“We provided the opportunity/environment where children with special needs / differing abilities could come together and play music. Using the AUMI software, a student with severe physical disabilities was able to participate independently in the drum class, making music with her peers. Through the experience of creating music, Ann Marie, Geoffrey, Billy were able to help us refine, hone, develop and improve the software and come up with solutions, both low-tech (i.e. lighting, speakers, height of screen, sound data banks) and high tech, to improve accessibility/ease of use, and musicality of the software program.”
– Leaf Miller, therapist and member of the AUMI team

Key Point to Using the AUMI Software:

1) Start with Good Positioning: The posture of the user is of utmost importance for improved interaction with her/his environment.  When a child in a wheelchair is well positioned, the ability to access the software is enhanced, encouraging good head and trunk control.  Also, the height and position of the computer screen needs to be adjusted to the user to encourage proper posture and visual attention.

2) Track one consistent movement: This may be a voluntary movement of the head or an involuntary movement, such as chest movement while breathing.

3) Be patient and respect processing time: Children with disabilities often process information slowly.

4) Individualize Parameters: Each mode has adjustments e.g. guide size, sounds, sensitivity, for greatest effectiveness, self-expression and ease of use.

5) Use a Team approach: The team includes students, parents, teachers, therapists, musicians, programmers and tech support.

6) Experiment: The software is a musical instrument and requires familiarity and technique, just like any other musical instrument.

7) Experience world drumming: World drumming traditions and styles readily lend themselves to playing music in community and collaboration.  The drum circle is a community-based art form that encourages participation of all.

8) Be an improviser: Improvisation creates a welcoming musical environment.  There are no "right" and "wrong" notes.

Therapeutic Outcomes:

* Increased motivation and attention
* Improved multi-sensory processing of auditory, visual and vestibular information
* Improved head control and midline orientation
* Improved dynamic movement control and expansion of movement repertoire
* Increased awareness of cause and effect
* Increased independence
* Active participation in a group
* Enhanced interactions with others, i.e. peers, family members, school staff

Musical Implications:

* Promotes accessibility of musical expression for all people, regardless of level of physical ability
* Builds new inclusive musical communities and musical collaborations
* User-friendly music technology is now available and it is a free software download.

The Adaptive Use software is optimized by:

* A contrasting background without patterns
* A well-lit environment without reflections
* Adjusting the height of the computer screen to accommodate the height of the student