FMD (Functional Mental Disability) classrooms are full of excited, talented students. In 2021, Sue Akers, a Pike County 4-H program assistant, used her network connections from previous work at Belfry area schools to recognize and introduce this group of young people to 4-H programming. After an initial visit with one FMD class, this idea soon expanded to regular monthly visits with several FMD programs across the county. 

In Fall 2022, Sue approached the Pike County Community Arts team, saying that the teachers and students expressed interest in art classes and projects. The Community Arts agent and assistant accompanied Ms. Akers to FMD classes to make introductions and begin building relationships with these students and their teachers.

The students are incredibly enthusiastic about receiving specialized art opportunities and working with the students is incredibly rewarding. The students always remind us one of the most enjoyable aspects of art is to enjoy the process. Accommodation is necessary for some students, such as providing latex gloves to avoid sensory-related dysregulation—a small adjustment to make to help students enjoy an hour of creativity and expression. 

Community Arts is now scheduling our own classes with seven FMD classrooms across the county, meaning Pike County Extension is now able to reach this under-served group in two ways each month.