MOCA launches virtual Art Aviators program for children on the autism spectrum
This spring, MOCA Jacksonville partnered with the North Florida School of Special Education (NFSSE) to deliver a virtual edition of the Art Aviators program to hundreds of students through a contract with The Kennedy Center. For over a decade, MOCA has served over a thousand families with their Art Aviators program, an educational initiative designed for children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) and other exceptionalities. While children with ASD struggle with verbal communication, social relations, and sensory development, creative art-making activities enable them to foster new means of self-expression and communication.
The students of NFSSE participated a pilot of a virtual rendition of the Art Aviators program, which included a tour of the museum, art kits designed specifically to meet children's needs, a dynamic art activity and a sensory sculpture. MOCA hopes to continue this partnership with NFSSE for the next school year to provide dynamic special education art programs for their students.