Karl Jackson Profile:
I am Karl Jackson, founder of Specialization Unlimited, a nonprofit organization dedicated to bringing music to everyone through innovation and adaptation. Our mission is to help those who have been labeled disabled transform their limitations into specializations.
My journey is a testament to resilience and adaptability, starting with my childhood love for music. At 12, a hit-and-run accident left me with significant physical challenges, including a form of palsy affecting my left hand. Despite predictions that I would never walk again or regain use of my left hand, I persevered.
With the support of the Shriners Hospitals for Children, I underwent surgeries that improved my mobility and reduced pain. This experience instilled in me a deep desire to give back and help others facing similar challenges.
While my passion for music remained a constant, my path led me through various fields. I pursued an education in Agricultural Sciences, earning the equivalent of a two-year degree, and completed two years of Industrial Chemistry courses before working in the laboratory for two years. My thirst for knowledge and hands-on experience led me to apprentice under a master brewer, where my mead recipes won medals at the Winemaker International Competition.
I also started a homestead farm on a one-acre plot, growing enough produce to feed my family and community through the pandemic. Despite these achievements, something was missing—it wasn't the music. Throughout these years, I kept my musical spirit alive as best I could, transitioning from clarinet and saxophone to harmonica, hand drum, and playing the ocarina at faires, where I also ran a weaving business specializing in teaching the lost art of weaving. Yet, it still wasn't the music that fulfilled my deepest passion.
Discouraged from pursuing music education by those who believed it would be impossible to teach me, I finally found my calling after developing a unique technique for playing the ukulele with one hand. This breakthrough allowed me to return to my true passion and share it with others. I began teaching my adaptive method, proving that with innovation and determination, anything is possible.
In 2023, I launched my music career with a "Grass Roots" style tour, performing at multiple open mics across the country. This tour provided me the opportunity to showcase my unique playing style and connect with diverse audiences. Some highlights from the tour include:
➡️ Performing at the Three Rivers Community Players 50th Cabaret
➡️ Participating in open mics across the country from Kalamazoo, Houston, Chicago, to New Orleans
➡️ Shared jam Sessions with renowned musicians such as Jake Shimabukuro and Frank Catena (Venom), and Corky Siegel
➡️ Leading a masterclass at the Midwest Ukulele & Harmonica Camp
➡️ Performing at Mighty Uke Day and the Aurora Uke Fest
➡️ Playing with the house band at Stevie Ray’s Blues Bar
As part of my mission with Specialization Unlimited, I am dedicated to empowering music educators by teaching them the basics of my one-handed ukulele playing technique. Through specialized workshops and master classes, I equip teachers with the skills and confidence to adapt their methods to accommodate students with physical disabilities. By demonstrating innovative techniques and fostering an inclusive mindset, I strive to eliminate the phrase "That's impossible to teach" from their vocabulary.
This approach broadens the horizons of music education, ensuring that every student, regardless of their abilities, can experience the joy and empowerment that music brings. Specialization Unlimited was born out of my desire to share the joy of music with everyone, regardless of their physical abilities. Our organization focuses on transforming limitations into specializations, providing adaptive music education and fostering a supportive community for individuals with disabilities.
Through Specialization Unlimited, I aim to continue my journey of helping others find their voice in music, breaking down barriers, and proving that with innovation and determination, anything is possible.
Donate to Specialization Unlimited
Your contributions help keep our specialized music education free for all.
Link: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=S73MFDUZX8FLA
Help Us Amplify the Mission!
From January 11th to April 5th, Specialization Unlimited’s Winter Outreach Mission will journey from Chicago to Louisville and beyond, reaching musicians and communities across the South. Every contribution fuels our goal of bringing adaptive music education and connection to those often left out of the musical conversation. Your support is tax-deductible and helps bridge gaps in accessibility, understanding, and support for musicians with disabilities.
Mission Overview:
This winter, we’re taking Specialization Unlimited’s message of inclusion and adaptive music on a cycling journey with Stevie Ray’s Blues Bar in Louisville as our central gathering point. By connecting directly with the music community and stopping to perform, teach, and meet with local advocates, our goal is to share the power of music as a means of transformation and opportunity for people of all abilities.
Support Needed:
Specialization Unlimited operates as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, so every donation is tax-deductible. Contributions go directly toward:
1- Travel and Equipment Needs – Keeping the journey safe and our gear road-ready. Bike trailer, spare parts, and maintenance costs to ensure reliable travel.
2- Basic Living and Accommodation – Supporting essential expenses on the road. Food, occasional motels, and campground fees to sustain us on this 12-week journey.
3- Community Outreach and Documentation – Sharing the impact and building community. Education kits, pamphlets, video documentation, and mobile connectivity for updates.
4- Emergency Health and Unexpected Needs – Ensuring safe and steady travel. Medical coverage, emergency lodging, and additional security for unplanned needs.
Itemized Cost Breakdown:
To give you a clearer picture of how each donation will be put to work, here’s an outline of our key budget needs:
1- $1,400 – Bike trailer, repairs, and gear maintenance.
2- $2,360 – Daily food, lodging, and emergency needs.
3- $450 – Mobile connectivity and video documentation to keep you updated.
4- $300 – Health insurance and emergency care.
5- $350 – Outreach materials and music gear maintenance.
6- $100 – Online fundraiser fees and transaction costs.
Total Funding Goal: $5,060
Join Us in Making a Difference
By supporting Specialization Unlimited, you’re helping reshape the world of music to be more inclusive, accessible, and adaptive. Your generosity will make this journey possible, fueling each mile we travel, every song we play, and each connection we make. Whether it’s through a one-time gift or ongoing support, your contribution helps us bring music to everyone, everywhere. Donate Today.
OUR PARTNERS
https://www.myamoeukuleles.com/
https://www.facebook.com/UkuleleProsthetics/
Contact
Feel free to contact us if you have any questions.
Bringing Music to Everyone Through Innovation and Adaptation. We assist those that have lost use of a hand to learn to adapt do they can play a stringed instrument. Helping those who have been labeled disabled with the transformation of their limitations into their specializations.
Email: karl@specializationunlimited.com
Website: www.specializationunlimited.com
