The Grace Fisher Foundation (GFF) is starting Harmony for Independence, a free adaptive music therapy program made possible through a Quality of Life grant from the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation.
Designed to enhance quality of life for individuals living with paralysis, as well as their families and caregivers, the program will begin this spring at GFF’s Inclusive Arts Clubhouse.
GFF is seeking healthcare providers, disability-serving organizations, and community partners to help identify and refer participants across Santa Barbara County. This will be led by Meghan Downing, certified music therapist.
For the purposes of this grant, paralysis is defined functionally as difficulty or inability to use arms and/or legs due to neurological conditions, including but not limited to spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury, stroke, cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, and ALS.
Founded by Grace Fisher, a quadriplegic artist and nationally recognized disability advocate, the Grace Fisher Foundation centers creative expression as a pathway to independence, dignity and belonging.
Fisher was confident that individuals living with paralysis, and their caregivers, would enthusiastically engage in the program. To ensure equitable access, GFF is mobilizing its community partners to support outreach and enrollment.
In explaining the need for Harmony for Independence, organizers said, “Individuals living with paralysis and their families often face social isolation and limited opportunities for creative expression. Accessible arts programming is rare, yet essential to emotional well-being and community connection.”
Weekly adaptive music classes will be 3:30-4:30 p.m. Tuesday and 2-3 p.m. Thursdays, using accessible instruments starting April 7.
Bi-monthly caregiver workshops focused on music-based wellness and connection start at 5 p.m. April 6.
Friday monthly community jam events will foster inclusion and social engagement.
Community referrals are essential to reaching individuals who may not be connected to traditional service networks. Healthcare professionals, organizations, advocates, and community members are encouraged to share referrals or collaborate on outreach efforts.
To refer participants or learn more, contact Jana@GraceFisherFoundation.org, 805-448-6873, or GraceFisherFoundation.org.