Music is powerful, provides numerous health and wellness
benefits, is far reaching and accessible. For people with disabilities, music
can offer a form of personalized therapy.
After looking at the full spectrum of evidence-based benefits, Medical News Today concluded that music therapy should be used more in health care settings. For someone with a disability, music can play an important role within a daily schedule. Just ask a few of the people we support who showcased their skills a couple years ago as the world rallied around America’s Got Talent sensation, Kodi Lee.
The science behind the power of music
Countless studies have recorded the benefits of
music. Prescribed by a health care professional, music therapy is a means
to improve behaviors and emotions and has shown to be an effective treatment
for neurological ailments, including brain injuries, seizures, epilepsy,
Alzheimer’s and tension headaches. For a person with a disability, potential
benefits may include the following:
- Stimulates learning: Repetition and memorization are improved with the rhythm of music aiding in the ability to recall
- Helps to focus a person’s attention and allows attention to be directed more effectively
- Calms anxieties and relaxes an individual when stressed or over-stimulated
- Energizes and motivates an individual to continue or pursue additional efforts
- Aids in communication by stimulating and encouraging a person’s speech as well as creating a path for nonverbal forms of communication
- Improves a person’s physical skills
- Assists with pain management and helps deal with discomfort
- Equalizes people socially and offers people with disabilities the opportunity to interact and bond over a shared interest
- Allows people to express and experience a variety of emotions and may help control emotional outbursts
- Provides a general sense of satisfaction and strengthens self-esteem
Music transcends cultures, can be personalized to one’s
individuality and is inclusive. A dose of Counting Crows or Dave Matthews may
be the answer to one person, while another may receive a similar positive
response from Amy Grant or Frank Sinatra.
Promoting awareness and inclusion with the power of music
Among so many other benefits, music has the power to bring
people together. After a year of social distancing and isolation, the need for
togetherness has never been greater than it is today. That’s why, in
celebration of Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, we’ve partnered with
some truly amazing musical artists to raise awareness for people with
disabilities and to promote a simple message; Include all abilities.
We invite our readers to join us for these exciting events
throughout March.
Monday, March 1, 8 p.m. ET: An Evening with Jess Meuse
and Friends. Broadcast from Cornerstone Village in
Victoria, Minn., enjoy a special performance from American Idol finalist
Jessica Meuse featuring her song written especially for the people Bethesda
supports, “Because You Love Me.” You can watch the full performance
here.
Thursday, March 18, 8 p.m. ET: At Home with the Cash
Family. Coming straight from Nashville, Joanne Cash, Cindy Cash and
Mark Alan-Cash, sister, daughter and nephew of the great Johnny Cash
respectively, share stories, faith and music along with an exclusive look at
one of his favorite places where many of his legendary songs were written and
performed. You can sign up to view the exclusive performance by clicking here.
Thursday, March 25, 7:30 p.m. ET: LIVE – Better Together:
A Free Virtual Concert Featuring Crowder.
Join Bethesda and Christian music superstar Crowder for a live performance from Forest Hill Church in Charlotte, N.C., as he inspires with his music and helps shine a light on people with disabilities and their many talents. You can sign up to view the live concert virtually by clicking here.
