Special Rugs is a weaving collaboration between individuals served by Developmental Service of North West Kansas (DSNWK) in Hays, KS and Professor Amy Schmierbach and students of Fort Hays State University (FHSU).  Rugs made from discarded fabric and yarn are created in this collaboration.

This collaboration included an underrepresented community in the arts, the clients of DSNWK, and teach skills in the arts and crafts but also serve as an extension of their expression and voices through color, texture and design.  The clients of DSNWK have a broad range of special needs, including autism, downs syndrome and other cognitive disabilities. Professor Schmierbach and the students of FHSU will serve as collaborative leaders by weaving the rugs, they will prep materials, teach weaving techniques and also assist in design and construction.

The initial phase of this weaving collaboration was funded in part by Surface Design Association Socially Engaged Practices Grant in 2017-2018. This weaving collaboration was extended and included in The Collaborative Art Project that is funded by the State of Kansas Creative Art Industries Grant, The National Endowment for the Arts, DSNWK, and FHSU Undergraduate Research Grant.