Community Music Therapy for Citizens with Developmental Disabilities

Examination of the lives of people with developmental disabilities in the 21st century highlights the need to formulate creative solutions for the challenge of providing meaningful community engagement. The Performing Arts Program described in this paper is representative of a new paradigm in clinical music therapy in its practice of Community Music Therapy. Adults with developmental disabilities of varying functioning levels participated in community-based performing ensembles — instrumental/vocal groups and American Sign Language (ASL) music interpretation groups. A variety of community engagement strategies were used within a Community Music Therapy approach, with sessions culminating in public performances. The results of this powerful program were examined using qualitative methods with procedural, therapeutic, and self-advocacy considerations. The Performing Arts Program was successful in fostering community engagement, social networking, and friendship building. Implications for the changing trends in music therapy are discussed