Special Interest Report
Population: Pediatric
Agnes McConlogue Ferro, MAPT, PCS, Clinical Assistant Professor, Stony Brook University agnes.mcconlogueferro@stonybrook.edu
Lori Quinn, EdD, PT, Associate Professor, Department of Biobehavioral Studies, Teachers College, Columbia University QuinnL1@cardiff.ac.u
Keywords: Participation, Inclusion, Dance, Collaboration
Purpose: The aim of this study is to report the perceived benefits of an inclusive dance program (DREAM) in children with developmental disabilities.
Description: Children with developmental disabilities (CWDD) ages 9 to 13 were recruited to participate in the DREAM program held at the non-profit National Dance Institute (NDI) in New York City. Prior to the start, a physical therapist (PT) conducted interviews, completed an assessment and created individualized goals focusing on functional ability and participation. Each child completed a customized ‘Pre/Post DREAM’ questionnaire regarding the program, with assistance from a parent as needed. DREAM was conducted on 4 consecutive days, 4 hours/day. Age-matched peers (AMP) without disabilities were assigned partnerships (2:1) with each CWDD. The program was led by an NDI dance teacher and the PT, who collaboratively developed a program that maximized each child’s unique abilities, incorporating individual available movement into the daily warm-up and choreography. Additional support was provided by 3 dance assistants and 3 third year physical therapy graduate students. The students were mentored by the PT to provide support for the CWDD to assist with transfers, monitor fatigue levels and problem-solve challenges in order to maximize each child’s participation. The program culminated in a performance workshop in front of an audience.
Summary of use: Ten CWDD and 18 AMP enrolled in the program. Of the CWDD, 3 walked independently, 1 utilized a gait trainer, 3 utilized power mobility and 3 were dependent for mobility utilizing a wheelchair or adapted stroller. Pre-DREAM questionnaires revealed that 61% of AMP and 40% of CWDD expressed apprehension about working in partnerships. Post-DREAM results revealed that 100% of the respondents identified their partnership as being the most memorable part of the program. Five families identified improved performance with skills such as posture, endurance, transfers, and upper extremity use during the course of the week. Through informal discussions, parents expressed their appreciation for watching their child participating, performing and interacting with their peers.
Importance to Members: Programs such as DREAM can provide unique opportunities to facilitate inclusive participation for children with a wide range of functional abilities. The opportunity for PTs to promote participation for their pediatric clients with lower levels of functional abilities is extremely limited. This program’s pedagogy focuses on abilities of each participant within an inclusive format. The DREAM dance program allows for a unique collaboration with age-matched peers while highlighting each participant as a dancer. This pilot program will inform future design for structured analysis of the benefits of the DREAM program in a larger population and as a model for national expansion.
Citation:
Ferro, Agnes McConlogue, MAPT, PCS; Quinn, Lori , EdD, PT. Dancers Realize Excellence through Arts and Movement (DREAM): An inclusive dance program to promote participation in children with developmental disabilities.. Poster Presentation. IV STEP Conference, American Physical Therapy Association, Columbus, OH, July 17, 2016. Online. https://u.osu.edu/ivstep/poster/abstracts/022_ferro-et-al/