Amplifying Awareness: Disability Pride Month
As July marks Disability Pride Month, we look further into the positive effect music has on those with disabilities.
Undeniably, music can heal the soul; it is one of the only things in life that we all can agree on. Whether it is marking a special moment in our lives or acting as a relief in some of life’s most stressful times. It truly does bring us together. However, music’s importance doesn’t just stop with the way it can allow people to relate to one another; it can be nothing short of a necessity.
Self-Discovery and Sensory Symphonies
Many studies have delved into the ways that music stimulates the brain in ways that improve cognitive skills. Ultimately, the repetitive beats can contribute to a multi-sensory experience that furthers engagement both with physical sensations and emotional connections. In regard to this emotional response, it can allow people with additional support needs to better understand their wants and needs. Whether that be through favourite genres or sounds, which gives a better sense of self and confidence to the individual. In addition to personal growth regarding mindset, it can also contribute to communication and coordination. The act of playing an instrument brings joy that makes you want to learn more and more. This is something that benefits motor skills, as it encourages repetition and coordination.
Where most of the links between behavioural, physical, and developmental disabilities and music all run close to each other, the importance of individuality is at the core. While all disabilities have certain traits that are true to each, the independent thoughts and feelings of every person are what connect so strongly with music. Furthermore, finding themselves while getting lost in drumbeats and comforting words. Indeed, it is easier to relate to those around you when you can share a true love for something as attainable as a melody.
Adapting and Encouraging
In my personal experience, I have worked with students with additional needs. There is no doubt that the use of music to solidify a sense of self is quintessential in personal growth. Luckily, now we live in a world where society continues to gain a better understanding of disabilities. In fact, students are encouraged to use those familiar calming sounds. Whether that be in music classes, creating class playlists, or even having exam conditions catered to this need.
Particularly, there are many different examples of the positive reinforcements that come with music, some of which I believe are best represented by some of the world’s most celebrated musicians we know and love.
From Disaster to Darkness
Especially with the world reliving their love of the incomparable Black Sabbath after the death of frontman Ozzy Osbourne, it is only right to add Tony Iommi to this list. Iommi lost the tips of his middle and ring fingers on his right hand during a factory accident. While this could have easily been the end of what would have been a lifelong career, he took matters into his own hands… literally. Rather, he used his skills to fashion himself two new fingertips out of melted plastic and an old leather jacket. Through trial and error from switching his guitar strings to banjo strings and changing the tuning to form to his new fingers, the recognisable hum of heavy metal sound was born through this accident.
Signed, Set-Backs, Determined
One musician who has openly defied any and all expectations that unfortunately come with having a disability is the marvellous Stevie Wonder. There is no denying that this man is a household name. Someone who, despite what some people may see as a setback, has created sounds that have proved that music is what brings us together. While not born blind, Wonder was born premature, which led to retinopathy of prematurity, a disease that causes the retinas to detach, leaving him blind. Firstly, signing with Motown Records at only 11, Stevie Wonder became the voice that echoes through every generation, from his hit tracks to his constant activism. As mentioned earlier, the ability to use sound as a way to further sensory experience may have even contributed to his undeniable talent.
“It is beyond my ability to fathom that 10 per cent of people in this world don’t matter to the other 90 per cent of the people in the world. I’m not able to believe that, and the only way that we can show our caring about that 10 percent is by doing something to make the world more accessible and for people to be accepted with disabilities by committing ourselves to opening all the doors and all the possibilities for those who are physically challenged in any way.”
– Stevie Wonder is honoured by the United Nations with the Messenger of Peace.
Despite his constant efforts for disability awareness and his triumphant career, the musician is still questioned about his disability to this day. This shows that even while society progresses to cater to different needs, there is still a long way to go in the ways in which people educate themselves.
Songs of Spirit
An artist very near and dear to my heart is Daniel Johnston, a pioneer of indie rock music as we know it. Johnston has become somewhat of a cult star with his unique style and childlike wonder that influenced his every decision. Despite his innocent outlook on the world and his commitment to his art, Daniel’s life was not an easy one. Spending a lot of time institutionalised due to his diagnosis of bipolar disorder and schizophrenia.
Where his art served as a kind of outlet for all the struggles he faced in his life, the stories he told were ones of undying love and bizarre retellings of the life of Casper the Friendly Ghost. Nonetheless, much of the highlife that came with a cult following proved difficult for him. As the demands on him grew, so did the harsh reality of his behavioural and mental disability. Later on in his life, Daniel Johnston struggled with physical ailments such as diabetes and Kidney issues; however, this did not stop him from continuing to do what he loved. He lived with his parents, who cared for him to ensure that, despite his condition, he was surrounded by the same familiar characters he created.
Connections and Celebrations
These musicians are just a handful of some of the most influential artists that not only inspired masses but have also used their own experiences to create distinctive sounds. Essentially paving the way for others. I will forever be an advocate for creating a world that not only acknowledges disability but also creates a world filled with equality and inclusion. There is no denying that music can be an unspoken bond between those we may not have met or the things we may not understand. From this, I hope people use music as a way to connect and to appreciate, as well as celebrate any and all things that make us unique.
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