Celebrating the International Day of Persons with Disabilities: The Impact of Music on Inclusion and Well-being
Each year, on December 3, Percussion Play proudly recognizes the International Day of Persons with Disabilities. This significant occasion highlights the importance of fostering inclusivity and advocating for the rights and well-being of individuals with disabilities. The United Nations observance sheds light on the challenges faced by people with disabilities across multiple dimensions: political, social, economic, and cultural.
Discover the Therapeutic Benefits of Outdoor Music
In celebration of this vital day, we aim to showcase the transformative power of music therapy in outdoor environments. Research increasingly supports the notion that music can play a crucial role in enhancing the lives of individuals with disabilities.
The Impact of Music on Well-Being
Our informative white paper, Beating the Drum for Equality: The Role of Music in Accessibility, Inclusion, and Disability Justice, presents numerous studies that reveal the positive effects of music on both adults and children with various disabilities. Playing outdoor musical instruments can greatly enhance participants' mental and social well-being.
Music transcends language barriers, making it an effective tool for building connections among individuals, even those with limited language skills. For many, music is a vital avenue for social integration.
Encourage Exploration and Imagination Through Music
Children with learning disabilities often find traditional educational settings challenging. However, music is a subject that can capture their attention and keep them motivated to learn. Our outdoor musical instruments are designed for play and exploration, featuring diverse shapes and vibrant colors that inspire creativity and imaginative play.
Music at The Thomas Centre
Check out our latest case study featuring The Thomas Centre. Founded in 2006, this family-owned business provides an autism-friendly holiday destination. In the audio clip below, Lizzie Richards, the Business Manager, discusses how our newly installed outdoor instruments allow families to enjoy making music together in a designated pergola area at the edge of the Centre's grounds, creating a unique ‘music space.’
Empower Individuals with Disabilities Through Music
Our thoughtfully designed outdoor instruments offer empowerment and accessibility for individuals with physical disabilities. Many of these instruments accommodate wheelchair users and those with limited mobility, ensuring everyone can participate. We prioritize ample space around our instruments, promoting easy navigation and a broader range of movement.
Furthermore, playing these outdoor instruments encourages physical engagement, making them valuable tools for physiotherapy. They help develop fine and gross motor skills, allowing individuals to enhance their physical capabilities while enjoying the process of creating music.
Get Involved: A Call to Action for Inclusion
As we commemorate the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, we invite you to join us in promoting inclusivity in music-making. Our outdoor musical instruments are diverse and accessible to everyone, regardless of ability. Perfect for parks, schools, and playgrounds, they cater to individuals with physical, developmental, or intellectual disabilities.
Make a difference in your community by incorporating music and music therapy into your initiatives. Together, we can create environments where everyone has the chance to connect, engage, and thrive.
Take Action Now:
- Explore Our Range: Delve into our website to collection of outdoor musical instruments designed for accessibility and inclusion.
- Share Your Story: We want to hear about how music has positively impacted your community. Share your experiences with us on Instagram and tag us @percussionplay!
- Connect with Us: Follow Percussion Play on social media to stay updated on our initiatives and how you can get involved.
Further Listening:: A special episode of our Podcast 'Music Made for the Great Outdoors' accompanies our new White Paper: Sounds of Progress: Putting Music to Work for Blind, Low Vision, Partially Sighted and Visually Impaired People.
Percussion Play partnered with the Royal Society for Blind Children (RSBC) and The Amber Trust to improve outdoor music-making for young people who are blind, have low vision, or are partially sighted. The research involved workshops and instrument demonstrations for blind and visually impaired children and adolescents in the UK. The findings contributed to the creation of a White Paper titled 'The Sounds of Progress,' outlining potential ways to use music to develop more inclusive play environments.
Join us in making music accessible to all—because everyone deserves the joy of making music
