Music therapy has been used to support social,
cognitive and language development for children with disabilities. The use of
music therapy has become increasingly popular, especially for children with
autism spectrum disorders. According to the American Music Therapy Association
(2012), "Music is a very basic human response, spanning all degrees of
ability/disability."
As a special educator and mother of two children with autism, I am always looking for music that will captivate and promote
learning. I was browsing YouTube for
music and came across a picture of a cartoon boy in a wheelchair and was
curious. I clicked the link and was
immediately surprised by how high-energy the music was with a modern up-tempo
beat and knew right away it would be a hit with my kids, but it was when the
song ended that I was even more impressed.
I went to the website associated with the account and discovered a
program called "The Oddballz."
Previously, I had never thought of a program aimed specifically at
accommodating students with disabilities. The Oddballz allows children with autism
spectrum disorders the traditional benefit of music therapy. Additionally, it deepens their investment in
the therapy by specifically infusing the personally relatable status of
disability.
The Oddballz offers the benefits of music
integration while promoting awareness and acceptance of children with special
needs. Their program takes the "dis" out of disability by utilizing
popular children's stories and songs. By incorporating a creative flare, the
programs offered will get grab your kids' attention and engage them in the
learning process. The resources are so diversified that children with and
without disabilities will enjoy following the stories and moving to the music!
The site is so awesome; I plan on using the resources at home and potentially
integrating it into my classroom activities! I would encourage anyone who works
or lives with children on the autistic spectrum, or those who have a
disability, to visit http://www.theoddballz.com and take in and enjoy lively
music and charming characters created with our wonderful children in mind.
Dr. Marquis Grant
My Life My Autism
Parent, Educator & Advocate
Click the link: http://www.theoddballz.com
This is so great!! I have never heard of the odd ballz but will definitely be checking them out! Great resources for parents with a child on the spectrum!
ReplyDeleteI love this! I will forward!
ReplyDelete