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August 19, 2026Research and Practice for Persons with Severe Disabilities

Singing, Dancing, and Belonging: Inclusive Art Programs for Young Adults With Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

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Authors

OLOthelia EunKyoung LeeUniversity of North Carolina at Charlotte

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Overview

Qualitative study reveals gains in communication, emotional expression, and social cohesion in young adults with developmental disabilities, highlighting the benefits of inclusive arts.

Key Points

  • To examine how a community-based participatory music and dance program supports social connection, emotional expression, and group cohesion in young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
  • Conducted weekly community-based group sessions combining structured song learning with improvisational dance.
  • Collected qualitative data using participatory observation, reflective field notes, and semi-structured interviews with participants and staff.
  • Analyzed qualitative data using a reflective thematic analysis framework to identify themes in engagement and shared meaning.
  • Identified four major outcome domains: language development, emotional expression and self-confidence, physical functioning, and social engagement and collaboration.
  • Demonstrated that flexible facilitation and co-created arts experiences fostered greater community inclusion, self-advocacy, and emotional well-being.

Cite This Study

Othelia EunKyoung Lee (2026) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/6a858aaf03308d306e2d8022https://doi.org/10.1177/15407969261472629
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