Programs in Practice: Diversity: All in the Family

University Students’ Perceptions of an Inclusive Music Production

“…Academic benefits have been observed for both students with special needs and their typically developing peers with increased academic responding (McDonnell, Mathot-Buckner, Thorson, & Fister, 2001), improved language development (Klein, Geiss, Kushner, & Hill, 2003), and on-site availability of peer role models for students with special needs (Geiger & Drecktrah, 2001). Social benefits include improved self-concept, increased tolerance of other people, reduced fear of human difference, improved reaction toward peers with disabilities (Hammond, 1996; Shevlin & O’Moore, 2000), increased empathy for peers (Gieger & Drecktrah, 2001), reduced rates of competing social behaviors during learning (McDonnell et al, 2001), and friendship development among peers (Copeland et al, 2004).…”