SEND children to benefit from adaptive musical instruments in Oxfordshire

Children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) are to benefit from a £90,000 investment in adaptive musical instruments by Oxfordshire County Council.

This includes a ‘joystick’, which can be used to perform and compose music and is particularly good for pupils in wheelchairs or those with limited motion.

There will be instruments that light up when played, and balls that trigger music as they bounce.

Councillor John Howson, Oxfordshire County Council’s cabinet member for Children, Education and Young People’s Services, said: “These adaptive instruments and the latest music technology will enhance our ability to unlock the potential of children who may not have had an opportunity to express themselves through music before.

“We believe every young person should have a chance to access musical learning and we’re excited to be able to expand our programme, responding to requests from the young people themselves, their families and education professionals who work with them.”

The full range of instruments will be arriving over the next couple of months.

Lisa Lyons, director of Children Services for Oxfordshire County Council, said: “All children and young people should be able to enjoy enriching and exciting musical experiences, and we look forward to changing the landscape and bringing these instruments to schools and community settings.

“Some children with limited verbal communication skills use music to help them make friends and express their emotions.

“Instruments that require limited amounts of verbal explanation and eye contact – such as the Rav Drum (image attached), which makes a therapeutic sound – work wonders in calming children who experience excessive anxiety.

“Shruti boxes are from India and create a long therapeutic droning sound. They’re fabulous for young people with limited physical ability and can be played with two fingers. They’re also very tactile and can be used by pupils who like sensory stimulation or enjoy the feel of the air across their face.”