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Colourful and artistic face masks are being created by members of the differently abled community with the aim of supporting the kingdom in times of crisis as well as drawing attention to their daily challenges and raising funds for their betterment.
The mask concept was formed by Nivedita Dhadphale, founder of the BHR4All non-profit initiative, and art therapist Aishu Madduri, after witnessing vibrant designs created by individuals diagnosed with Down Syndrome (DS), Intellectual Disability (ID), Learning Disability (LD), Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
For more than 18 years, BH4All has worked with a small and committed team of volunteers in flagging issues faced by mentally handicapped members of society in Bahrain. The big-hearted group stage festivals raising awareness about inclusivity and have held Inclusive Summer Camps in 2018 and 2019.
Nivedita said: “Since 2002, with the help of friends and colleagues, we have organised events to sensitise and acquaint the general public to the issues faced by this special community.
“During our inclusive public events, not only queries about long-term care are raised, but also about the full spectrum of special needs, indicating glaring lacunae in the knowledge of disability.”
During 2019’s summer intervention programme, Aishu facilitated bi-weekly group art making sessions.
“She brought various themes and techniques to the group and encouraged everyone to explore their creativity,” Nivedita explained. “The group had experiences of healthy social interactions, good emotional coping skills and self-reflection through art making. The results were remarkable!”
To celebrate their art, 10 designs have been scanned and adjusted to fit onto masks. The material used is breathable dri-fit with two layers of felt in the centre for added protection and the masks are completely washable.
Nivedita said: “We want to show off their talent and offer them the opportunity to feel like productive members of society. Ideally, once items are printed, they would come and pack them, help us sort them out, bag them and then we would deliver the masks with one of the kids.
“However, under the current circumstances, we can’t do that. Once we can, the artists themselves will be involved in more designs, packing and sales.
“Everything is made in Bahrain and 100 per cent of the profits from sales will be channelled back for the betterment of the differently abled community that we are proud to call our extended family.”
Each mask is priced at BD2.500.
“A lovely group of mothers are putting them together for us,” added Nivedita. “We then package and sanitise them before delivery. By selling these items we can literally show this very special group their contribution to society. In addition to this, the sales will help us in organising more intervention programmes, arranging more activities for the less mobile and purchasing more items for play, recreation and learning.
“The differently abled community is our inspiration and guide in everything we do.”
For sale details, WhatsApp 36335000, email info@consultnivs.com or follow @bhr4all on Instagram.
