It seems that part of my life's work is to provide relief and assistance to others through the use of music. As a
music therapist, I love what I do, and am continually learning how music can be used to help people in areas of their lives where no other resource has been able to reach them. I have been blessed to work with many different clientele using music therapy and can see how it can bring relief to everyone.
The biggest question I tend to get is "what is music therapy?" Many times people think that it is just 'playing music, helping people "feel good."' In reality, it's a way to help people accomplish goals. A way to assist others towards becoming more whole as it addresses physical, emotional, cognitive, and social needs of individuals of all ages. So through unique interventions I use music to help with non music goals. Within my groups you may see us writing songs, analyzing music, drumming, moving to music, singing, playing insruments, etc. Believe me, there is a whole lot more of what goes on in the session than what you may see... as it tends to look like I am just playing music to help people "feel good."
Last Friday the Department of Economic Security/ Division of Developmental Disabilities (DES/DDD) announced that all qualified vendors and providers (agencies and therapists) contracted with DDD are required to take a 10% pay cut effective March 1, 2009. Due to the economic situation, I can understand this announcement, and it is not unexpected. However, DDD has unexpectedly identified two services to take an additional significant rate cuts: Habilitation - Communication (HCH) and Habilitation - Music (HAM). Music therapy rates have been cut by 55%!
Historically, DDD has made significant proposed cuts to music therapy in the past 25 years. And we as a community have been able to show how Music Therapy is needed and effective as a therapy similar to speech and occupational therapy.
We have not been able to find out why DDD has singled out Music Therapy with a larger percentage cut than the other services. Could it be that from DDD’s perspective – Music Theray is currently the fastest growing service in the state... which equals an increased cost to DDD. However, we are a cost effective service – if they don’t allow us to give service, they will have to pay more for the other services – HAB or speech, etc.
Only with the help of parents, advocates, consumers and community support have we been able to reverse these decisions in the past and maintain the quality of sevices for the children in the community.
Any support in this would be appreciative... especially if you have a loved one receiving music therapy. Things you can do:
Call the DES (Interim) Director: Linda J Blessing - 602-542-4791
Call the DDD Assistant Director: Barbara Brent - 602-542-0419
FAX a letter to DDD Assistant Directo's Office - 602-542-6870
Call the DES/DDD Condumer Advocate Office - 602-542-6857
Email a letter to DDD - DDDHotline@azdes.gov
FAX or email your
state legislator.
Things you can communicate to them is:
How music therapy has addressed the needs of your child or someone you know
How it is a cost effective service
How music therapy is a unique and vital PROFESSIONAL therapy
It is an evidenced based therapy
It is NOT merely a teaching methodology
