Photo of artist with disability guiding Deborah with laser to paint his artistic conceptualization on canvas. Deborah is using a rich shade of red paint to create the image in the artist's mind. The artist is sitting in his wheelchair directly in front of the canvas to the right of Deborah.

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Deborah: Hi

DJ Ability: Hello

Deborah: I'm Deborah Dawson.

DJ Ability: Nice to meet you Deborah. I'm DJ Ability.

Deborah: I have a laser painting program. Excuse me if I am sounding hoarse. This is the 4th year of
the Disability Pride Parade (NYC) and the laser painting program has a booth.

I work with individuals (with limited mobility) who have the cognitive ability to
make decisions. And with the use of a laser on their head or a hand adaption, they are able to create beautiful paintings on canvas. They point the laser dot onto the canvas. I am the conduit. I track that light and follow with a paint brush, all of their decisions.

So they make all of their own choices about the colors they want to mix, the size of the brush, and when they are done with the painting. The paintings are abstract, and on canvas and large.

We frame them. We display them. We donate them. We sell them when possible. It's just a wonderful opportunity for this population to get that kind of exposure, and sense of pride, and accomplishment, and to feel that they've made an impact. They've made a beautiful, creative impact. And anyone who sees the work...they get it. They put the 2 together. This painter created this beautiful piece! And it's rewarding in that way alone.

I do want to mention that my current goals connected to the longer I work with these painters, and see what they are capable of doing, is to find funders to help extend the program and expand it. Take it in directions, where they can sell their work. They can make prints. They can have sustainable business opportunities,and transition, and find other ways for painters beyond the schools to have these opportunities. And all of that requires funding.

DJ Ability: Thank you so much for sharing.

Deborah: Thank you. My pleasure.

DJ Ability: You can find out more about the painting program at laserpaintingprogram@gmail.com

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