathology practice, KS Speech, in 1992.

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KS Speech caters for clients ranging from two-years-old to 40 years old with language and learning differences including those diagnosed with autism, dyspraxia, down’s syndrome, cerebral palsy, dysgraphia, ADHD.

Dr Ziatas said the purpose of the show was to provide an opportunity for individuals with autism spectrum disorder and other language and learning differences to communicate their capacity and perspective through art.

“The reason we do the art show is because art is a levelling experience,” she said.

“It is universal and an expression of oneself, so each client we work with can be engaged with art and we can layer language, fine motor, social and other developmental learning targets into it as a platform.

“The show is also a celebration; a way to promote the capacity of these individuals that is not always evident to onlookers in an everyday situation.”

Dr Ziatas’ husband Chris said some participants of previous shows had later been commissioned for their works, which was a testament to both their clients and the practice itself.

Details

What: KS Speech Art Show

Where: Victoria Park Centre of the Arts

When: May 28 to May 31 at 12 Kent Street, East Victoria Park

Cost: Free