You might have heard the saying “Music heals the soul.” I have always believed this, now according to the evidence, it’s good for your health as well. Psychology Today states on their website: 

“Study after study has found that music therapy has a positive effect on a broad range of physical and psychological conditions including dementia, anxiety, depression, and cancer."

Music therapy is a service that can be delivered by psychologists, therapists, or caregivers in hospitals, long-term care facilities, and even outpatient clinics. The goal is to improve people’s health through music experiences such as free improvisation, singing, and listening to, discussing, and moving to music.”

This comes as no surprise to me that music had and continues to be a big part of my life. I have always loved a variety of music, but the musical genre of Rock has always been my favorite.

My pre-teen and teen days were spent at the roller skating rink when Disco and the beginnings of Rap kept me bouncing and dancing as I went round and round. When the skates came off, we would head to the floor and dance the night away doing the Bus Stop and other popular dances at the time. 

For Christmas one year, my parents purchased a stack music system from Sears for me as a present. I was so excited. It had a record player, an 8-track tape player, and dual cassette players. My first 8-track player title purchase was The Eagles and one of my first records was Meat Loaf, Bat out of Hell. In prior years for Christmas, I was always so excited to receive my K-Tel records which were a compilation record of the various hits at the time.

In high school I discovered Rock music and I continue to enjoy it even as I grow older. I have attended countless concerts with my best friend, my cousin and my daughter. Many of these concerts are out of town and we always have so much fun being together, listening to great music, and making great memories.

Music is also a mood changer for me. If I am feeling down, I can listen to a good dance tune and the next thing I know I am dancing around and feeling better. On the other hand, when certain songs come on they can instantly remind me of a sad time in my life. It always surprises me how hearing a song can take you back to a moment in time.

The next time you need a boost, put on your favorite song and dance around the room, trust me you won’t be sorry!

Are you an expert? You may not believe it, but you most likely are at least in some area of your profession.

From Merriam-Webster:

Sometimes we sell ourselves short on our skills or experience remarking, "I'm no expert." However, I bet you are. Educators are experienced teaching, helping struggling learners, observing nuances in behaviors, managing classrooms, and more.

You don't have to know everything, and it's ok to share your knowledge, experience, and opinions especially when it comes to providing support and making choices that affect students. However, there will be a time when you need additional support specifically around Assistive Technology (AT). It's constantly changing and none of us can know every facet.

AT teams are great resources that typically include many experts from several disciplines (e.g., occupational therapy, speech therapy, physical therapy, special education, psychology and more). Having teams enables each member to share the load of knowing at least some fo the solutions. 

You are fortunate if your district has a team but if you don't you can work towards establishing one. The PATINS Project can help you learn where to start. Reach out to us by completing the IDOE Technical Assistance request form.

Additional resources that will help you when exploring AT solutions include:

Quality Indicators for Assistive Technology Services (QIAT) and their listserv. This is a great service for posing questions and gaining access from AT experts from across the US and more.

Wisconsin Assistive Technology Initiative (WATI) has many resources including  the Assistive Technology Consideration to Assessment and the Assessing Students’ Needs for Assistive Technology (This includes 16 chapters and  guidance in many areas of need including; seating, positioning and mobility, communication, computer access, AT for writing including motor aspects and more)