Empowering sounds or trivial rhythmic variations? Persons with intellectual disability expressing themselves through music

Abstract

The aim of this study was to understand the effects that music has on the life of people with intellectual disability. Three participants who communicate in non-traditional ways were selected, alongside their music therapist or music practitioners and their primary care givers. “Narrative portraiture,” an innovative and creative qualitative methodology that focuses on the creation of descriptive narrations, was adopted. Multiple observations were carried out with the main participants and semi-structured interviews were conducted with the non-disabled participants. This study confirms that music helps people who choose to engage in non-traditional communication to express

themselves without the use of words. Through their active musical invol- vement, participants with disability experienced an enhanced quality of life.

Music also seemed to positively impact non-disabled people who were in close proximity with the main participants, by creating pathways of positive

understanding and driving the development of more meaningful connec- tions. The need to provide people with intellectual disability with appropriate

spaces and sensitive persons is crucial.