KaKao

Registered date: October 15, 2020

In March 2020, Kakao Harbang granted the wish of the Jeju Center for the Disabled.

The Jeju Center for the Disabled is home to 34 individuals with severe disabilities.

The Jeju Center for the Disabled aims to create a professional caregiving service system, so that people with severe disabilities and their families can live a healthy and happy life.

 

The Jeju Center for the Disabled has offered a music program called “Learning Plus – Music Activities” since June 2020.

People with brain lesion disorder, and those with multiple disabilities such as intellectual, physical and visual impairments, have difficulties watching TV or movies, something that most people take for granted.

 

However, they show their bright smiles when they hear various sounds, such as instruments, the sounds of someone rhythmically hitting the tabletop or crumpling up vinyl.

The Jeju Center for the Disabled had requested several cultural and community centers to run music programs, only to be rejected because the people being taught had disabilities that made it difficult for them to move on their own. This was when the Jeju Center for the Disabled turned to Kakao Harbang, who gladly granted their positive wish.

 

The music program, which started in June, has now grown with the help of expert instructors, which the center personally hired, and volunteers from the community.

Participants sit in a calm environment, where they listen to classical music and the sound of nature.

They also get to touch and play instruments they would not have had the opportunity to do so during their daily routine.

This process helps to stimulate their auditory, visual and touch sensations.

The experience of listening and playing the instruments also brings on mental stability and enjoyment, which is another positive outcome of this activity.

 

Q. What do you remember most from running this program?

A. Due to the type of disabilities the participants have, they had a hard time holding and playing the instrument, making it difficult for us to provide one-on-one instructions. However, it was that much more rewarding to see them smile as they concentrated on the sounds they were making with their own two hands.

A. Everyone was surprised to see Lee sway and dance to the music that was being played. Lee is usually extremely shy. At that moment, we felt the power and energy music was giving to all of us.

 

Q. What do you want to change through this program?

A. Although the people in our facility have severe disabilities, I am sure they feel joy when they stimulate their auditory and visual senses while playing the instruments. Thanks to the positive wish Kakao Harbang granted to us, we were able to show the instructors we met through this program that such a program is possible in Jeju. The program also provided a positive opportunity to close the gap the disabled and non-disabled people.

 

- Chang-hyun Sohn (Social worker) /

 

“Learning Plus” activity assistant The Learning Plus program is just one of the wishes granted by Kakao Harbang to bring about positive change.

Kakao Harbang will continue to deliver hope throughout Jeju. We ask for your continued support as we create encouraging changes through Kakao Harbang.