4MyChild: Help and Hope for Life

May 28, 2007

Unique Way To Play Music and Communicate for Special Needs Children

Rapid advancement of technology has been opening more and more doors for people and children with disabilities. In this article from Discovery News website we learn of another new type of computerized instrument you play with your nose!

Nose Can Play Music on New Instrument
Tracy Staedter, Discovery News

May 29, 2007 — A computerized instrument that allows people to play music with the tip of their nose could give those who suffer from physical disabilities, such as cerebral palsy, the chance to experience music’s positive effects.
Not only could the interface allow for musical communication, it could also be adapted for speech, giving physically challenged patients the ability to form full sentences, rather than just providing yes or no responses.

“This instrument will give a voice to those who are all too often ignored, due to their physical disability,” said Zane Van Dusen, a recent graduate of computer science and electronic media arts and communications at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, NY.

Van Dusen developed the interface with Pauline Oliveros, a musician and distinguished professor of the arts at Rensselaer.

Here is the entire article.