Rhythms For All:
Inclusive Music for Neurodivergent Communities
Funded by a grant from the Dunham Foundation, Rhythms For All is an innovative and inclusive program designed to ensure that individuals with special needs have access to the joy and connection of live music. With accessibility and inclusivity at its core, the program provides a sensory-friendly environment tailored to meet the unique needs of attendees while fostering community, creativity, and connection. More than 300 patrons from a variety of organizations, including Fox Valley Special Recreation Association, Western DuPage Special Recreation Association, Blackhawk Academy, and Association for Individual Development have taken part in these events to date.
Rhythms For All: a space where accessibility, creativity, and community come together through the power of music.
These events feature live, interactive musical performances with carefully adjusted sound levels, softer and controlled lighting, and an open, judgment-free atmosphere where attendees can participate at their own pace. Whether through dancing, singing, or quietly enjoying the music, individuals are encouraged to experience the event in a way that feels most comfortable for them. Family members, caregivers, and supporters are welcome to join, further enhancing the sense of community.
​
Through Rhythms for All, the Fox Valley Music Foundation seeks to create an inclusive cultural opportunity that highlights the transformative power of music. By offering sensory-friendly programming, we aim to:
-
Build a more inclusive community where individuals of all abilities feel welcome and valued.
-
Promote mental health and well-being through music as a unifying and therapeutic experience.
-
Foster connections between individuals, families, and caregivers, strengthening the social fabric of the Fox Valley region.
This program exemplifies the Foundation’s mission to preserve, promote, and protect the musical heritage of the Fox Valley region while enriching lives through the universal language of music.
About Dunham Foundation
The Dunham Foundation is committed to providing positive, multi-generational support to all individuals and families in our service area.We believe that this support lays the groundwork for successful generations to come and builds an infrastructure for a community where all can thrive. Originating with a charitable fund created by John C. Dunham in 1996, The Dunham Foundation invests in the following three areas: education, economic growth, and community.