Reviewed by: Patience Itson
The “Magic” City—Learn about this sensory-inclusive show in Birmingham
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United Ability in Birmingham is a magical place, and you can sense it as you walk down its halls. On Saturday, August 17, real-life magic graced the stage in Birmingham.
At the annual Journey of Hope fundraising event, award-winning Dr. Kevin Spencer showed off his skills as the leading international expert on the therapeutic benefits of simple magic tricks. Keep reading for more.
Meet Dr. Kevin Spencer
Dr. Spencer first became enchanted by magic when his parents gave him a magician set for Christmas when he was young.
He spent years practicing the trade and performing shows on college campuses. Now, he’s a world-renowned illusionist and award-winning performing artist.
What’s extra special is that he brings magic to the lives of children and adults with physical and developmental disabilities and autism.
Ties to UAB + United Ability
Hailing from outside of Little Rock, Arkansas, Dr. Spencer is no stranger to The Magic City.
He is a research consultant with the Institute for Arts in Medicine and the School of Health Professions Department of Occupational Therapy at The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB).
His program, Magic Therapy™, is a carefully designed approach that trains therapists in research-based intervention.
“I come every September and do a presentation with first-year grad students in the occupational therapy program. We expose them to the program and teach them a bunch of magic tricks.
In May, the grad students do two sessions of magic camp for kids with disabilities.”
Dr. Kevin Spencer
Dr. Spencer told me that when he comes to Birmingham every May and September, he always finds an opportunity to visit United Ability.
Magic for everyone
Magic Therapy™ allows individuals with disabilities to transfer the skills learned through magic in their daily activities.
Learning and performing certain tricks—like making coins disappear or transforming handkerchiefs—allows individuals to use their hands and brains. This exploration helps them discover their abilities while reaching therapeutic goals in a fun way.
It combines education and imagination to aid in the improvement of:
- Communication
- Concentration
- Fine motor skills
- Gross motor function
- Memory skills
- Organizing tasks
- Sequencing
- Social behaviors
- and more!
According to Dr. Spencer, participants are getting therapy; they just don’t see it that way.
See The Magic of Kevin Spencer at Journey of Hope 2024
The Magic of Kevin Spencer is a sensory-inclusive performance. It is welcoming to all audiences, including children with autism or other developmental or intellectual disabilities.
“We are better people when we’re elbow to elbow with somebody different than us.
If we truly want to raise awareness and acceptance, then we need to be doing these things.”
Dr. Kevin Spencer
See who else came to Journey of Hope 2024.
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