The Exceptional Education department at TST BOCES recently received word that they were approved for an $11,000 Music Access for ALL sponsored by the Park Foundation.

Music Teacher Belinda Adams applied for the grant, which aims to purchase adaptive equipment that would foster dynamic and engaging lessons and participation for all students, but with a specific focus on students who are physically disabled.

These products might include switch-operated instruments, a fanlite that provides visual replication of aural sounds, a sound beam that produces music from the slightest controlled or uncontrolled movement of any part of the body and/or a switch jam, a composition software that is switch-accessible.

"For many of our students with visual impairment, aural impairment, autism and/or other disabilities, these instruments allow them to join ensembles with their peers, find awareness of their own body and sounds in space and, most importantly, gives equal access and flexibility to all of our students," said Adams.


The grant could also provide funds for potential purchases like Somatron devices, which are vibro-acoustic devices that allow students to literally feel the music.

"Not only is this great for sensory regulation, stimulation and relaxation, but these devices have also proven to be excellent in allowing significant regulation or calming that would be quite helpful for many of our students with emotional and behavioral disabilities," said Adams.

The grant not only supports the purchase of the previously mentioned materials, but it also supports the action research that would take place surrounding them.

Adams wanted to thank Sue Kittel from the Park Foundation for her help and support. This is the fifth grant that Adams has written in her five years at TST BOCES, and four of those have been approved.

"It's not about me, it's for the kids," she shared.

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