Journal of Education & Social Policy

An Inclusive International Online Music Outreach: Connecting Student Teachers and Their Peers with Complex Disabilities, a Qualitative Analysis and Emergent Design
Sue Carpenter, Michael G. Garber, Ceri Edwards-Hawthorne

Abstract
Young adult students with complex/intellectual disabilities in southern England and undergraduate pre-service student teachers in Brooklyn New York, met online and participated in music outreach sessions over the course of twenty-one months. The transferability of the music outreach model based on the philosophy and work of John Diamond MD to this virtual setting was explored. Diverse qualitative assessment tools were used to gather data regarding the impact of the sessions on: the students in the UK with complex/intellectual disabilities, their support staff, the pre service student teacher undergraduates, the two co-facilitators, and other volunteer participants. The results demonstrate the benefits of inclusion through music even online for all participants whatever their ability/disability.

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