Nordoff-Robbins Music Therapy
Our project, which has been kindly funded by the Shane Warne Foundation, will use music therapy as a tool to meet the needs of children with intellectual & physical disabilities. Many schools have students with disabilities who fail to achieve successful outcomes both educationally and socially. This is particularly true for schools in areas of lower economic wealth where resources are limited and there may be fewer opportunities for the students to express themselves in creative and fulfilling ways.
Children with mild to severe or multiple disabilities (developmental, emotional and physical) are often isolated from the positive experiences that human life has to offer. Verbal communication, for example, is often not possible, or is limited, and children with a disability can experience a profound sense of loss, isolation and frustration. For some people dealing with these issues ensuing emotional problems bring challenging self-injurious or aggressive behaviours.
Our project will give these children the confidence and life skills required to deal with the issues that come with living with a disability. It will help them to feel part of the school community and also part of their local community. By learning to develop both educational and social skills early, these children will then be given the chance to join the workforce and be important and valued members of their communities.
Nicci Gow, Nordoff-Robbins Music Therapy
