PSYS 495 section 1: Psychology and Creative Arts (Full Summer Session)
We will be working off campus with the Center for Performing Arts in Carmel, Indiana, to identify support needs for individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders and help them to participate in a recreational performance arts program. Students will study approaches to including individuals with disabilities in a recreational program, will aid the individuals and will gather and communicate important information regarding daily challenges and accomplishments. As a team, they will discuss ways in which the performers can reach their goals in the program. They will work closely with the behavioral support team and creative artists to get an understanding of how accommodations in a recreational, creative arts program with a focus on positive support and no forced participation are designed. There is some travel to Carmel, Indiana in order to participate in this course. Contact Kelly Fischer, MA, LMHC (kfischer@bsu.edu) for more information.
Here is a short video about the program with former students describing their experience: https://youtu.be/wjEKKzAbz7Y?si=a_pQf9fP1IooEJ_z
PSYS 495 section 2: Psychology of Support Groups (Second Summer Session)
PSYS 495 Psychology of Support Groups is a 3 credit hour course designed to provide students with an opportunity to learn about and make recommendations for the creation of local support groups. Through a mix of primary source reading discussions and hands on experiences, a small group of students will learn about the science and practice of support groups (e.g., what they are, how they operate, how they benefit individuals and our communities, how to create and operate them) and students will make recommendations for 2 support groups which will be created and run by a future group of students. Classes will meet, and work will be completed, off campus at Still Waters Professional Counseling (3301 W. Purdue Ave; less than 1 mile north of Scheumann Stadium). Contact Dr. George Gaither (ggaither@bsu.edu) for more information.
Kelly M Fischer, MA, LMHC
Senior Lecturer
Department Of Psychological Science
Ball State University
104 North Quad Bldg.
Muncie, IN 47306