Music Program Supports Children With Disabilities
A Sacramento-based nonprofit offers free, inclusive movement and music sessions for children and their families.
Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in Special Needs
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The nonprofit Jahri's World provides no-cost music and movement performances to engage children with disabilities in Sacramento. Founded by a Sacramento State graduate, the program creates accessible educational environments for families.
Why it matters
The program aims to address the challenge of finding affordable, supportive resources for children with disabilities. It offers a community-focused supplement to the developmental services already funded at the state level in California.
Jahri's World has operated for 10 years, beginning with a pilot effort at Capitol Elementary. While California spends billions annually on developmental services, the long-term clinical outcomes of this specific movement-based program remain unquantified.
The players
Jerry Turner
Founder of the nonprofit Jahri's World and a graduate of Sacramento State.
Jahri's World
A nonprofit organization that provides free music and movement performances for children with disabilities.
The details
The program integrates educational lessons with music and movement to encourage physical and cognitive engagement. By creating a comfortable, inclusive environment, the nonprofit allows children to explore their abilities at their own pace. This approach serves as a resource for local families, including those with multiple children, to find meaningful engagement outside of traditional developmental service models.
Timeline
10 years ago, Jahri's World began at Capitol Elementary.
A few years ago, the program started working with Nia's children.
Health Landscape
Jahri's World operates alongside the multibillion-dollar system of care provided by the California Department of Developmental Services. It represents a shift toward community-based enrichment programs that fill gaps in standard developmental therapy.
Families in the area looking for accessible, inclusive activities may find these music-based sessions helpful for their children's engagement. It is worth discussing with your pediatrician or family therapist whether arts-based movement programs align with your child's developmental care plan.
The takeaway
Inclusive arts programs provide a unique, low-pressure environment for children to engage with movement and learning. Families can explore these resources to complement formal developmental services, focusing on finding activities that allow children to explore their abilities comfortably.
Further reading
Learn more about local support networks in our Special Needs section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by CBS News.
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