Program fosters creativity for special group of adults

Published on April 09, 2026

It’s OK if a few crayons get broken, and a few often do. 

Paper, crayons and other supplies were waiting for the 11 adults who ambled into the meeting room at the Vivian J. Lincoln Library at a recent Creative Connections program.   

Creative Connections is a monthly program at the Lincoln, East Regional and Ridglea libraries designed specifically for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Depending on the group’s interests, the time is spent with hands-on, interactive projects that focus on art, crafts, music, dance or theater. 

The group arrived together at Lincoln, walking from a nearby residential/day program, chaperoned by three facilitators. Newcomers, however, are always welcome to join the fun. 

Tailor-made projects

Adult Programming Librarian Lynn Holt said standard adult crafting workshops can sometimes be overwhelming for adults with disabilities. Children’s crafts are easier to complete, she said, but adults deserve to spend time with other adults doing activities designed with them in mind. 

“I’ve loved working with Creative Connections because it gives me a chance to meet people in an underserved community that I would probably not have met in my regular programming,” Holt said.  

Library staff have learned a few lessons, too. Some ideas for activities seem like they’d suit the participants sometimes end up being too difficult to complete. “It forces us to be smarter and better next time,” she said.  

Patricia Everett, Library Assistant at the Ridglea Library, coordinates that branch’s Creative Connections program. Regular attendees are often a group Fort Worth ISD adult students in the district’s Transitions program. “They have been a joy,” she said. 

Everett was among library staff members who were tasked with developing an arts and crafts program for this adult population. 

Making connections

The disability community, like any other group, wants many of the programs provided for the general public, such as art and enrichment, music, books and reading, STEM and STEAM, life skills, health and wellness and job skills. 

“This community isn’t asking for anything special, only to have their needs accommodated, and we can do that,” Holt said. “It is also, and this cannot be overstated, so much fun!  It’s an opportunity to make judgment-free art, to make friends, and to get out of our comfort zones.” 

An extra benefit has been connecting with caregivers, too.  

“We’ve made some connections between individuals and organizations providing care and access,” she said. “We’re also providing a chance for caregivers to also make some art and some friends who have a lot in common.”