King Gimp: An Inspirational Story
King Gimp was an amazing film created by a young man with cerebral palsy. It depicts his life, including his deep sorrows and many successes. For this man’s whole life he has struggled to speak, mobilize from place to place, and engage in activities such as feeding himself. Through all the struggles and hardships he has endured, he discovered his passion – art. Though he paints with a stick attached to his head instead of a paintbrush in his hand, his works of art are wonderful. Through much practice he was able to become a great painter. Through his art he is able to speak to the world around him. Emotions that he has never been able to accurately display through speech are now brought out in his work.
This video was inspirational to me. It is incredible to see someone with so much physical disability excel so mightily in the area of art. Art became one of the most important things in this young man’s life. It not only provides an income, but it gives him a sense of purpose and accomplishment. This is one area in his life where he can adequately express himself and create something beautiful.
Learning of this man’s life story makes me excited to be able to introduce art to other individuals with physical or mental disabilities. Art can be so much more than just putting marks on a paper. It is an outward expression of the inner self. Art may be a new and exciting experience for some people with disabilities. I can definitely see how art may be beneficial for a client in future practice. It may not only work on certain physical skills and abilities but may also develop a greater enjoyment and satisfaction in occupational engagement.
I can also envision sharing this story of hope and perseverance with people who have a similar type of disability. It may encourage them to set their goals high and strive for the impossible. If a man that can barely even feed himself can become a famous artist displaying his work in New York, than truly the impossible can become reality.
An article by Wu, Chang, Chen, and Chen (2003) describes how to fit children with cerebral palsy with the appropriate assistive devices to use for drawing. In order to do this different kinds of assistance are considered: hand grip devices, arm supports, and moving drawing boards. After a child’s drawing movements are analyzed, he/she can be better fit with the appropriate assistive devices.
References
Image retrieved from: http://www.abm-medien.de/filmbuero/king_e.htm
Keplinger, D. (Producer), & Hadary, S. H., & Whiteford, W.A. (Producers). (1999). King Gimp [Motion picture]. United States: Tapestry Internation Productions.
Wu, F. G., Chang, E., Chen, R. & Chen, C. H. (2003). Assistive drawing device design for cerebral palsy children. Technology and Disability, 15, 239-246.
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