February Event (2026)

The February Memory Bridge Student Initiative session marked a noticeable improvement in the program’s activity structure and overall engagement. After experimenting with an alternative activity in December using air-dry clay, the program returned to structured painting with pre-lined frames, which once again proved to be the most effective format. Based on lessons from earlier sessions, the designs used during this event were simplified further, with larger shapes and fewer intricate details. This adjustment made it easier for residents to follow the outlines and participate comfortably.

• Side Note: During this session, 5 × 8 frames were used for the first time, compared to the 8 × 10 frames used in the first event. Early observations suggest that frame size may have less impact on accessibility than the complexity of the design itself. As long as the outlines remain simple and easy to follow, residents are able to engage with either format. Future sessions in April will continue testing both sizes to determine whether one leads to higher levels of participation or comfort. However, further testing may be somewhat limited by budgetary constraints.

The results of the session were largely positive. Residents appeared more engaged and energetic, and many completed significant portions of their paintings with volunteer support. This session also reinforced an important observation from the December event: resident energy levels can vary naturally from session to session. While the December event had been quieter and residents appeared more fatigued, the February session showed that higher engagement levels can return when residents feel more alert and comfortable.

The session also demonstrated how residents with limited motor abilities can still participate meaningfully in the activity. In one instance, another volunteer worked with a resident who had difficulty physically painting due to limited dexterity. Instead of completing the painting independently, the volunteer collaborated with the resident by asking them to help choose colors and decide where those colors should be placed on the canvas.

This approach allowed the resident to remain actively involved in the creative process even though the volunteer assisted with the physical act of painting. By guiding decisions such as color selection and placement, the resident was still able to express preferences and contribute to the final piece. This interaction highlighted another way participation can be adapted to meet individual abilities while still preserving the resident’s sense of agency and involvement.

Working together on a painting as an alternate way of participating

This event also provided valuable insight into working with non-verbal residents. During the session, one resident chose not to paint but instead appeared to enjoy watching others work on their paintings. Rather than encouraging direct participation, volunteers adapted their approach by periodically showing the resident the progress of the artwork. After completing sections of the painting, volunteers briefly presented the canvas to her. This interaction appeared to relax and engage the resident, demonstrating that participation can take many forms beyond actively painting.

Through this interaction, I also developed a better understanding of how to interpret body language as a form of communication. Subtle cues such as eye movement, facial expressions, and changes in posture helped indicate whether the resident wanted to continue observing, interact briefly, or disengage from the activity. Learning to recognize these signals allowed volunteers to respect the resident’s comfort while still including her in the shared environment of the session.

Resident preferring to watch over paint

Overall, the February session reinforced two important conclusions for the program. First, structured painting with simple outlines remains the most accessible activity format. Second, meaningful engagement often requires flexibility in how participation is defined. While some residents may choose to paint directly, others may prefer to observe or interact in quieter ways. Recognizing and adapting to these differences helps ensure that the activity remains inclusive and supportive for all participants.

Future Goals

Moving forward, each blog reflection will conclude with a short “Future Goals” section outlining specific improvements or objectives for upcoming sessions. This approach helps document the program’s development over time and ensures that lessons learned from each event translate into practical changes for the future.

Establishing clear goals after each session also supports accountability and encourages the continued refinement of the program structure. By recording these goals publicly, future volunteers and organizers can better understand how the program evolves and why certain decisions are made. It can also serve as a reference point for evaluating how the program improves over time.

Future Goal for This Session

The primary goal following the February session is to implement a consistent biweekly (two times a month) schedule for volunteer events. Establishing predictable meeting times helps both volunteers and facility staff plan more effectively while also creating a sense of routine for residents.

Beginning in April, the proposed schedule will be:

• First Saturday of each month

• Third Saturday of each month

Maintaining a regular schedule will help strengthen continuity between sessions and allow residents to become more familiar with the activity and the volunteers over time.