pure magic

Magic tricks can also bring forth true miracles. The skill and practice required for the perfect sleight of hand are the same set of exercises needed by patients recovering from physical disabilities. This is the heart of Project Magic, a therapy program conceived by illusionist David Copperfield.

http://itricks.com

"Many years ago, I had correspondence with an individual that showed a great amount of self-esteem in his letters. Finally, after many months, I met him at a show and, to my surprise, he was in a wheelchair. And he had never mentioned it to me. Then, I realized he didn’t think of himself as being physically challenged and that his use of magic at home gave him a great amount of self-esteem. From there, I started a program called Project Magic that is in thousands of hospitals in over 30 countries around the world. Magic seems to give patients, from stroke victims to those with physical impairments, a great amount of self-esteem, and it improves manual dexterity. It is a program I am most proud of."

In 1982, he presented the concept to the Daniel Freeman Memorial Hospital.  They liked the idea, so he began developing the program with Julie Dunlap, the assistant director of Occupational Therapy. They created tricks that can help in rehabilitation of patients and got volunteer magicians working with occupational therapists in teaching them.

The magicians also gave a lesson on performance, like how to have the proper stage presence and the art of misdirection.  Soon, they found that the program has an unexpected benefit, performing the tricks gave patients self-confidence and the motivation to work harder.

According to David, "Project Magic is presently employed in hundreds of hospitals throughout the world.  I am pleased to say that the American Occupational Therapist Association has endorsed this program as being an authentic therapeutic tool."

Here's a website that has tricks from Project Magic available for download.  Just click here.  Each trick contains goals and emphasis for Occupational Therapy to aid your session.


Sources:
http://www.tonyko.com/_ProjectMagic/projectmagic.asp
http://www.honestabetradingpost.com/SYM123/ProjectMagic.htm
http://itricks.com/news/2009/04/david-copperfield-talks-about-project-magic-and-reno/