Gary Bishop's lecture on enabling technologies was nothing short of inspirational. His enthusiasm for the topic was unparalleled, making it easier for the audience to become engaged in his presentation. His statistic that there are over 10 million blind and visually impaired people in the
In my opinion, the most interesting part of Bishop's lecture was the integration of music into learning. Beethoven once said, "Music is the electrical soil in which the spirit lives, thinks and invents." Bishop's discussion of programs like "Hark the Sound," "Sonic Zoom," and "Move to the Music," seem to take this idea to heart, offering those with specific disabilities the chance to express themselves in ways similar to those who do not need assistance. Do you think "mainstreaming" those with disabilities with non-disabled people would be more effective through the integration of music programs? We have already discussed the issues and advantages of combining students of various ages, abilities, and intellect in a single learning environment. Rather than addressing this same issue, I'm presenting the idea that through music, this integration of peoples would be made more effectively. Music is such a powerful tool for self-expression that barriers of disability virtually dissipate, and it is perhaps easier for two people to relate. Do you agree that this is a good strategy to promote social interaction between the disabled and the non? If so, should it be implemented in some way through all types of classes in the public school system, or just those related to the arts?
Monday, March 30, 2009
Music's Effect on Social/Physical Barriers
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I agree that music is powerful and I never thought of this great idea. Similar to you and I am sure everyone else felt like Gary's lecture was eye opening and very interesting. I will admit I left a little frustrated because the high costs of all this equipment and the barriers these people with disabilities have to face are huge. I think your idea about music would be effective and it's something that should be tested. All the devices and equipment are so expensive so not only is your idea a very good one, but I think it can be more affordable then a lot of other opinions. I think at first it would be best to try it in a smaller setting, maybe just focus on schools related to arts and see how it goes. Great idea and post. After I read this I wasn't so frustrated because there are ways around this and affordable opportunities for those with disabilities to get involved, interact with others and most importantly learn.
ReplyDeleteI think one must be almost entirely desensitized to not sympathize with the disabled and their financial and physical obstacles. I too am astonished to learn not only the amount of people with disabilities, but also the sky-rocketing prices of equipment and labor costs of enabling technology. Because disabilities are something one does not choose to have or are born with, I think it is the government’s right to really take action and have legislation that directly improve impaired individuals’ lives. With that being said, I think such action should be enacted in the field of public education. I agree with the statement that integrating music into a school-environment at first would be most logical and would yield the highest amount of benefits (all assuming this has been tested and proven advantageous).Great suggestion!
ReplyDeleteI think changes in legislation would be a great contributor to the decrease in cost for disable people. However, legislative mandates could take years and the problem seems to have a more immediate demand. I think integrating music into the school system is a great idea. I also think that there are communities that may be willing to pay more tax to guarantee opportunities for disabled children. Similar to the Chapel Hill School tax, parents are often accepting of taxes that improve educational facilities.
ReplyDeleteI agree with all of the posts and obviously sympathize with the disabled as well. I feel so bad for these high prices and think it is unfair. Lea, changes in legislation is a great idea but like you said it would take a while before it would make any serious changes. As for the issue of music all together, I think that everyone should contribute in this learning experience, not just those interested in the arts (at least at early ages). I feel this way because there have been studies shown that if you play classical music for your baby it will in turn increase their intelligence. I think everyone should be a part of music discussions until high school or maybe middle school then it can be a chose that the student makes. That way, not only will it broaden all of our horizons, it will also help the relationships we have with the disability and it will give us a chance to see music as someone who maybe appreciates it a little more than you do does.
ReplyDeleteSimilar to the above posts, it is incredibly disheartening to learn of the excessive costs associated with programs for the disabled. We had no control over the fact that we were blessed to be born without such disabilities, just as the disabled did not control being born this way. However, governmental regulation of such technological developments and price-capping creates a very slippery slope. I do agree that a school environment is the best setting to implement such activities. Programs can easily be regulated at the state and national level and avoid conflicts with corporate interests. Likewise, I think it is very important for students without disabilities to participate in programs as well. Additional disability programs could be offered, but it is obvious all students could benefit from some level of participation. I think this is simply an initial step for social interaction amongst all in society- while still continuing effective changes in legislation.
ReplyDeleteThis was definitely my favorite lecture out of the 5 or 6 that we had in this class. As the others stated above me, it is unfortunate how excessive the costs are for programs for the disabled. Similar to Bishop's work, I do believe that progress will be made to make these programs more accessible for the disabled. Music is a useful way for society to interact with each other and express ourselves. I believe we will soon reach a day when we can commonly interact with disabled persons through the use of music.
ReplyDeleteI feel that everyone should have the opportunity to work with those that are diasbled, because they do bring joy into everyone's lives. Music is definitely one thing that everyone can relate to, but music is not the only thing. Everyone is good at something different, and we should finda way to relate to everyon, whether disabled or not, whether it be through music or art or anything else that is creative.
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