Key Changes Therapy Services of West Columbia plans an online karaoke event in lieu of their postponed recital.

The event will be via video chat and shared video streaming.

It will allow participants to sing their hearts out and potentially win a coveted item- toilet paper. All proceeds go to music therapy services for children with special needs.

The therapy is now online in the children’s homes.

Music therapy helps children physically, cognitively, emotionally and socially, by addressing their needs and goals.

Music can assist with other therapies such as speech and occupational therapies. However, many insurance companies do not cover music therapy.

During this time of social distancing, music therapy has provided Key Changes’ children a much needed outlet.

A parent, Kimberly Gunter, said, “This is a lot for a child on the autism spectrum.

“Music therapy has allowed my daughter have some normalcy and have a positive way to express her feelings.

“She truly benefits from her time and looks forward to it weekly! I am so thankful it has been able to continue.”

Originally founded as a for-profit music therapy clinic in 2010, Key Changes expanded to include speech and occupational therapy as a non-profit to make creative arts therapies accessible to more children.

Fundraising efforts provide financial support to children whose parents have limited coverage.

Executive Director Natalie Rousseau said, “Our goal is to make creative arts based therapy services available to those who could truly benefit, making growth through the arts something that every child can access.”

The event is May 1 at 7 pm.

Karaoke tickets are $10, with $5 each for additional songs. Participants can register at https://go.rallyup.com/karaoke.

For more information, call (803) 250-6833 or visit KeyChangesTherapy.com.