November 7th, 2025
By: Rachel Pothier, Marketing & Support Coordinator
Music has a remarkable way of reaching beyond words — tapping into emotion, memory, and connection in ways that traditional communication often cannot. For individuals with developmental disabilities, music therapy opens a unique pathway to self-expression, growth, and joy. Through melody and rhythm, participants find new ways to share their voices and celebrate their individuality. We spoke with the talented music therapists from Roman Music Therapy (a partnership made possible by a generous grant from The James Gang Organization) to learn more about how music shapes their sessions, builds connection, and uplifts the people they support.
Roman Music Therapy Services
By using music to unlock closed doors and uncover potential, Roman Music Therapy Services create possibilities and opportunities that transform lives. Through music, individuals navigate and overcome challenges in communication, processing, and socialization. Rhythm, melody, and collaborative musical activities provide a safe and expressive outlet, allowing participants to communicate in ways words alone cannot. Music fosters confidence, encourages self-expression, and strengthens social connections, helping individuals feel seen, heard, and valued. By engaging in music-making, participants not only develop essential life skills but also experience joy, empowerment, and meaningful opportunities for growth.
Human-Centered, Community Music Therapy
Similar to Communitas, Roman Music Therapy Services is a human-centered organization. By definition, human-centered means being “marked by humanistic values and devotion to human welfare.” When you work with their team, they partner with you — whether you are a client, family member, caregiver, administrator, or organization — to address and honor your human needs. This means accepting people as they are, recognizing their life experiences, and supporting their goals for the future through purposeful, goal-driven music therapy interventions and meaningful experiences.
MacKenzie Lyons, MT-BC
“I always look forward to my sessions with the Communitas Day Programs! In our music therapy groups, it’s not just about the music, it’s about connection, creativity, and community. Whether we’re singing karaoke, guessing songs, or creating music together, everyone brings something unique and meaningful.“
“I sincerely enjoy running the youth and adult music therapy groups at Communitas in Wakefield. The groups are always so much fun and it’s wonderful to experience plenty of meaningful moments. I’m happy that providing music therapy at Communitas can be a resource to help promote a sense of community and be an opportunity where people can share many wonderful musical moments together.“
Daniel DeLucia, MS, MT-BC
The James Gang
The James Gang, a 501(c)(3) organization founded in 2017, is dedicated to creating meaningful opportunities for inclusion for adults with intellectual disabilities. Named in honor of James A, who lives with NARS1 gene disorder and is an active member of the Communitas community. The James Gang champions awareness and acceptance through participation in road races, cycling events, and other athletic activities that celebrate ability and community.
Beyond advocacy, the organization provides grants to local recreation departments and adult day programs, helping foster connection, friendship, and joy through shared experiences in sports and recreation. The James Gang also proudly supports research toward a cure for NARS1 gene disorder through The Rory Belle Foundation, ensuring that their mission of inclusion and hope extends far beyond the playing field.
“Although James has limited vocabulary, he is incredibly social — and music serves as the vehicle that connects him to those around him. It allows him to clap, sing, and dance alongside others, creating moments of pure joy and connection. His clapping is contagious, often inspiring everyone nearby to join in the rhythm and celebration. Since receiving the NARS1 diagnosis in 2020, we’ve seen videos of others with the same condition, and it’s always the same — that same enthusiastic clapping, that same natural connection to music.”
– Nancy Anderson, James’ Mother
Together, We Empower!
There is one theme that clearly resonates — music is a universal language that celebrates each person exactly as they are. Whether through a shared rhythm, a spontaneous dance, or the simple joy of making sound together, music therapy continues to spark confidence, connection, and community. The therapists remind us that behind every beat and every note is a story — one of resilience, creativity, and the beautiful power of being heard.
Communitas extends its heartfelt gratitude to The James Gang and Roman Music Therapy Services for their partnership, compassion, and dedication to our shared mission. Their commitment to inclusion, creativity, and community enriches the lives of the individuals we support and strengthens the bonds that unite us all. We are deeply thankful for their continued collaboration and the meaningful impact they bring to our programs and the people we serve.
