Contributed photos
LEFT:Students Phillip Watson (left) and Andre McTyson working on colourful displays for the Randolph Lopez School of Hope art exhibition, which was held in June 2008.
RIGHT: McTyson poses with his award-winning artwork which earned him first place in the annual Child Month Poster Competition in 2008.

O. Rodger Hutchinson, JIS Writer

"A little bit of heaven here on earth." That's how some would describe the Randolph Lopez School of Hope on Golding Avenue in Elletson Flats, eastern St Andrew. Why? That's because to a population of children deemed intellectually challenged, they provide an opportunity to compete on a level learning playing field.

Randolph Lopez School of Hope is one of the schools that cater to children who are intellectually challenged, specifically those between the ages of six and 20. These special schools are the proud effort of the Jamaica Association for Mental Retardation, soon to be renamed the Jamaica Association for Intellectual Disability.

The School of Hope was actually pioneered by Randolph Lopez in 1956; Lopez's child had Down's syndrome. Several schools were eventually set up islandwide when the Government in 1974 declared that education would be made a priority for all.

In June 2008, the School of Hope hosted an art exhibition as an introduction to new parents. This also gave the students a window through which their abilities could be showcased.

Marcel Goff, art teacher at the school for three years and one of the driving forces behind the exhibition 'Don't Dis My Ability', explained that he recognised that exposure could open doors for the students.

Intellectual disabilities

In May 2007, the works of four students were entered in the annual Child Month Poster Competition. Two tied for third. "This was a great success because it was the first time children with intellectual disabilities were taking part and actually being awarded."

Following on that success, this year the school entered more students and the rewards were even greater. Andre McTyson received a first-place award and Nancy Parkes received another third placing following her similar placing in 2007.

"It was a great achievement in more ways than one, because they were competing with students from high schools, in their age group 15- 18. Andre was given two semesters at the Edna Manley School for the Visual and Performing Arts, and it certainly helped with their confidence building," Goff explained.

Overwhelming response

As a result of the exhibition, Goff noted that more recognition was being given to students who engage in art expressions such as tie and dye, batik, papier-maché postcard making, scrap-material art, book-cover designing, painting in acrylic and water as well as clothing construction.

"The response has been overwhelming. People are saying the work is of a high standard ...," he noted.

Parkes said she relishes doing art as it helps free her mind from stress and gives her confidence. "I didn't think I could do so well, but it's good to know that I can do something. My family is very proud of me."

Gushing with praise for her art teacher, Parkes said, "He taught us to do more than we can expect and not to back down from what we can do," she said.

Principal of the school, Christine Rodriguez, admitted that perhaps enough was not being done to publicise the students' achievements.

Executive director of the Jamaica Association for Mental Retardation, Joyce Duncan, explained that the exhibition was simply an outlet for the expressive talents of the intellectually challenged students. Goff, she said, has been able to hone the skills of the students.

"Regardless of the level of functioning, there are some budding artists that are just waiting for an opportunity to express their creative side," she said.

This is a collaborative feature between the Jamaica Information Service and The Gleaner. Email feedback to saturdaylife@gleanerjm.com.