The UF Health Shands Rehab Hospital team hosted its first annual ArtsAbility Festival in December. The event was created after staff noticed a lack of interactive community art events that accommodated people with special needs.

After discussing the idea with community artists, the idea blossomed into a fullscale art festival where attendees participated in different artistic activities. Patients, staff and community members took part in chair Tai Chi and Zentangles, and listened to musical performances. Attendees tried new activities and learned how art creation can promote healing.