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29 Independent & Free Press, Thursday, June 23, 2011 Andrew Tutty On the third Sunday in June, we gathered at restaurants, barbecues, pools, and patios to celebrate our dads on Father's Day. I thought it only fitting to describe a program that seems to be establishing itself in many parts of the world. But first, take a moment to find and feel your pulse. It is an unrelenting rhythm, slowly beating, steady, and constant. It is a beat we are unconsciously drawn to. In 2004 studio drummer Pat Gesualdo launched segments of his DAD (Drums and Disabilities) Program as a special education pilot program in some New York City schools. This program uses "drum therapy" to help children and adults with autism, dyslexia, ADD, Tourette's, Asperger's, ADHD and other disabilities. It attempts to help with retention skills, social skills, cognitive and physical development, fine motor skills as well as improving sensory awareness. Since 2004 and with the help of the likes of New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, this program has grown and developed to see growth around the world including South Africa, United Kingdom, Bosnia, New Zealand, Italy and other countries. It is being embraced by many professionals including psychologists, special education teachers, physical and occupational therapists, as well as behavioral therapists. As with any therapy, it is not a panacea, but it seems to work I watched a video of a young child who, with the assistance of a drum teacher, came totally out of their shell. The teacher would start simply drumming a beat and with no instruction, the child started to "ad lib" his own drumming. The look on his face was priceless and the ad lib was remarkably in rhythm. The joy that was expressed through the simple pounding of a drum was incredible. It certainly makes for a happy Father's Day. For more information see www. dadprogram.org Andrew Tutty is a member of the Halton Hills Accessibility Advisory Committee (HHAAC) DAD provides unique therapy THE GREAT GARDEN EVENT 40% OFF June 23rd July 6th $39.99 FRIDAY $39.99 Bloodgood Japanese Maple - min. 50 per store Reg. $139.99 20TH ANNIVERSARY SALE! Shop Early For Largest Selection Savings Can Be Found In All Departments! DOOR $4. 99 20th Anniversary Special - Hibiscus 6" $4.99 Reg. $14.99 CRASHERS Start 8 AM JUNE 24th to 29th $9.99 SATURDAY $9.99 Green Gem Boxwood (2 Gal.) min. 300 per store Reg. $24.99 $79.99 SUNDAY $79.99 Aluminum Lounge Chair - min. 60 per store Reg. $199.99 $129.99 Rattan Bistro - min. 20 per store $1.99 TUESDAY Mulch - min. 600 per store -max 5 per customer $159.99 WEDNESDAY Cantilever Umbrella - min. 50 per store MONDAY $129.99 Reg. $299.99 $1.99 Reg. $4.99 $159.99 Reg. $299.99 OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK: Mon. - Fri. 8am - 8pm, Sat. & Sun. 8am - 6 pm All items while quantities last, subject to availability. Category offers exclude "TERRA Essentials" Sale period: June 23rd - 29th www.terragreenhouses.com Burlington Hwy #5 East of Brant St. (905) 332-3222 · Milton Britannia Rd. West of Trafalgar (905) 876-4000 Waterdown Hwy #6 & 5th Concession E. (905) 689-1999 · Vaughan Keele St. North of Kirby Sideroad (905) 832-6955