ABSTRACT
Often “arts and crafts” — a somewhat pejorative recreational term — is seen as part of a service base for older adults with and without developmental disabilities. An alternative age integrated vocational day activity with salesworthy art and fine hand crafts as a program base is described. This program model can provide meaningful work for older persons with mental retardation on a part to full-time basis that can lead into meaningful avocational activities along with changing needs as individuals age. The image-enhancing effect of art based activities can enhance self-images under siege by the double stigmas of old age and disability.
