Kardon

Programs

In-House Behavioral Health

Kardon Institute has been accredited by Philadelphia Community Behavioral Health (CBH) to provide the first widespread use of creative arts therapies in a large municipal health network.

For many clients with mental health conditions, the non-verbal nature of creative arts can create a unique bond between therapist and client. CBH is the managed care organization that provides behavioral health services to Philadelphia County residents on Medicaid, and its decision to include creative therapy reflects forward thinking rarely observed in similar systems.

In addition to the main headquarters at Kardon, clients can receive therapy at Settlement Music School locations and other CBH affiliated outreach providers.

Computer Music

This program provides physically challenged clients with an opportunity to use music technology for self-expression and skill development.

Computers dedicated to use with adaptive equipment and software, along with gesture recognition and other adaptive technology, enable therapists and students to develop musical relationships.

Regardless of developmental levels, the technology promotes  musical interaction and skill building.

The technology is centered around the use of switches, essentially customized buttons pressed in any way possible to provide control input to different kinds of devices. They can be positioned on specialized universal mounts that put them near any body part that a person can control.

This program is available at Kardon’s main headquarters in Northeast Philadelphia.

Here is a video of Jim performing an original piece from the Computer Music Lab at a spring 2010 recital: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pKCCaTEsppg

Kardon Chorale

This choral ensemble has been together since June 2000 and was created to provide a forum for adults and teens to come together and sing. Making music is the key element which draws these singers to rehearsals every week. The group includes parents and siblings, friends and neighbors – anyone from the community who seeks an opportunity to sing alongside these talented individuals is welcome to audition. Beyond the music, the chorale provides an opportunity to develop social relationships. The singers create a sense of community where every voice deserves a place to be heard. That experience is extended in performances for varied audiences inside and outside of the special needs community.

Please listen to the Chorale perform “Be a Candle of Hope” from their December 2009 recital:

Be a Candle of Hope

Please watch and listen as the Chorale performs “Don’t Stop Believin” from their June 2010 80′s Dance Party recital:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UPPoilOTBZQ

The Chorale often posts videos on their YouTube page: http://www.youtube.com/user/TheDirectorKC

Contract Services

Kardon Institute partners with schools and community organizations through the Philadelphia area. We offer creative arts therapy and education on a contractual basis to individuals and groups through agencies serving people with special needs (and other populations) who have limited access to arts therapy and cultural and recreational activities.

School and other groups may also come to Kardon Institute headquarters for sessions.

Organizations with whom we partner include:

• Bancroft Neural Health
• Camp Dreamcatcher
• Center School (Abington)
• Central  Bucks School District
• Child Guidance Resource Center (summer camps)
• The Community Conservatory, Doylestown
• DEC Training Centers
• Elwyn Institute (Davidson School)
• Githens Center
• Growth Horizons of Bucks County
• Moss Rehabilitation Center
• Northwestern Human Services
• Settlement Music School
• Widener Memorial School

For further information about programs for your organization, fees and scheduling contact Mark Bottos, Assistant Director, at 215-637-2077 or at mbottos@kardoninstitute.org.

Early Intervention

This program, available to early intervention centers on a contract services basis, concentrates on the development of language skills, socialization skills, and gross and fine motor coordination for children ages 2-5 with special needs.

Therapy is provided in a group setting that may also include parents. The capabilities of each child, no matter how limited, are brought into the mutual realm of musical relationship with the parent and therapist. Music has demonstrated success with this population in facilitating socialization, self-expression and language development.

Family Music and Movement Circles for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Kardon’s newest program, supported by the Hot Topic Foundation,  provides music and movement therapy for children and their family members or caregivers.

Groups will meet for eight consecutive Saturdays at our Northeast Philadelphia studios. Music Therapy and Dance/Movement Therapy incorporate the universal language of non-verbal expression, helping children with disorders of relating and communicating to build bridges to others.

Goals for parents and children include:

• Providing parents, caregivers and siblings with increased knowledge about sensory needs and using movement and music methods in the home.
• Increasing social, language and communication skills
• Increasing non-verbal interaction
• Promoting support among parents

Light refreshments will be served to give parents or caregivers and children the opportunity to informally network with each other and Kardon staff.