Improving the Social-Emotional Well-Being of a Child With Multiple Developmental Disabilities by Incorporating the Performative Drama Model into the Learning Process

  • Alenka Vidrih Faculty of Education, University of Ljubljana, Slovenia
  • Tina Grošelj Elementary school of the Institute for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Ljubljana, Slovenia
Keywords: arts therapy, autism, integrated learning, self-advocacy, Ars Vitae model

Abstract

Self-advocacy is an essential skill for effective and successful integration into the wider social environment and is important for psychological and physiological well-being. The Performative Drama Model Ars Vitae was trialled to improve students’ assertiveness and performance in real life. A 12-year-old boy with learning  disabilities and multiple developmental disabilities, who had difficulties expressing himself and participating in class, was trained over a three-month period. The model was integrated into his lessons, with a particular focus on developing self-advocacy skills to help him express himself better and assert himself in groups. The activities carried out by the “actor” supported the development of his self-advocacy, classroom integration and communication skills, and improved his academic performance and general well-being.

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Published
2025-06-27
How to Cite
Vidrih, A., & Grošelj, T. (2025). Improving the Social-Emotional Well-Being of a Child With Multiple Developmental Disabilities by Incorporating the Performative Drama Model into the Learning Process. Center for Educational Policy Studies Journal, 15(2), 73–94. https://doi.org/10.26529/cepsj.2001