After a year of navigating the complex realities brought about by a global pandemic, there is a palpable sense of hope as we begin to see light at the end of the tunnel. For organizations and educational institutions that pivoted to online learning and programming, the pressing question is: what does a return to normal look like? This question is even more critical for individuals who have discovered significant benefits through online programming—benefits that can hardly be overlooked in the rush to return to former ways of operation.

At Daniel’s Music Foundation (DMF), the seed for developing an online platform was planted well before the Covid-19 outbreak. Co-Founder Ken Trush envisioned creating a global platform that would resonate with and uplift the disability community back in the summer of 2019. This vision materialized into The Dany Awards—a prestigious annual event that celebrates musicians with disabilities from various corners of the globe. The success of the Danys inspired a broader vision of community engagement that transcended the physical boundaries of our music center, paving the way for the DMF Online Community.

For many arts organizations, transitioning to online programming initially served as a reactive measure to cope with the challenges posed by pandemic-related closures and social distancing mandates. However, the sustainability of these digital services remains uncertain as organizations begin to reopen. This is especially true for individuals with disabilities, who represent one of the most vulnerable populations disproportionately impacted by the pandemic. The notion of simply reverting to pre-pandemic life does not resonate uniformly across all sectors of this community.

Having access to an online alternative for in-person activities has proven to be immensely beneficial. For a person with a mobility-related disability, engaging in an online music class may offer a considerably more convenient option than in-person attendance, which could entail a difficult commute. While New York City boasts a thriving landscape of music and arts programs, many of them fall short of being fully inclusive. For those living outside urban areas like New York, options become even more limited. This gap in accessibility is precisely why the Online Community was established—to reach the wonderfully diverse and uniquely-abled community members who have much to gain from these offerings. In the United States alone, over 61 million individuals live with some form of disability. Participating in recreational music—be it online or in-person—can lead to various benefits, including improved wellness, stress reduction, and enhanced memory retention.

Moreover, the social value of recreational music is underscored when considering the isolation that so many have faced during the pandemic. Our Online Community has emerged as an accessible solution to both social isolation and music education over the past year. For example, Alexandra, whose 14-year-old daughter Luciana takes part in our online Dance-Along events, expressed gratitude for this community. She shared, “It’s a way to connect. This is a nice way of socializing and families enjoying something together.” Alexandra noticed a significant shift in Luciana’s engagement with the Online Community compared to her other activities. She explained, “The other ones are one-to-one, and this is a group one. [Luciana] gets to see others; it’s more social than the work that she has to do. That’s the difference. It’s the same community that she had in-person at the center.”

“It’s a way to connect. This is a nice way of socializing and families enjoying something together.”

Another parent, Collet, shared insights about his 16-year-old son, who also bears the name Collet. He remarked, “It’s more exciting with virtual. The more effort he has put in now is due to the fact that he can’t attend in person. It’s become a part of his life. Whatever you’re interested in, you’re going to put all your effort in.” While acknowledging his son’s eagerness to return to the center, Collet emphasized that the Online Community has fostered greater independence for him. “He signs himself up for online events. Dance parties, Open-Mic Nights—he participates in every single one available to him.”

The potential for online programming to create positive experiences for the disabled community is boundless. Over the past year, we have witnessed the emergence of digital access levels that should not simply fade away. Furthermore, the convenience of online platforms offers participants greater autonomy over their schedules and activities. This aspect is particularly vital for adults with disabilities, who often face diminishing access to meaningful services and resources as they age.

Our adult members have utilized the Online Community as an essential social and recreational outlet, enabling them to engage in scheduled online activities, attend live events, and access archived events on platforms like YouTube at their convenience. “Having the Virtual Community during the Covid-19 pandemic was so important for my mental and physical health,” expressed DMF member Stacy An, highlighting the comprehensive array of resources available within the Virtual Community.

“Having the Virtual Community during the Covid-19 pandemic was so important for my mental and physical health.”

Recognizing the profound impact of our Online Community means we must not abandon this resource once our music center reopens. This year marks the fifteenth anniversary of Daniel’s Music Foundation. Since our inception in 2006, we have served countless participants, and we are excited about the prospect of integrating both in-person and online services to create a holistic program. Even as we approach a post-pandemic era, it is essential to remain vigilant, as our community continues to represent some of the most vulnerable cohorts regarding the transmission of Covid-19. With singing identified as a high-risk activity for spreading the virus, it becomes crucial to prioritize safe reopening strategies while simultaneously offering an online alternative. This dual approach ensures that our members are healthy, content, and capable of experiencing the joys of music in full measure. For further insights into our diverse range of programs, please visit ARIA.