The lifelong adult education art exhibition, 'With Flowers', organized by the Seongdong Disabled Persons Welfare Center, was held for a week starting September 23 at Hanyang University Seoul Campus. Works by the Welfare Center’s art class students adorned the 1st floor lobby and various spots in the 6th floor Cafe Ieumnuri in the Main Administration Building.

The Welfare Center offers various arts and physical education classes, Korean language and reading courses, and cultural activities such as movies and board games for persons with disabilities. It also runs ‘Lifelong University’ programs and family support projects providing education for parents of disabled individuals.

The exhibition was held at Hanyang University because Cafe Ieumnuri on the 6th floor of the Main Administration Building signed an agreement with the welfare center and actively hires disabled employees. Opened in April last year, this cafe aims to promote staff welfare and self-fulfillment of persons with developmental disorders. Unlike other cafes on campus, Cafe Ieumnuri is directly operated by Hanyang University and embodies the university’s founding philosophy of ‘Love in Deed and Truth.’ Disabled staff trained through the welfare center’s employment support classes work as baristas here.

Kim Hye-jin, social worker at the welfare center, said the exhibition aimed to boost self-esteem and achievement motivation of disabled artists. “We hope this exhibition helps erase misunderstandings in non-disabled people who see disabled individuals as incapable,” she said.

Choi Young-in, instructor of the art class, has taught disabled people art since 2016 as an external instructor for the Korea Arts & Culture Education Service. She shared, “Initially, I was often caught off guard by unexpected behavior from intellectually disabled students, but recently, with increased national support and assistants helping with classes, it has become much easier.” She cited the varied learning speeds and interests among students with different types and degrees of disabilities as the greatest challenge. Accordingly, Choi shifted from teaching students as a whole to personalized class style. Though the work is demanding, she finds it profoundly rewarding. She stressed the need for long-term approaches, noting, “Most government disability support projects last one year, which is too short.” She added, “Teaching disabled students over time allows progress and significant change.”

The theme 'With Flowers’ was chosen because flowers offer diverse colors and shapes ideal for art lessons. Students experience considerable effects from learning by drawing and coloring various flowers. For older disabled learners, who often lacked the environment for special education in childhood, this represents a new learning opportunity.

The exhibition gave disabled artists feelings of pride and fulfillment, while offering non-disabled visitors an indirect experience and empathy through the artists’ perspectives. Artist Yang Soo-won observed her work displayed in the brightly lit café and shared, “My painting really stands out in the bright space. I felt respected.” The exhibition helped dismantle disabled artists’ sense of societal isolation, fostering their participation as members of the community. Just as flowers of many shapes and colors create beautiful artwork, disabled individuals will build a more diverse society together with Hanyang University.