A DESCRIPTIVE ANALYSIS OF MUSIC THERAPISTS PERCEPTIONS OF DELIVERING SERVICES IN INCLUSIVE SETTINGS - A CHALLENGE TO THE FIELD

The purpose of this study was to examine the perceptions of music ther apists toward inclusion (providing services within general education s ettings) and to determine their willingness to provide their services in these settings. A questionnaire was sent to 560 music therapists of which 373 responded (67%). A descriptive analysis indicated that alth ough the vast majority of music therapists are providing their service s in a segregated setting, they (a) overwhelmingly know about inclusio n, (b) perceive benefits to clients with and without disabilities and (c) are willing to provide their services within an inclusive setting. Why then do therapists so overwhelmingly provide their services in no ninclusive settings? Possible answers to this question as well as the challenge this creates to the field of music therapy are discussed.