The Lived Experiences of Disabled Music Therapists and Music Therapy Students in the UK

This research study sought to understand the lived experiences of disabled music therapists and music therapy students in the UK, providing evidence of both the successes and injustices experienced, as well as the vital assets disabled music therapists bring to the profession.

Following a systematic literature review, online survey questions were co-designed with members of BAMT Support Group for Disabled Music Therapists, exploring professional practice, training experiences and employment.

Fifty-five participants completed the online survey, representing: students, newly-qualified practitioners, experienced practitioners, and colleagues who had since left the profession. Training experiences were mixed, with some providers being unwilling and unprepared to accommodate access needs. Several placement experiences were described as inaccessible, significantly impacting students. Examples were given of participants being perceived as both an “asset” and an “inconvenience” to the profession with examples of inclusive and oppressive practices providing implications for recruitment, training, professional practice and employment.