Harmonizing Abilities: Implementing Music Therapy for Individuals with Developmental Disabilities at Brian’s House
Keywords:
Music Therapy, Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, Appreciative Inquiry, Coordinated Management of Meaning, Organizational Change, Waiver Services, Brian’s House, Therapeutic InterventionAbstract
Music therapy is a clinically recognized intervention that enhances emotional, cognitive, and physical well-being, particularly for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). This paper focuses on the implementation of a music therapy program delivered by a waiver-certified music therapist at Brian’s House Inc., a residential and day service provider in Pennsylvania, and an affiliate of Woods System of Care. The program was developed through staff participation in the Woods System of Care-sponsored Social Innovations Lab, a professional development initiative that supports the development of innovations across Woods System of Care, and teaches participants how to create a business plan for their projects and pitch their ideas to a panel of organizational leaders and the board of trustees of the Woods Services Foundation, which as part of its role as a philanthropic supporting foundation for Woods sets aside funds to support potential seed grants for Lab projects. The music therapy Lab project pitch to the board of trustees coincided with the strong interest on the part of the chair of the board of trustees in cultivating a philanthropic mindset for his son, who raised funds for the project -- a perfect storm of philanthropy meeting a community need. At Brian’s House, only 1.86% of residents were engaging in formal music sessions prior to implementing the new program, despite the therapy’s proven benefits. The intervention includes structured group and individual sessions, integrated into Individual Support Plans (ISPs). Financial sustainability over time will be ensured through reimbursement through Pennsylvania’s Consolidated Waiver, which enables people with disabilities to receive services and supports in the community. The initiative aligns with Brian’s House’s mission to empower individuals through compassionate care and aims to unlock the potential of the IDD population through music’s universal language.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Stephanie Farrow, Elizabeth Brickle (Author)
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