March is Music Therapy Awareness Month, and the Canadian Music Therapy Trust Fund and March of Dimes Canada are thrilled to announce a collaboration that will bring music therapy to March of Dimes Canada’s Early Intervention Program.

Offered as part of March of Dimes’ Conductive Education® (CE) program, the Early Intervention Program offers CE to children pre-school to grade one.

CE maximizes the independence and mobility of children and adults with disabilities like stroke survivors, and those with cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, acquired brain injuries, Parkinson's disease and spina bifida. CE operates from a core belief in neuroplasticity – the lifelong ability of the brain to reorganize neural pathways based on new experiences – and on the premise that no matter how severe the disability, people can learn and improve when they are motivated.

“The power of music is all around us. It is one of the most basic human means of expression. But for thousands of Canadians living with physical, developmental or social-emotional challenges, music may offer even more profound benefits. Music therapy can make the impossible possible,” says Chrissy Pearson, Clinical Manager at the Canadian Music Therapy Trust Fund.

Music therapists use music to bring about positive changes that maintain or improve quality of life. The therapists develop program plans based on assessed needs and strengths. Sessions may include playing instruments, singing, composing, song-writing, listening to or analyzing music and relaxation or movement exercises.

“CE offers a holistic approach that truly sees the whole person,” says Donna Mackay, Associate Director of National Programs for March of Dimes Canada. “Offering music therapy to our kids is a natural fit to the goals of CE and will ultimately help with our aim of improving mobility, self-esteem and a greater sense of independence for our participants,” she continues.

To further the partnership, Canadian Music Therapy Trust will be part of March of Dimes Canada’s Pennzoil presents Rock for Dimes battle of the bands event in Toronto. Taking place on Friday, May 3 at the Hard Rock Café, this fundraiser will help raise money for both CE and the music therapist. This is the 9th year March of Dimes Canada has held the fundraiser in Toronto, which is part of a series of events held across Canada.

Interested bands can visit www.rockfordimes.ca for more information. More information about Conductive Education can be found at www.marchofdimes.ca/ce or by emailing ce@marchofdimes.ca.

The Canadian Music Therapy Trust Fund is a national registered non-profit organization dedicated to improving the lives of Canadians through the therapeutic use of music.  Its mission is to promote, develop, and support music therapy services and research in order to restore, maintain, and improve the mental, physical, and emotional health of Canadians, as well as create better lives through the transformative power of music therapy. For more information please visit www.musictherapytrust.ca

March of Dimes Canada is a nationally registered charitable organization providing support services to people with disabilities, their families and caregivers across Canada. Our goal is to enhance the independence and community participation of people with physical disabilities every day through a wide range of programs and services across Canada.  For more information, please visit www.marchofdimes.ca or call  1-800-263-3463.

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For more information, please contact:
Ruth Kapelus
March of Dimes Canada
416-425-3463 ext. 7258
Rkapelus@marchofdimes.ca  

OR

Christine Lever
Canadian Music Therapy Trust Fund
416-535-0200
info@musictherapytrust.ca