Radio as a means of developing communication skills in people with disabilities

Music has been the protagonist of the radio activity between association D-Espacio and Radio Universidad de Navarra. Fifteen young people with disabilities from this association have participated in various activities in the University's radio programs of study to promote their creativity, lose the fear of public speaking and communicate effectively through sound. 

Sheila Aguerri, coordinator of project at Radio Universidad de Navarra points out: "The activity was enriching for everyone and in every way. As a first take on contact, we decided to make a radio program with music as the protagonist, encouraging the boys and girls of the association D-Espacio to play their favorite songs and comment on why they chose them. The response was immediate and, to the rhythm of Sebastián Yatra, Morat or Aitana, they ended up working as real announcers. They learned the importance of maintaining a good posture in front of the microphone, to work in coordination with the production technician, to share experiences chatting with colleagues, etc.". 

student assistants appreciated this activity, as did the young people with disabilities who participated in the programs of study. Vania Samperio, a junior majoring in History and Journalism and director of the “Songs with History” program, notes: “Directing this program has been challenge a wonderful experience and quite a challenge . We weren’t quite sure what to expect, how to go about it, or how they would react when sitting in front of the microphone… but the truth is that when they arrived at the studio, put on their headphones, and started talking—introducing songs, listening to the ones they liked, even suggesting songs to us and dedicating them to the people they cared about—everything fell into place. We’ve been told that it helped them develop their communication skills, and it allowed us to learn and teach radio at the same time. Anything that helps convey the love we have for this medium is wonderful—especially with the boys and girls from the association .” 

As Merche, one of the mothers of association, points out, "it has been an opportunity for our children with disabilities to get to know what it is like to be in a radio studio, to lose their fear of the microphone and to have the opportunity to communicate through the oral medium: to express their concerns, joys and, why not, to have fun and learn. It is important for them: a learning experience, a growth, in the sense that it is to express what they have inside".