Speaking through music: Me and my non-verbal sister - a podcast by BBC World Service

Jane is Ian Brennan’s older sister. She has Down’s syndrome and is largely non-verbal but the two of them have communicated through music their whole lives. Ian has shared that knowledge with communities around the world, travelling the globe looking for music in unexpected places. He’s worked with Tuareg musicians in the Sahara desert, people who are homeless in California and prisoners in Malawi – often making records with people who have never even touched an instrument before. But he came home to the US earlier this year to make his most personal album yet – with his sister and her community. Their album is titled 'Who You Calling Slow?' by The Sheltered Workshop Singers.

Presenter: Jo FidgenProducer: Troy Holmes and Sophie Eastaugh

Picture: Ian and Jane Brennan as childrenCredit: Courtesy of Ian Brennan

Further episodes of Lives Less Ordinary

Further podcasts by BBC World Service

Website of BBC World Service