Dwayne Szot often turned his trip to the bus stops as an exciting adventure with his foster sister, Lisa.
Dwayne would often pull Lisa, who has Cerebral Palsy and mobility challenges, behind him in a red wagon. To the two of them, it was more than just a rushed trip to the bus in order to get to school. They are memories Dwayne cherishes to this day, as they not only remind him of his childhood growing up in foster care but how his viewpoint on disability and the need for better accessibility changed.
He grew passionate about it, and created a business geared towards people with disabilities having the ability to enjoy and create art.
Dwayne shared that passion project at the 2024 Abilities Expo in Scottsdale, Ariz.
Fast forward to 2024, Dwayne shared that passion project at the Abilities Expo in Scottsdale, Ariz., Dwayne is at the Abilities Expo, making sure people with disabilities can enjoy and create art. He is passionate about helping individuals with disabilities express their creativity through art – individually and in groups.
He believes everyone should have that opportunity.
“All means all,” Dwayne’s motto reads. It’s a reflection of his strong conviction that everyone deserves a chance to be creative.
Dwayne’s mission is to highlight the importance of including everyone in the art world. He wants people with disabilities to attend events, use available tools, and experience the joy and freedom that comes from creating something beautiful in their own style.
That style involves a wheelchair or walker, a concept he came up with in the late 1990s when he saw a need for accessible art tools.
This invention is a paint roller extension that can be customized and attached to walkers and wheelchairs, allowing artists to create while moving around. It was supported by the National Endowment for the Arts and the Rockefeller Foundation, launching Dwayne on his path to creating adaptive art tools and assistive technology, now known as Zot Artz.
Zot Artz provides art tools designed for people of all abilities, making it easier for those with mobility challenges, visual impairments, and other disabilities to create art.
Dwayne gained his engineering skills through basic repairs during his childhood. His confidence in building allowed him to develop the Zot Artz tools. Some of these tools include chalk drawers that can be attached to wheelchairs, and pogo paint poles, which help people create art while seated or with limited movement.
Zot Artz works to break down barriers that limit access to creative activities. Many may not even realize that adaptive art tools exist. Dwayne and his team aim to raise awareness by showcasing their tools at events like the Abilities Expo, encouraging attendees to explore their creativity.
“As they’re rolling through a gigantic mural painting the size of, you know, a gymnasium … that type of creative freedom is complete. It makes you know what you’re making a difference, that you’re helping to make this world just a little bit more colorful,” said Dwayne.
As a takeaway from the event, Dwayne cuts and folds the community art pieces and sends participants home with a reminder of their creations.
Creating art can significantly boost self-confidence for people with disabilities and strengthen social connections within the community. Collaborative projects and public art installations offer meaningful opportunities for interaction and teamwork through creativity.
One of the biggest takeaways is the pure joy people experience with art, especially those with mobility challenges. They often engage in art they may never have thought possible.
Dwayne finds it incredibly rewarding to enable and witness these creative moments. Helping people make a difference and seeing their happiness while creating art fulfills his mission.
By providing universally designed art tools, Zot Artz opens doors for many people with disabilities to express themselves, share their stories, feel empowered, and be creative.
Whether you’re an artist, a caregiver, or someone searching for a new creative outlet, Zot Artz is a valuable resource that helps people of all abilities tap into their inner artist.
As for the future? Dwayne is nor finished sharing his passion. There are always exciting new art tools “on the drawing board” for Zot Artz, along with new ways to use art in recreation, education, therapy, and fundraising.
