Cardmaking for the Handicapped and Elderly

Cardmaking and sending has become a multi-billion business in the world. Who could deny the happiness a simple card could bring during an occasion? The wonderful thing about cardmaking is that anyone can do it. Not only do the huge mass-producing companies and small businesses profit from this business, even those who are handicapped and elderly have found their own niche and are earning from this craft. Many different institutions were established to cater to help the handicapped and the elderly to be able to earn a living. One company is called THASC (The Handicapped and Senior Citizens) Sales Company, Inc. It has been around since 1977 and has under their employment more than a hundred handicapped, disabled and elderly artists. It is common now to see cards in the book and stationery stores that are made by these artists. Some are wonderful paintings that were made using the mouth or the foot of the handicapped or disabled. Their products not only feature greeting cards for all occasions, they also make business cards, address books and pocket planners. Income from the sales of these cards profits the institution allowing them to not only continue, but expand their operations which in turn benefits many.

Cardmaking for the handicapped and the elderly has not only profited them financially, it has also proven to be therapeutic. Being creative is an expression of the soul which is often times stifled with the pressures of everyday living. What more for the handicapped and elderly who must more often than not feel that they are already useless and are unable to contribute even for their own means of living? Aside from increasing ones self esteem from being able to earn money, cardmaking is a kind of healing art, which unlike traditional art where there are certain standards that the end products that need to meet; healing arts like intuitive painting is more expressive and lets one surrender to the creative process. Practicing art therapy, in methods such as cardmaking, painting and even the writing of messages, can have significant healing in the physical, emotional, mental and spiritual faculties of the person. For example, repressed emotions can be released when painting or when writing messages in greeting cards. Devotions of faith can be shared; and even physical activity and exercise is promoted.

Indeed, cardmaking for the handicapped and elderly has a plethora of benefits; and it would be a good thing to support these kinds of endeavors.