Practical and Emotional impacts of Developing Customised Solutions for Disabled Musicians

Emily Nunns UK and Thomas Tschirren, Switzerland

Background:
This presentation will highlight an innovative project led by Thomas Tschirren, focusing on developing affordable, accessible adaptations that allow disabled musicians to continue playing their instruments with ease and comfort. Recognised by the OHMI Trust, with awards in 2018 and 2020, this project centres on creating a system that includes a moulded plastic shell, mechanical support and a connector to enable natural, ergonomic handling of flutes. This design is transformative, helping musicians with limited mobility, strength, or balance regain their creative expression and confidence.

Objective:
The goal of this presentation is to showcase the project's evolution, particularly in standardising adaptations for a range of flutes—both standard and adapted—and extending these innovations to a wider audience of disabled musicians. Through live performance, video content, and discussions on accessibility, the presentation aims to inspire others to explore the potential of these tools for enhancing musical participation.

Introduction to the Project :
We will provide an overview of the project's origins, highlighting the key design principles: simplicity, customisation, and low-cost production. The presentation will address the specific challenges faced by disabled musicians, particularly those related to instrument handling and mobility, and how this system offers an effective solution. The system is based on a custom-moulded shell that fits securely to the musician’s body, ensuring a comfortable and stable fit for extended playing sessions.

Demonstration and Case Study: Emily Nunns
A live demonstration by disabled musician Emily Nunns will be the focal point of the presentation. After sustaining a spinal injury in 2019 which affected her ability to hold the flute, this adaptation has allowed her to play again. Emily will briefly share the challenges she faced post-injury and how the system supported her return to music. Her performance will highlight the life-changing potential of these adaptations. A step-by-step video will also show the process of creating the mould, illustrating how accessible and cost-effective it is with minimal resources.

Discussion on Accessibility and Impact:
The final section will focus on the accessibility and impact of this system. We will discuss how it has empowered musicians like Emily, highlighting the low-cost materials, simple design, and ease of use. The mould-making process, though technical, can be completed by musicians themselves, making the system flexible and user-friendly for both individuals and small organisations.

Conclusion:
This presentation will demonstrate the practical and emotional impact of developing affordable, customised solutions for disabled musicians. By sharing our project’s success stories and outlining its accessibility, we hope to inspire further innovation and offer musicians new opportunities to pursue their passion for music.