November 2004

Therapy program has Hasan on song

Hasan Al Hassani, 19, could barely whisper a word after he broke his neck in a truck accident that left him with quadriplegia and very little lung-power.

Hasan found his voice again through a music program at Austin Health’s Royal Talbot Rehabilitation Centre.

‘Nobody could understand what I was saying after my accident,’ Hasan said.

‘Through the program’s breathing and vocal exercises I regained my speaking voice and found a love for singing and song writing.’

The Royal Talbot is the only public rehabilitation centre to have full-time music therapy, which is part of the Creative Therapies Program assisting people with their rehabilitation and reintegration into the community.

Music therapist Jeannette Tamplin said Hasan not only found his voice through music therapy but also discovered a way to deal with his situation.

‘It’s very common for people to say they can’t sing or play an instrument, they’re no good at it,’ she said.

‘After they have given it a go they find they actually really enjoy it.

‘Men, in particular, have found it a great outlet to express their feelings non-verbally,’ Ms Tamplin said.

‘Music therapy has an important role in this setting as there are significantly more men in rehabilitation than women.’

Hasan performed a song of his own—Still the Same—to launch the Music Therapy Program at Royal Talbot.

The William Buckland Foundation and the Diana Browne Trust have funded the program until June 30, 2005.

‘We are seeking sponsors to enable the program to continue,’ Ms Tamplin said.

‘It would be a shame to lose such a valuable rehabilitative program for patients.’

• For more information about the Music Therapy Program or to donate to the Creative Therapies Service contact General Manager Anne Szysz on 9496 5000 or email anne.szysz@austin.org.au.