Humanitarian Jean Vanier champions the neglected

marc apollonio

Jean Vanier brought a message about the uniqueness of every human being to a packed Oscar Peterson Concert Hall on Feb. 1.

Vanier is known for the approximately 130 L’Arche communities that now exist in over 40 countries around the globe.

L’Arche, a reference to the biblical sheltering ark, or houseboat, sponsors communities where people with developmental disabilities live with those who assist them. The residents benefit from a home-like environment instead of an institutional setting.

Concordia’s Centre for the Arts and Human Development invited Vanier, a Companion of the Order of Canada, member of France’s Legion of Honour and recipient of the Loyola Medal, to speak as part of Concordia’s Peace and Conflict Resolution series.

That series usually raises questions of geopolitical turmoil, but not at this lecture. Asked how his message touches on such issues, Vanier said the gap in wealth between rich and poor is a principle cause of social unrest. The desire for money, power and privilege is destructive on both local and global levels.

“The economy of the richer countries is geared towards widening this gap,” he said.

Throughout the world, people with mental disabilities are often the most oppressed and alienated. The communities formed by L’Arche present alternatives to that alienation. “L’Arche is a model, a sign that it is good to live together.”

The Centre for the Arts and Human Development promotes a similar message. Established in 1996, the Centre runs three-year creative arts therapy programs for about 20 adults with developmental disabilities. Participants engage in art and drama therapy groups and either dance/movement or music therapy.

University students come to the Centre for clinical training through the Graduate Program in Creative Arts Therapies (Faculty of Fine Arts).

As part of its public outreach program, the Centre has produced four musicals that featured participants in the lead roles. A reprise of highlights of the past productions will be presented this June as part of the Centre’s 10th-anniversary celebrations.

“I agree with Jean Vanier,” said Simon, a volunteer of four years who chose not to give his full name. “Working with this community is fun.”

It was Joanabbey Sack who initially contacted Vanier, a mentor and personal friend, and asked him to give the Feb. 1 lecture. Sack is the centre’s dance movement therapist.

She explained her goal: “If they can walk into a room with a sense of confidence and presence, they are perceived better.”

Developmentally disabled people are often perceived as being lower functioning than they really are because of the way they move. This is largely a product of their low self-esteem.

By improving her participants’ physical communication, Sack is increasing the likelihood that they will try to integrate into communities outside the CAHD on their own.

“Somebody might get interested in ballet and then take lessons outside the group — and that has really happened.”