New inclusive band will perform following Sing the World Better, a documentary celebrating music, neurodiversity and belonging
Sept. 15, 2026, CHAGRIN FALLS, OHIO — A new band is ready to take the stage—and its debut could hardly have found a more fitting setting.
RockAbility West, the newest inclusive rock band created by NPower Services, will make its public debut on Sunday, October 11, at approximately 6 p.m. at Chagrin Falls Intermediate School, closing out the Chagrin Falls Documentary Film Festival with a live performance celebrating music, community and inclusion.
The performance will immediately follow the festival’s 5 p.m. screening of Sing the World Better, a 44-minute documentary about Lauda, a trailblazing Canadian choral ensemble that welcomes singers of every neurotype.
The film follows talented young people who have struggled to find their place within the traditional, highly structured choral world and instead discover a musical home built around community, friendship, acceptance, safety and freedom. Lauda grew from its conductor’s experience leading the internationally renowned Shallaway Youth Choir and operates with one refreshingly simple rule: “Don’t be mean.”
Following a film about what can happen when musicians are given the freedom and support to belong, the audience will see that same philosophy come to life on stage with RockAbility West.
RockAbility is an inclusive music program created by NPower Services, a Northeast Ohio organization that helps adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities build meaningful lives. The program brings adults with disabilities together with experienced area musicians who perform and record throughout Northeast Ohio.
The original RockAbility began in 2020 with a simple idea: give talented adult musicians with disabilities the opportunity to make music alongside experienced musicians—and create a band where everyone is valued for what they bring to the stage.
“RockAbility got its start in 2020, when we had the idea to give adult musicians on the spectrum an opportunity to make music alongside neurotypical musicians who gig and record all over Northeast Ohio,” said Lori Weber, founder of NPower Services. “We’ve had as many as 22 musicians rehearsing and performing at one time. Eventually, we had a wonderful problem: more people wanted to participate than we could accommodate.”
The original group literally began running out of room—and soundboard channels.
“We reached the point where we sadly had to turn musicians away because we simply didn’t have enough space in the rehearsal room or enough channels on the soundboard,” Weber said. “That told us something important. There were more musicians out there who wanted this opportunity. Rather than keep saying no, we decided it was time to create another band.”
RockAbility West was formed in 2026, creating opportunities for a new group of musicians to rehearse, develop their skills and experience the camaraderie and excitement of performing as part of a working band.
Its October 11 debut brings the message of Sing the World Better off the movie screen and onto the stage.
“The pairing of this film with RockAbility feels incredibly appropriate,” Weber said. “Both are about what happens when we stop focusing on the ways people are different and instead create an environment where they can contribute, connect and make something beautiful together. Music has this remarkable ability to do that.”
The final festival program begins with Sing the World Better at 5 p.m. RockAbility West will perform at approximately 6 p.m., immediately following the film.
The event will be held at Chagrin Falls Intermediate School.
Tickets are $15 and include the film and RockAbility performance. Tickets may be purchased through the Chagrin Falls Documentary Film Festival.
About RockAbility
RockAbility is an inclusive music initiative of NPower Services that brings adult musicians with intellectual and developmental disabilities together with experienced musicians and mentors. Through rehearsals, live performances and community partnerships, RockAbility gives musicians opportunities to develop their talents, build relationships and experience the joy—and occasional controlled chaos—of making music together as a band.
About NPower Services
NPower Services creates inclusive opportunities that help adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities build meaningful lives and stronger connections within their communities. Its programming includes music, fitness, social opportunities, outdoor recreation, kindness and service initiatives, and other integrated experiences throughout Northeast Ohio.
EVENT AT A GLANCE
What: Sing the World Better followed by the debut performance of RockAbility West
When: Sunday, October 11, 2026
Film: 5 p.m.
RockAbility West: Approximately 6 p.m., immediately following the 44-minute film
Where: Chagrin Falls Intermediate School
Tickets: $15
Ticket Information: Chagrin Falls Documentary Film Festival (https://www.chagrinfilmfest.org/)
Media Contact:
Lori Weber
Founder, NPower Services
lori@npowerservices.com
440-479-1244