ANNIE’S PAGE
Michael Hayes’ Heart Beats for Life
By Craig Escudé, MD, FAAFP, FAADM
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“See them as yourself. There’s really no difference between any of us.” -Michael Hayes
Michael Hayes may march to the beat of his own drum in this field, but he takes it a step further by showing others how to do the same thing. Mike has dedicated his life to empowering others through the arts, particularly in the field of intellectual and developmental disabilities. His journey began in 1970, during his senior year at Scott High School in Toledo, Ohio, when he became involved in a program that brought music, theater, and art to underserved housing projects. His approach was always centered on the idea that there are no limits, only different paths to success. In the 1990’s, he began working with people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).
“I don’t like calling people ‘disabled.’ I prefer ‘enabled.’ “says Mike. “The truth is that most of us could not exist in their world for 10 minutes.” Each person has their own abilities and differences, he relates. He gives the example of three different people who are making a purchase. “One pays with cash, one pays with a credit card, and the other pays with a check. Which one is disabled?” he asks. He goes on to explain that none of them are, they just use different means to achieve the same endpoint. “When I look at people from this perspective, I see them for who they really are, not as some sort of victim.”
“Hayes’ passion for music became a powerful tool in his work with the IDD community. As a percussionist, vocalist, and bandleader, Hayes has not only performed professionally but also used his musical talents to teach and inspire others. ”
Hayes’ passion for music became a powerful tool in his work with the IDD community. As a percussionist, vocalist, and bandleader, Hayes has not only performed professionally but also used his musical talents to teach and inspire others. His connection to the arts was solidified through mentorship with Vernon Martin, a renowned jazz bassist, who encouraged him to explore music as a way to engage with people of all backgrounds.
Mike started a program called “Heart Beats of Life,” where he uses drums to connect people together. “I first ask people to listen and to identify their heartbeats. Then, they hit the drum in the same pattern as their heart is beating. Eventually, we all begin playing together.”
“Each person has their own rhythm in life, and bringing all these different rhythms together creates a beautiful picture.”
“Each person has their own rhythm in life, and bringing all these different rhythms together creates a beautiful picture.” When he asks people how they feel after participating in one of his drum sessions, they overwhelmingly say they feel calmer and more relaxed.
Today, Hayes continues to work with adults and children, offering them opportunities to explore their creativity in a supportive and inclusive environment. His lifelong dedication to the IDD field through music has empowered countless individuals to embrace their potential, proving that, with the right support, everyone can find their rhythm. His work stands as a testament to the importance of creativity and inclusivity in the IDD field, leaving a legacy that will inspire future generations.
We welcome Michael Hayes as the newest inductee into the Annie Sullivan League.
About the Author:
Dr. Craig Escudé is a board-certified Fellow of the American Academy of Family Physicians and the American Academy of Developmental Medicine and President of IntellectAbility. He has more than 20 years of clinical experience providing medical care for people with IDD and complex medical and mental health conditions. He is the author of “Clinical Pearls in IDD Healthcare” and developer of the “Curriculum in IDD Healthcare,” an eLearning course used to train clinicians on the fundamentals of healthcare for people with IDD.