Through a $4,000 grant from the Community Foundation for South Central New York, the ARC recently launched The Rhythmic Arts Project (TRAP) at three of its day programs and held a demonstration for 100 people in Delaware and surrounding counties to learn more.  TRAP was started by professional drummer Eddie Tuduri.  TRAP integrates drums and percussion instruments into proven methods of healing and teachign and can help many kinds of people.  It has a simple, yet fun and effective curriculum which has proven very beneficial in teaching people with developmental disabilities a variety of skills such as counting, left and right, waiting your turn and even being a leader.  

"We've been teaching TRAP since June.  Staff enthusiasm is enormous and the results they're noticing are terrific.  TRAP is even boosting people's self-esteem," noted Lucinda Brydon, Community Relations Director.  "We were very fortunate to have Eddie visit us for a week in July.  His energetic presence and creativity generated some great, new ideas and lots of friendships," she added.  "The grant included Mr. Tuduri's air fare from Santa Barbara, California and he volunteered his time to work wtih our staff and the individuals in our programs," explained Brydon.

Eddie Tudurdi's professional drumming career began when he was only 14 and he landed his first record deal at 16.  He's recorded and toured with a hos of famous talents including the Beach Boys.  In 1997, he broke his neck in a body surfing accident.  "Rhythm Therapy figured considerably in my recovery," he said.  He went on to found TRAP and sign on corporate sponsor Pearl Drums in Nashville.  Pearl's TRAP package includes 30 some professional quality percussion instruments at a fraction of its retail cost.

About 168 people with disabilities will benefit from TRAP at both of the ARC's Community Living Skills programs in Arkville and Walton as well as at THRIVE Day Habilitation in Hamden.  "We're so grateful to the Community Foundation and Mr. Tuduri.  Our enthusiasm for TRAP as another enabling tool towards greater independence and normalization for the people we serve is on the crescendo," Brydon concluded.

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