Their project will give Special Olympics athletes and other youth the chance to learn and improve their understanding of music – and each other! Daniela and Michelle plan to teach youth with and without intellectual disabilities about music, using it as a tool for expanding cultural knowledge and encouraging inclusion.

Over 6 months, Daniela and Michelle will teach music classes like history of music, how to read sheet music, introduction to stringed instruments, and more, with the goal of everyone performing in a showcase at the end of the project to showcase the knowledge and skills they’ve gained. Daniela and Michelle want to provide youth with a musical base of knowledge, so that they have the tools in the future to delve deeper into music and perhaps take instrument lessons on their own. As music enthusiasts as well as strong proponents of inclusion and the Unified Generation, Daniela and Michelle believe that music has the power to unite people and leave the differences we think we have behind. To them, inclusion means not seeing people’s weaknesses, but instead their strengths, which this project will allow youth to discover their strengths and talents as well.