image of adaptive music instruments edited by Swint
Adaptive Music Instruments
Directions: Read the information provided below on various options for adaptive music instruments. Complete the self evaluation form at the end of this section.
image of student playing adaptive instrument during general music class while seated on lap of adult edited by Swint
The most important consideration is the consistency of use across different environments (in reference to communication devices.) Therapists recommend using devices that are currently utilized by the student in the school/home setting. Many communication devices are portable and programmable to fit a variety of situations, including the music class. It is important to consider the intentionality of the device. In the case of communication devices, does the action reflect the true intention of the child? Open communication with the special ed classroom teacher or paraprofessional is of paramount importance.
General Terms
Mount: The piece of equipment that connects the device or instrument to a stationary object
Switch: Any kind of “button” that activates a voice or an action on a communication device, environmental control device, or electrical device (fan, egg beater, etc.)
AAC Device: Acronym for “Augmentative and Alternative Communication Device” the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) defines AAC as “An area of clinical practice that attempts to compensate (either temporarily or permanently) for the impairment and disability patterns of individuals with severe expressive communication disorders (i.e., the severely speech-language and writing impaired). An AAC device facilitates this process.
Switch: Any kind of “button” that activates a voice or an action on a communication device, environmental control device, or electrical device (fan, egg beater, etc.)
AAC Device: Acronym for “Augmentative and Alternative Communication Device” the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) defines AAC as “An area of clinical practice that attempts to compensate (either temporarily or permanently) for the impairment and disability patterns of individuals with severe expressive communication disorders (i.e., the severely speech-language and writing impaired). An AAC device facilitates this process.
image of AAC device created by the American Speech Language Hearing association
Commonly Used Adaptive Instruments/Equipment:
Adapt-A-Pick:
For use with guitar or autoharp. Includes 1 soft plastic monster pick. This pick relies on more gross motor than fine motor control to use effectively.
Adaptive Instrument Mount:
By Basic Beat. Created to meet the need of the physically challenged to play independently. Attaches to a wheelchair tray or table with unique clamping device and will hold a hand drum, tambourine, triangle, mini cabasa, or set of cluster chimes that you purchase separately. Flexible design allows for use of 2 instruments at the same time, providing the opportunity for choice-making. Durable solid oak construction; laminated for easy cleaning. Includes wooden drum mallet, and triangle striker.
Recorder for Players with Disabilities:
Aulos C soprano 7 piece recorder, for players with finger disabilities - a person with any six usable digits (including thumb) can play an entire chromatic scale from C" to A"'. Dark brown recorder, with ivory trim. Similar to the REAU103N model (available separately), but with seven pieces; a distinct advantage is that a student can use this recorder with adapted fingerings but the instrument will look just like the recorders other students are playing. With the head piece, there are six separate sections for holes, fitting smoothly into one another. By rotating the holes and plugging certain holes, the recorder can accommodate fingers that are missing or do not function normally. Various fingering options are given, from using 5 fingers from one hand and one from the other, to using 3 fingers from each hand. Once adjusted for an individual's hand, the sections may be glued into permanent position
Resource on One Handed Recorders:
http://kathleenmtbc.typepad.com/mt_related_issues/2003/10/one_handed_reco.html
For use with guitar or autoharp. Includes 1 soft plastic monster pick. This pick relies on more gross motor than fine motor control to use effectively.
Adaptive Instrument Mount:
By Basic Beat. Created to meet the need of the physically challenged to play independently. Attaches to a wheelchair tray or table with unique clamping device and will hold a hand drum, tambourine, triangle, mini cabasa, or set of cluster chimes that you purchase separately. Flexible design allows for use of 2 instruments at the same time, providing the opportunity for choice-making. Durable solid oak construction; laminated for easy cleaning. Includes wooden drum mallet, and triangle striker.
Recorder for Players with Disabilities:
Aulos C soprano 7 piece recorder, for players with finger disabilities - a person with any six usable digits (including thumb) can play an entire chromatic scale from C" to A"'. Dark brown recorder, with ivory trim. Similar to the REAU103N model (available separately), but with seven pieces; a distinct advantage is that a student can use this recorder with adapted fingerings but the instrument will look just like the recorders other students are playing. With the head piece, there are six separate sections for holes, fitting smoothly into one another. By rotating the holes and plugging certain holes, the recorder can accommodate fingers that are missing or do not function normally. Various fingering options are given, from using 5 fingers from one hand and one from the other, to using 3 fingers from each hand. Once adjusted for an individual's hand, the sections may be glued into permanent position
Resource on One Handed Recorders:
http://kathleenmtbc.typepad.com/mt_related_issues/2003/10/one_handed_reco.html
image of velcro egg shaker on hand from West Music
Velcro Egg Shaker:
A solid black egg shaker with Velcro straps attached. Strap to two fingers to keep the egg securely in your palm, or place on the back of your fingers and shake along with your conga/tubano playing.
Wheelchair Clip:
This Paddle Drum accessory quickly and easily clamps onto any style wheelchair, enabling persons who cannot grasp a drum to participate in percussion activities. Velcro straps hold the paddle drum in place while sturdy hardware attaches the drum to the wheelchair. Ideal for persons who have had a stroke or for individuals with physical disabilities.
A solid black egg shaker with Velcro straps attached. Strap to two fingers to keep the egg securely in your palm, or place on the back of your fingers and shake along with your conga/tubano playing.
Wheelchair Clip:
This Paddle Drum accessory quickly and easily clamps onto any style wheelchair, enabling persons who cannot grasp a drum to participate in percussion activities. Velcro straps hold the paddle drum in place while sturdy hardware attaches the drum to the wheelchair. Ideal for persons who have had a stroke or for individuals with physical disabilities.
image of adaptive mallets from West Music
Mallet Cuff:
Comfortable holder for small mallets and triangle strikers is adjustable to fit user's condition and hand size. Attaches to hand with Velcro, allowing independent play of instruments even without being able to grasp a mallet. Purchase mallets separately (we recommend set MAAMPK2 or individual mallet MAWMNGCB). Width 1"; loop extends from about 4-1/2" up to about 5-1/2" to fit over the hand.
Adaptive Mallets:
This set of 4 mallets facilitates participation by individuals with limited physical abilities. All mallets are shortened to 10" handles. The set includes:
1 lightweight mallet with 1 1/4" cork ball.
1 yarn bass bar mallet with blue yarn wrapped over a 2" sponge ball.
1 easy to hold T-bar mallet with 5/8" thick handle and soft blue 1" rubber ball.
1 easy to hold T-bar mallet with 3/4" thick handle and soft blue 1" rubber ball - this is the largest T-bar handle on the market. The T-shaped handle offers a variety of ways to grasp the transverse mallets.
WEST MUSIC
1212 5th Street
Coralville, IA 52241
phone • 1(800)397-9378 fax • 1(888)470-3942 • http://www.westmusic.com
Comfortable holder for small mallets and triangle strikers is adjustable to fit user's condition and hand size. Attaches to hand with Velcro, allowing independent play of instruments even without being able to grasp a mallet. Purchase mallets separately (we recommend set MAAMPK2 or individual mallet MAWMNGCB). Width 1"; loop extends from about 4-1/2" up to about 5-1/2" to fit over the hand.
Adaptive Mallets:
This set of 4 mallets facilitates participation by individuals with limited physical abilities. All mallets are shortened to 10" handles. The set includes:
1 lightweight mallet with 1 1/4" cork ball.
1 yarn bass bar mallet with blue yarn wrapped over a 2" sponge ball.
1 easy to hold T-bar mallet with 5/8" thick handle and soft blue 1" rubber ball.
1 easy to hold T-bar mallet with 3/4" thick handle and soft blue 1" rubber ball - this is the largest T-bar handle on the market. The T-shaped handle offers a variety of ways to grasp the transverse mallets.
WEST MUSIC
1212 5th Street
Coralville, IA 52241
phone • 1(800)397-9378 fax • 1(888)470-3942 • http://www.westmusic.com
image of AAC device used in public school setting
Commonly Used AAC Devices in school settings:
LITTLEmack (also called One-Step):
A switch that records single messages. LITTLEmack’s™ small size fits in all environments and is great for students who can access a smaller target area. • Easy to record • 2-1/2” activation surface with angled base.
BIGmack:
The Tech/Talk is also multi-level augmentative and alternative communication device designed to aid communication through direct selection. Using “Real-Voice” technology, the Tech Series provides speech playback at a high audio quality. It has the same "Time-Lock" Technology as the Tech/Speak along with many other distinct features such as its light-weight and portability, etc.
italk2:
The iTalk2 dual-message communicator is ideal for choice making. With dual toy/appliance jacks you can easily pair communication with a fun activity. Easy to record messages. Instructions printed right on the device. Angled for easy access.
Powerlink:
Control over our environment is a basic part of human nature. Even if students can't perform an entire activity independently, they can still make an important and valuable contribution by participation via the Power Link 3 control unit! Add the AirLink cordless switch to provide all the benefits of environmental control without cords! The two outlets and remote option let you create and customize activities in just about any setting. Two double outlets for turn taking, sequencing, and choice making! Flexible handle and convenient cord-minder lets you easily move your PowerLink from one environment to another.
Boardmaker:
Boardmaker is a graphics database containing over 3000 Pictures, and Communication Symbols in bitmapped clip art form. Boardmaker images are often used in conjunction with communication devices.
Source: http://www.mayer-johnson.com/software/Boardmkr.html
A switch that records single messages. LITTLEmack’s™ small size fits in all environments and is great for students who can access a smaller target area. • Easy to record • 2-1/2” activation surface with angled base.
BIGmack:
The Tech/Talk is also multi-level augmentative and alternative communication device designed to aid communication through direct selection. Using “Real-Voice” technology, the Tech Series provides speech playback at a high audio quality. It has the same "Time-Lock" Technology as the Tech/Speak along with many other distinct features such as its light-weight and portability, etc.
italk2:
The iTalk2 dual-message communicator is ideal for choice making. With dual toy/appliance jacks you can easily pair communication with a fun activity. Easy to record messages. Instructions printed right on the device. Angled for easy access.
Powerlink:
Control over our environment is a basic part of human nature. Even if students can't perform an entire activity independently, they can still make an important and valuable contribution by participation via the Power Link 3 control unit! Add the AirLink cordless switch to provide all the benefits of environmental control without cords! The two outlets and remote option let you create and customize activities in just about any setting. Two double outlets for turn taking, sequencing, and choice making! Flexible handle and convenient cord-minder lets you easily move your PowerLink from one environment to another.
Boardmaker:
Boardmaker is a graphics database containing over 3000 Pictures, and Communication Symbols in bitmapped clip art form. Boardmaker images are often used in conjunction with communication devices.
Source: http://www.mayer-johnson.com/software/Boardmkr.html
AUMI - Adaptive Use Musical Instruments
According to their website, "Adaptive Use Musical Instruments (AUMI) interface enables students who have very little voluntary movement or other varieties of impairments to create and perform electronic sounds and sequences in order to participate in solo and ensemble electronic music improvisation and composition.
For general information contact [email protected].
For general information contact [email protected].
Resources for Adaptive Instruments and Assistive Technology
image of adaptive hand mallet attached by velcro from West Music
Resources:
AAC Glossary, Augmentative and Alternative Communication, Second Edition, Buekelman & Mirenda
http://www.pbrookes.com/aac/aacgloss.htm
A useful resource from a respected textbook on the subject. Great to bookmark in case one comes down with “acronym-itis.”
Ablenet:
http://www.ablenetinc.com
A vendor commonly utilized by school special education programs for AAC devices, environmental control devices, and teaching resources. The website and print catalog include a wealth of curriculum applications that may be adapted for music classes.
Clinically Adapted Instruments for the Multiply Handicapped,
Compiled by Donna Chadwick and Cynthia Clark
Describes a plethora of adaptations and adaptive instrument possibilities. According to the West Music catalog, “A unique book containing 100 adapted and original instrument designs, descriptions, and results of extensive practical applications.”
Enabling Devices:
http://www.enablingdevices.com
A vendor also commonly utilized by school special education programs for AAC devices, environmental control devices, and manipulatives.
West Music
http://www.westmusic.com
A user friendly and comprehensive catalog of instruments and materials for music educators and music therapists alike. To access information about adaptive instruments and equipment in the online catalog, pull down the menu “choose a product” and select “adaptive instruments."
http://www.pbrookes.com/aac/aacgloss.htm
A useful resource from a respected textbook on the subject. Great to bookmark in case one comes down with “acronym-itis.”
Ablenet:
http://www.ablenetinc.com
A vendor commonly utilized by school special education programs for AAC devices, environmental control devices, and teaching resources. The website and print catalog include a wealth of curriculum applications that may be adapted for music classes.
Clinically Adapted Instruments for the Multiply Handicapped,
Compiled by Donna Chadwick and Cynthia Clark
Describes a plethora of adaptations and adaptive instrument possibilities. According to the West Music catalog, “A unique book containing 100 adapted and original instrument designs, descriptions, and results of extensive practical applications.”
Enabling Devices:
http://www.enablingdevices.com
A vendor also commonly utilized by school special education programs for AAC devices, environmental control devices, and manipulatives.
West Music
http://www.westmusic.com
A user friendly and comprehensive catalog of instruments and materials for music educators and music therapists alike. To access information about adaptive instruments and equipment in the online catalog, pull down the menu “choose a product” and select “adaptive instruments."
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Congratulations for Completing this Section!
Check with West Music to see if they have any specials going on adaptive instruments. Mention that you learned about adaptive instruments from this professional development module. Remind them they were provided with free advertising!