Children with special educational needs in Oxfordshire will soon benefit from adaptive musical instruments, thanks to a £90,000 investment.
Oxfordshire County Council has announced that these instruments will be made available in schools and community settings over the academic year, featuring cutting-edge music technology and instruments from around the globe.
Lisa Lyons, the council’s director of children’s services, emphasized the positive impact of these instruments on children’s well-being, particularly those dealing with anxiety: “The instruments will work wonders in calming children who experience excessive anxiety.”
Among the new tools is a joystick instrument, designed to help children perform and compose music.
It’s particularly beneficial for pupils in wheelchairs or those with limited mobility.
Other exciting instruments include those that light up when played and balls that trigger music as they bounce.
John Howson, the council’s cabinet member for children, education, and young people’s services, shared his excitement about the initiative: “This program will help unlock the potential of children to express themselves through music.”
He highlighted the importance of responding to the needs of young people, families, and education professionals in the community.
Lyons also explained how the instruments would support children with limited verbal communication skills, allowing them to express emotions and build friendships through music.
She cited therapeutic instruments like Rav Drums and Indian shruti boxes as examples.
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