There are a number of programs and resources throughout the Northeast Ohio area that support kids with special needs by embracing their individuality with personalized attention and tailored programs through art.
For example, according to the Cleveland Clinic, music therapy provides benefits in a child’s development from behavior, emotion and learning, which can regulate moods, reduce stress, build self-confidence and improve language and coordination skills.
“Therapies can help kids work through things like attention to a task, or pre-reading skills. Kids can also apply some of the general skills they learn to everyday living such as sitting at the table, or going to Boy Scouts, or church functions,” says Ed Gallagher, vice president for education at Beck Center for the Arts, which provides a creative arts therapies program, from music therapy, art therapy, and adaptive arts programming in dance, music, theater, and visual arts.
And with the additional therapies available from other agencies and organizations, it often works alongside adaptive arts.
“The great thing about music therapy is we can work in tandem with other therapies like speech therapy, or occupational, or physical therapy,” says Andrea Vallejo Wead, director of the Center for Music Therapy at The Music Settlement. “Our therapists will work with each client to determine their needs, and how we can best help them based on what the parents are requesting, or if they have an IEP, we can also address items in that, and we determine their likes. We have goals that we work towards, and we accomplish those goals and objectives by using our clients’ interests.”
“At the end of the day, it’s all about the person we serve, and making sure they are moving forward with whatever area they need to move forward with,” Gallagher adds. “There’s something for everybody out there.”
Here is a short list of music and art therapies in the Region:
Beck Center for the Arts
Geared toward children and adults with disabilities, Beck Center’s Creative Arts Therapies program was founded in 1994. Each week, Beck Center therapists serve over 1,500 individuals on-site, and in over 30 organizations across the region. Services are provided to schools, social service agencies, medical facilities, retirement communities, and more. Beck Center provides Music and Art, as well as adapted programming in music, theater, and the visual arts. Using art, dance/movement, theater and music as a therapeutic tool, individuals can address communication, academic, motor, emotional, and social skills as well as develop talents in the fine arts. Participants receive individualized attention with personally designed goals, tailored to meet their own needs. Financial aid may be available to those who qualify. Visit beckcenter.org, or call 216-521-2540 for more info.
Department of Developmental Disabilities County Boards
The Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities (DODD) oversees a statewide system of services that supports over 100,000 people with developmental disabilities, their families, and support teams. In Ohio, services and supports, as well as eligibility determinations, are all managed at the county level by providing assessment, service planning, and coordination to adults and children with developmental disabilities, as well as oversight and assistance to service providers. Find your county board at dodd.ohio.gov
Fine Arts Association
The Fine Arts Association offers virtual and/or in-person group and individual services in both music and art therapies along with adapted programming and specialized workshops. They partner with several organizations to enrich others through the arts. Off-site services are available to preschools, private/public schools, nursing homes, hospitals and other community-based agencies in Lake, Geauga and Ashtabula counties. Whether for a group or individual session, services are tailored to the specific needs of the agency. Call 440- 951-7500 or visit fineartsassociation.org/education/therapy
Hearts for Music
Hearts For Music is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization created to provide opportunities and avenues for individuals with special needs. Youth can pursue their love for creating and performing music in a professional ensemble setting. Hearts for Music is an orchestra made up of 20 to 25 children and/or young adults with a variety of special needs, such as Down’s syndrome or autism. Call 330-298-5549, or connect online at heartsformusic.org
The Music Settlement
Approved as a clinical training site by the American Music Therapy Association, The Music Settlement and its program leaders serve as a resource for therapists and educators across the country. Private and group sessions led by dedicated board-certified music therapists are offered both on-and-off site. Therapists deliver innovative, research-based music therapy experiences, which have helped thousands of individuals in the community. The Music Settlement serves people of all ages with disabilities and/or health concerns. Music Therapy Musical Revue is available for teens and adults, ages 15 and up. The program includes warm-ups, singing, dancing, and musical games. Call 216-421-5806 ext. 104, or visit themusicsettlement.org
Art Therapy at Valley Art Center
The Valley Art Center offers in-person art therapy group and individual sessions. Encouraging individuals of every ability to be an artist, art therapy is using art in a therapeutic way to support one’s overall wellbeing and self-understanding. The benefits of art therapy include growth in emotional expression and understanding, social skills, self-awareness, and identity exploration, to name a few. A variety of media is used in the Valley Art Center’s Art Therapy program, including painting, drawing, printmaking, papermaking, weaving, sculpture, and more. Visit valleyartcenter.org, or call 440-247-7507. Financial assistance may be available to those who qualify.
Looking for more options for creative art therapies? Please visit livespecial.com, a project of the NCJW/Cleveland.
