Inclusive Art Education
A Service Design Project
Project Overview
As part of my Innovation Practicum at Sheridan College, I designed and led a 6-week art education program called Art With Maura. The goal was to create an accessible, inclusive, and low-cost creative learning experience for children aged 4 to 10.The program combined in-person sessions, online lessons, and asynchronous video learning to support families with diverse needs — including children with autism or mobility challenges. I designed every part of the experience: from research, lesson design, and materials planning to registration and feedback collection.This project was later recognized as a student success story by Sheridan College and received overwhelmingly positive feedback from participating families.
Problem & Insight
Many families shared that typical art programs for children were either too rigid — focused only on copying — or too unstructured, offering little real learning.
Through interviews and research, I realized that families were looking for something:
• Simple and low-cost
• Flexible enough for different schedules
• Supportive of children creating on their own
• Inclusive of kids with different learning needs
These insights helped me design a program that would lower barriers while still encouraging self-expression and structured learning.
Research & Approach
To better understand how to design an inclusive and meaningful art program for children, I conducted both secondary and primary research.
To create a drawing program that was accessible, flexible, and inclusive, I designed a complete 6-week lesson kit that helped children move from simple shapes to creative storytelling. Each lesson included clear goals, step-by-step instructions, printable handouts, and optional challenges for more advanced learners.
To reduce financial barriers, I provided a low-cost supply checklist using only dollar-store items like sketchbooks, pencils, and basic coloring tools, making the program accessible for all families.
For broader reach, I built an online access system: a simple Google Form for registration, a short parent feedback survey, and pre-recorded iPad video lessons for children who couldn’t attend in person. All materials were shared digitally and could be printed at home.
By combining structured content, low-cost materials, and digital delivery tools, the program ensured that every child — regardless of ability or circumstance — could join and enjoy the process of drawing.
Solution Design
Implementation & Formats
Alexa Young, CA
Impact & Feedback
The program received overwhelmingly positive feedback from families. Attendance reached 95%, and many parents said their children became more confident and started drawing at home. Some shared that their kids even proudly showed artwork to grandparents. The program was later featured by Sheridan College as a student success story, and I was honored to support children with autism and mobility challenges through online access.
Reflection & Takeaways
This project taught me that great service means removing barriers and designing with empathy. By combining clear steps, low-cost tools, and flexible delivery, I made art more accessible to all kinds of learners. It also reminded me how even small community programs can benefit from thoughtful design—just like how OPS uses technology to make public services easier, more inclusive, and more human.
Parent of a 6-year-old
My son usually has a hard time focusing, but during Maura’s classes, he was completely engaged. He even asked if we could do the same drawings again at home!
Parent of a 5-year-old
I loved how simple and clear the materials were. We didn’t have to buy anything fancy, and my daughter was so proud to show her artwork to her grandparents.
Parent of an 8-year-old
As a parent of a child with autism, I really appreciated the online videos. It made it possible for my son to learn at his own pace in a comfortable environment.