Kidz to Adultz Knowledge to Action Issue 23 The Autumn issue: Technology
Featuring: • A deaf-led charity making the arts accessible for all • Q&A with Georgia Bondy • Charity spotlight: The Rainbow Hub • Making music and adapting instruments • The charity using technology so Everyone Can game together • Chris Fonseca: Breaking barriers with SUBPAC technology
1
e s sit sit fer Vi eb l of r w cia ou pe rs fo
COMPLETE CARE COT PACKAGES – in stock and ready for delivery in 2 weeks A choice of 2 different specification of quality Padded Cot Bed solutions available for rapid delivery.
Package one: £5995
Package two: £7995
• 60cm high doors on one side
• 98cm high doors on one side
• W14 mattress – 90 x 170cm
• W14 mattress – 90 x 200cm
• KR3 – height adjustable and profiling platform
• KR3 – height adjustable and profiling platform
• Full height padding in Chieftain Koala with 2 clear soft windows (door 1 and door 4)
• Full height padding in Chieftain Dune with 2 clear soft windows (door 1 and door 4)
Padded Mascot Cot Bed
Padded Mascot Cot Bed
Padding colour
Padding colour KR3 sleeping platform
W14 mattress
Want to know more? Watch our video Liam Braddell, Theraposture Managing Director, explains all the unique benefits to Occupational Therapists and families...
Scan to watch:
Freephone now for fast-track cot delivery: 0800 834654
ISO 9001
BS OHSAS 18001:2007
Trading name of SN Registrars (Holdings) Ltd
8327
PRODUCT AWARDS
WINNER OF EXCELLENCE IN CARING
info@theraposture.co.uk www.theraposture.co.uk
YOUR INDEPENDENCE, OUR COMMITMENT Theraposture Limited, Kingdom Avenue, Northacre Industrial Park, Westbury, Wiltshire. BA13 4WE. Open: Monday – Friday, 8:30am–5:30pm. Answerphone messages can be left at all other times.
Proud to work with:
All Theraposture Cot Beds are fully compliant with BSEN50637 and BSEB60601-2-52 and come with a certificate of conformity.
Welcome!
to our latest issue
Autumn has arrived, the heating has come on, and the leaves have begun to adapt to the cold and change colour – so it seems right that our new edition is focused on innovation and how we can embrace technology. In this issue, we interview the founder of Well Adapt, an online platform all about providing resources for people with disabilities and sit down with the CEO of Stagetext to discuss how they’re making the arts more accessible.
We also hear from a charity opening up the world of video gaming, an orchestra embracing technology to adapt instruments, and feature a deaf dancer who feels the rhythm through vibrations. Plus, our what’s on guide is packed full of accessible events, para-sporting competitions, and the latest TV and film.
Carmel Hourigan Editor & Manager Kidz to Adults Exhibitions
Contents The charity using technology so Everyone Can game together
4
Charity spotlight: Rainbow Hub
8
What’s on?
14
Making music and adapting instruments
20
Q&A with Georgia Bond
24
Chris Fonseca: Breaking Barriers with SUBPAC technology
28
A deaf-led charity making the arts accessible for all
32
Find a funder: Ace Centre
34
Fancy being in the next issue? If you would like to talk to us about promoting your company or organisation in the next issue of Kidz to Adultz magazine, please call us on 0161 214 5959 or email us at magazine@disabledliving.co.uk The magazine disclaimer can be found online – www.kidzexhibitions.co.uk/disclaimer Kidz is a trademark registered to Disabled Living. Registered Charity Number 224742.
3
The charity using technology so Everyone Can game together By combining technology, training and gaming, Everyone Can helps improve and enrich the lives of disabled people. We pulled their General Manager, Jules away from his controller to tell us more about their innovative use of technology, how they’re making gaming more accessible, and why Minecraft is so popular! 4
Please introduce yourself and the charity to our readers My name is Jules and I’ve worked for the charity for over 20 years. Everyone Can is a charity based in Sale, Greater Manchester, serving the UK and beyond. We find solutions for those who find themselves excluded from video gaming and other computer technologies. From talking to shopping, from working to playing, technology has become an important part of life. However, instead of using technology to empower the lives of disabled people, many find themselves excluded from this integral and influential part of society. This exclusion is not by design, but often through the lack of it, as well as a lack of support and knowledge that could enable them to join in. Everyone Can designs and develops solutions that ensure disabled people are included. We even show how disabled people can play sideby-side with their non-disabled peers, through our inclusive gaming sessions.
Can you explain how you use technology? The technology that we use for a person often reflects the unique complexities of the person’s disability. We will often use current adapted technology such as Microsoft’s Xbox Adapted Controller, switches (buttons) that can be placed around the body to take advantage of any controlled movement a person has, and plug-in joysticks that can be placed in an accessible position. However, to play games which are designed to take advantage of how the controller is moved and controlled, we must think outside the box!
One example of how we adapt technology is how we help Amy, a teenage girl who has cerebral palsy that prevents her accessing the buttons and two joysticks found on a controller. Some of the games she would like to play involve using two joysticks, but Amy only has the range of movement needed in one arm and can only use a joystick in one place. To play the games she wants to, we designed a device that enables her to toggle the one joystick between the two needed.
How does this technology help? Gaming is fun. Gaming is liberating and gaming is social. This is why the video games industry is one of the biggest industries on the planet. We help disabled people take part in the most popular pastime out there. The social side of gaming is often overlooked by many. Millions of people play games online and they make friends whilst doing so, as communities base themselves around the games. We also run face-to-face gaming sessions. We run over 200 a year, where around 30 people will play the latest games on the latest consoles and computers. Some of the gamers need adapted controllers and some don’t. We have many people with neurodiverse conditions or learning disabilities at our sessions and what’s more, we actively encourage friends and families to play too as part of our unique and completely inclusive policy.
You also work with some big companies Our charity has spent nearly 50 years helping disabled people to gain access to computer technology and now we are placed at the forefront of giving them access to the world of video gaming.
“Gaming is fun. Gaming is liberating and gaming is social” 5
We are working with two of the largest technology companies, Google and Sony, to help the games industry better understand the barriers that some disabled people have when it comes to playing their games. We also work with colleges and universities to ensure tomorrow’s game developers think of accessibility as they design their games.
What’s the most popular game at Everyone Can? The most popular played at our gaming sessions is tricky to answer, as the games we have available are so diverse and so many. But I would say Minecraft, Mario Kart, Super Smash Bros have always been popular. Honestly, I could go on and on. The most asked for game when a person comes to us for the first time, having never been able to play a game before, tends to be one that their siblings like to play, or a friend at school, or a well-known title such as Minecraft. It’s like asking a person who has never tasted food before what is your favourite dish,
“If a person can’t play a game because they aren’t able to work a standard controller, we’ll design one that they can use”
they need to try the games before they find their own favourites. Often, we find an initial solution for them to play the game they have in mind, and then over time their controller will develop as well. So too will their taste in games as they try others and find the genre and titles that they, as an individual, like to play the most.
What’s your favourite game? My favourite is Sea of Thieves and Age of Empires 2. I try to push these games at our gaming sessions so I can play them too, but often without success!
Find out more about Everyone Can at www.everyonecan.org.uk You can book their child gaming sessions (aged five to eighteen) and adult gaming sessions online at www.everyonecan.org.uk/ what-we-do/gaming-sessions 6
Charity Spotlight
Rainbow Hub is making every day, a life changing day Since 2001, Rainbow Hub has supported as many as 85 families each week, helping children to reach their full potential and gain more independence through fun, hands-on activities, while giving their parents the vital support they deserve. Rainbow Hub provides therapeutic services and support to children and young people with physical disabilities and movement disorders caused by neurological conditions or brain injury. The charity goes above and beyond to improve the physical, social, and emotional well-being of children through specialist therapies including conductive education and rebound therapy, together with developing communication skills. Complex needs are also supported by advocating for services and funding equipment such as defibrillators and rehabilitation devices. 8
Their motto, ‘No small victories’, captures the essence of Rainbow Hub’s mission. It reflects their commitment to recognising and celebrating the accomplishments of children with disabilities, no matter how big or small. The charity understands that for these children, every achievement is a significant step towards a brighter future.
The charity also recognises how difficult life can be for the families and provides a support service to help with completing forms and signposting other services. They even hold family events and days out so that families can relax with other people who understand how they feel. They’re based in Mawdesley, Lancashire at a purpose-built site which offers a picturesque country escape with a family first approach. It’s safe, friendly, and accessible to all. In July this year the team at Rainbow Hub celebrated the success of their planning application to build a school for special educational needs children at their Mawdesley location. Rainbow Hub School will be an independent special school for children with neuro-disabilities including cerebral palsy. Lyndsay Fahey, CEO of Rainbow Hub, told us: ‘We are delighted that the application has been successful and cannot wait for work to start. There are many more months of planning to come but it is a very exciting time for us all. This development will allow us to extend the good work we already do in conductive education and our specialist nursery.’ Building work has now started and will be completed in June 2024. They now have their OFSTED registration and can offer places in their existing building for children aged five to eleven years, and when fully open, the school will offer places for children aged five to sixteen years. If you’re interested in knowing more about the facilities and curriculum offered by the school, please contact Head Teacher, Martyn Berry at m.berry@ rainbowhub.org.
The Rainbow Hub also has a nursery for special needs children, which aims to give little ones aged two to five years the opportunity to develop, be happy and make friends with other children who have similar challenges. Sarah Dobson’s three-year-old son Jax, who has autism and physical disabilities, found an incredibly supportive environment at the Rainbow Hub Nursery. He’s improved his communication, engaged in play, and made friends. The nursery even provided equipment to help him interact with his peers and built a special toy garage. Sarah says, ‘I’ve never experienced such genuine care and understanding for all my little boy’s needs. I was absolutely blown away how quickly Jax settled and can tell he feels so safe and secure in the care of all the staff. This has been key to his progression.’
If you would like more information about the Rainbow Hub and/or an assessment of your child’s needs, you can call 01704 823276 or visit www.rainbowhub.org/ 9
Hibi: A care app designed specifically for parents of children with additional needs This article was written by Sam Milliken-Smith, Founder of Hibi.
At Hibi, we’re on a mission to ensure that every family caring for a child has the support they need. We’ve built a mobile and web app specifically for parents and carers of children with additional needs. We designed Hibi with hundreds of families and care professionals – and we’re now so excited to release our app. 10
Promotional Content
”I’m Sam, and I co-founded Hibi – and here is why. Behind every child, there is a family working to manage, coordinate and navigate care. Parents often manage, store and share huge amounts of information, including medications, documents, appointments, symptoms and more. They also navigate
a fragmented system split across health, education and social care organisations. The result is an experience that can be overwhelming, isolating and complex.”
on the same page with a shared understanding of your child and their care.
Here at Hibi we have built a platform to provide support to families and help parents feel in control.
It has always been crucial that the platform was co-designed with families and professionals and this collaborative process has been at the centre of building Hibi from the start. We’d love for you to try out a free trial of Hibi and let us know any thoughts and feedback you have. You can find us on both the Apple and Android app stores.
Our app provides families with: 1. Care management tools – to store, track and share care information across your team. 2. Personalised guidance – tailored content to support you in understanding and navigating the complex health, education and social care systems. We understand the vast amount of people involved in the care of a child with additional needs, including family, friends and professionals. That’s why we’ve designed Hibi to be collaborative – the app allows you to invite others to the platform so you can all be
To build something that can help as many families as possible, we want to learn from as many as possible. So please do get in touch and share what we’re doing with others’ as well as care organisations in your network, this is hugely appreciated. Find out more about Hibi at www.hibi.health
Promotional Content
11
12
Scotia Cot Let the Scotia lift your baby to you. Traditional cot whilst maintaining the functionality needed for care
I can pick the baby up and place the baby back down myself, which is massively important to me
It’s changed my life
It enables me to scoop him out the cot and on to my lap safely and independently It’s such a good invennon for me, a disabled mum
Thank you so much for your amazing and impaccul equipment!
Life Changing I didn’t realise there was a cot in the market that would allow me to nurse a baby. This means I can have a child.
Fully profiling bed that turns Independent leg movement From toddler to teen www.centrobed.com e: sales@centrobed.com t: 012333 635353
Jeffrey Boakye
What’s on?
Events Jeffrey Boakye: Kofi and the Rap Battle Summer Southbank Centre, London Friday 27 October, 2pm For Kofi, music is everything. He’s always on the lookout for ways to earn some extra money, but can he sell a music magazine at school and stay out of trouble? Take a trip back to the 90s in this fun interactive game show-style event – and learn how to write your very own rap lyrics at the same time. This event is British Sign Language interpreted.
London Zoo BSL Tours Regent’s Park, London Wednesday 15 November, 11.15am & 2.15pm Join a tour of London Zoo led by Deaf presenter John Wilson. He’ll use British Sign Language to teach you more about the amazing animals, including lions, giraffes and penguins, and their global conservation work. The tours are free to attend but need to be pre-booked.
14
Operation Ouch! Food, Poo and You Museum of Science and Industry, Manchester Sunday 19 November, 2.30-5pm From the tip of the tongue to the end of the bum, explore the role of each organ in the digestive journey through interactive games and challenges, fun facts and fascinating objects from the museum collection. This is a relaxed session and will have a smaller capacity, with adjusted sound levels throughout the exhibition and additional sensory activities to enjoy.
Awareness Get Online Week 16-22 October Disability History Month 16 November-16 December Captioning Awareness Week 13-17 November
Podcasts Access All: Disability News and Mental Health – Is ChatGPT a disability ally? In this episode Nikki Fox is joined by Paul Carter from Click, the BBC’s programme exploring the latest tech innovations. After an AI chatbot ‘plays the disability card’ and tells a human it’s visually impaired, they discuss whether Artificial Intelligence can be developed and used in a way that is accessible and inclusive.
The Unsyted Radio Whether you’re a Disabled gamer, an engineer working on an accessibility device or an advocate creating a more diverse and inclusive world, this podcast has been made for you. Previous episodes include an interview with a blind magician and comic book writer, a chat with the co-founders of Disabled Girls Who Lift, and a series focusing on guide dogs.
Books Bear: A Story of Autism and Difference
Sitting Pretty: The View from My Ordinary Resilient Disabled Body
by Val Jones, with illustrations by Leanne Coelho Join Bear on a heart-warming journey of self-discovery, autism understanding and appreciation by the other bears. The message of universal acceptance for all resonates throughout this delightful and award-winning story, and helps children understand about autism.
by Rebekah Taussig A memoir from disability advocate Rebekah Taussig who grew up longing for stories that allowed disability to be complex and ordinary, uncomfortable, painful, and fulfilling. Rebekah processes a lifetime of memories to paint a beautiful, nuanced portrait of a body that looks and moves differently than most.
15
Photo: Jack Ehlen
Theatre High Time and Dirty Monsters
Matilda The Musical
Derby Theatre, Derby Tuesday 14-Wednesday 15 November, 7pm A brand-new hip hop Theatre show exploring the highs and lows of Deaf, Disabled and Neurodivergent young adults in contemporary Britain. The stories are told by a collective of actors, beatboxers, and dancers with creative captioning, integrated sign language and integrated audio description.
Cambridge Theatre, London Saturday 18 November, 2.30pm This multi-award-winning musical is the story of an extraordinary little girl who, armed with a vivid imagination and a sharp mind, dares to take a stand and change her own destiny. This performance is British Sign Language interpreted. The interpreter stands to the side of the stage, so please contact their box office to book a seat with a clear view.
The Whispering Jungle The Lowry, Salford Sunday 12 November, 11am & 1.30pm Bringing together colourful puppets, sensory play and ASMR in an immersive, multi-sensory theatre production for young audiences with learning disabilities. Come and help the animals of the rainforest rebuild their house and realise that home is where you’re with your family.
16
The Little Big Things Soho Place Theatre, London Thursday 9 November, 7.30pm Henry Fraser adapted to a new life as a tetraplegic and wheelchair user after a diving accident in 2009. This uplifting and colourful new musical is based on his autobiography and is a life-affirming reminder about the transformative power of family. This is a captioned performance.
TV Amputating Alice Channel 4 An inspiring documentary following Paralympic Champion swimmer Alice Tai as she undergoes an amputation and then races to be ready for the 2022 Commonwealth Games, where she goes on to win gold.
Tommy Jessop Goes to Hollywood BBC iPlayer Tommy is an award-winning actor and has starred in high-profile TV programmes and short films. Now he wants to be a leading man, but the roles aren’t being offered to him. Tommy wants to show that people with Down’s syndrome can play heroes and so he decides to take matters into his own hands.
Perfect UKTV Play An irreverent comedy following three young wheelchair users on their quest for jobs and love. After meeting at a pointless work preparation scheme for Disabled people, together they must navigate life, love and a system designed to only benefit those who run it.
The Great British Bake Off Channel 4 Bake Off is back and for the first time ever a deaf contestant has entered the tent. Tasha, 27, is a participation officer from Bristol and is joined by her British Sign Language interpreter, Daryl. Judges Paul Hollywood and Prue Leith, along with hosts Alison Hammond and Noel Fielding, have started to learn BSL so that they can give her feedback.
Film Champions 12A Inspired by a true story, this hilarious and heartwarming film features Woody Harrelson as a reluctant coach for a team of Disabled basketball players known as the Friends. All of the Friends are played by Disabled performers - some who are actors, some who were athletes at the Special Olympics, and others who make their big screen debut!
17
We are Schuchmann. For 40 years have we have been working to help make everyday life a little easier for disabled children and teens. We are a team of more than 160 specialists that produces and distributes outstanding innovative therapy equipment with technical precision and a love of detail. It is a matter close to our hearts to support children with individual requirements as optimally as possible – using products which are just as individual as you are.
schuchmann.co.uk
For more quality of life.
Whether sitting, walking or standing – our aids accompany and support you in everyday life.
madita-fun.
marcy.
till.
Making music and adapting instruments Drake Music are a charity dedicated to creating and facilitating opportunities for Disabled people of all ages to engage in high-quality music-making. They celebrate uniqueness and love using new technologies and ideas to open up access to music so that everyone’s talents can be fostered and enjoyed. Project Manager and Associate Musician Dav Shiel, spoke to us about Drake Music’s work, their innovative use of technology, and exciting OrchLab Project. 20
Can you tell us about the technology you use? We use a variety of different technologies to remove some of the disabling barriers people might face when making music. To name just a few, we use the Soundbeam, which allows people to play beautiful scales and chords with the tiniest of movements of any part of the body or head, and we also use iPads with a variety of brilliant music apps such as Thumbjam and Garageband.
Tell us about your OrchLab project The project is run in partnership with the London Philharmonic Orchestra, and we are in the eighth year of working together. OrchLab supports music-making and music appreciation with Disabled adults. We do this through workshops, accessible instruments and technology, bespoke web activities, training and events.
“We value innovation, the potential of new technology and the skills of the musicians we have the privilege of working with”
OrchLab also includes the development of brand-new accessible instruments, which we design and build in response to our OrchLab Community Partner participants’ access needs. Recently we’ve been adapting classical instruments such as the trombone and the oboe, to make them more accessible for Disabled people. Importantly, OrchLab instruments are open source in design in the hope that they can be added to a national resource library where instrument developers can be inspired by them to create more accessible instruments.
Each year we work with two Community Partner organisations such as care homes and day centres. They take part in OrchLab workshops throughout the year, receive training on OrchLab web resources, and work with us on tailored legacy plans for the future of their music-making. In the workshops, participants create music with members of the London Philharmonic Orchestra, inspired by the Orchestra’s live recordings. We use recorded samples, assistive technology, iPad apps and traditional instruments. In this way, participants immerse themselves in the Orchestra’s music, while making it their own. Photos: James Tye
21
You also work with young musicians. Why is it important for children and young people to have access to music? Opportunities for young people to make music together are key to learning and developing as a musician. It’s also about having fun, developing new skills, and enjoying different experiences. There are many established opportunities for non-disabled young people to make music in groups like joining a youth orchestra, but often these groups and ensembles are not accessible to young Disabled people. For example, some may not offer accessible tech like iPads to be used as instruments, or they may require the use of musical scores. We encourage and support the music education sector to make their whole offer inclusive so they can support a diverse range of young people. One of the ways we do this is through Inclusive Ensembles. We work in partnership with other music organisations to create new approaches to group musicmaking, with access built in from the start. These ensembles include Young DaDa Ensemble, Soundbox in Tower Hamlets, and Essex Music Hub’s Inclusion Collective.
“Recently we’ve been adapting classical instruments such as the trombone and the oboe, to make them more accessible for Disabled people.”
Drake Music run a range of projects and offer opportunities and commissions. Find out more at drakemusic.org Find out more about Orchlab and explore their free music resources at orchlab.org
22 Photos: James Tye
Tailor-made safe living spaces and beds for people with complex needs
Versatile, strong environments for safe sleep and relaxation. Ideal for high or low sensory use and the promotion of behaviour self management. Regularly funded through the DFG.
All our products are designed and made to meet the needs of individual or multiple users.
Home At Keeping Families Together
Schools In Strong, comfortable and safe high sided beds designed to meet varying nursing needs. Can be used with hoist.
Supporting Inclusion
I
ospital H s n Enabling Treatment for Acute Conditions
Quick assembly safe travel beds for holidays, respite & trips away from home.
Contact our expert team for purchase, rental and funding options. Call 01706 816274 or email info@safespaces.co.uk Visit our website for our full product range
Join our free CPD Sessions! Contact us for more info
SAFESPACES.CO.UK
23
QA &
with Georgia Bondy Georgia Bondy is the innovator behind Well Adapt, an online platform which aims to provide mental health and physical exercise resources to people with disabilities, chronic health conditions, learning and physical differences. Georgia sat down with KtoA Magazine to share their experience with exercise and meditation, how this emboldened her to create Well Adapt, and the importance of accessibility. 24
Tell us about yourself I’m Georgia (she/they), the founder of Well Adapt. The platform is all about helping people navigate life with chronic health conditions and disabilities. Most importantly, it’s built by people who have lived with chronic health conditions and intimately understand the challenges involved in building a life you love when you have difficult symptoms or new physical limitations. For years before and after I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis and Ehlers Danlos syndromes, I had worsening physical and mental health that contributed to each other in horrible cycles. I was offered NHS talking therapies but with poor mobility and crushing fatigue, I regularly failed to attend my appointments. Doctors told me that physical exercise would help but couldn’t tell me how to do it without causing debilitating flare-ups. Eventually, I found mindfulness meditation that I could do at home whenever I was feeling up to it. The skills I learned were invaluable but nevertheless, it was imperfect. Mindfulness apps asked things of me that my body couldn’t do, and it made me feel terribly alone. Exercise was also still out of reach; on a memorable Sunday, a single Pilates class left me bed bound for a week. A few years after that disastrous Pilates class, I was creating my own mindfulness meditation practice and my improved mental health gave me the confidence to attend a pole class with an instructor that
“Disabled people like myself have been problem solving their way to better physical and mental wellbeing as long as disability has existed” also had hypermobile joints. She taught me to exercise safely, and I have rarely been more grateful to a human being. I have been pole dancing ever since!
What is Well Adapt? Disabled people like myself have been problem solving their way to better physical and mental wellbeing as long as disability has existed. So much wellbeing knowledge exists in the disabled community, and I want to share it with as many people as I can. That is what Well Adapt is all about. It’s a place where you can find courses and community support to answer questions like ‘How do I deal with the emotional impact of having my week turned upside down by unpredictable symptom flare-ups?’ or ‘How do I even approach exercising with chronic fatigue?’
Your resources are available online. Why is this important? Having our resources available online is a game-changer. It means you can access our courses and community from the comfort of your home, at any time that suits you. This flexibility is crucial for people like me who might have unpredictable health days. Being online also means we can put accessibility at the heart of what we do. 25
Our website has screen reader compatibility for those with visual impairments. Our courses come in multiple formats, including video, transcripts, and audio, so everyone can engage with the content. We also have a strong focus on user feedback to continually improve accessibility. For us, it’s not just a checkbox; it’s about making sure everyone feels welcome and included in our community.
Find out more and get involved We’re looking for disabled, neurodivergent, and chronically ill people to beta test our mindfulness meditation resources. Not only will you get a first look at them for free, it will also give you a chance to let us know what works and what doesn’t work for you. That way we can incorporate your experience into the launch. You can take part by visiting well-adapt.com. There you can also find more information about the courses and keep up to date with news.
Well Adapt is award-winning Georgia was a recipient of Innovate UK’s 20222023 Young Innovator Awards for her work with Well Adapt. Innovate UK support and celebrate young entrepreneurs with groundbreaking business ideas. The winners are tackling some of our most pressing environmental, economic, and societal challenges. Well Adapt was also awarded a Silver in the 2022 AXA Startup Angel competition. Georgia told The Evening Standard, who provide mentoring and a digital advertising campaign as part of the prize, that it “comes at a really great time.”
26
“So much wellbeing knowledge exists in the disabled community, and I want to share it with as many people as I can”
Chris Fonseca: Breaking Barriers with SUBPAC technology In a world that often isn’t accessible for d/Deaf people, professional dancer and choreographer Chris Fonseca is determined to share his passion for movement. In a break between choreographing a new brand-new accessible show and performing in a BSL-led cabaret event at Shakespeare’s Globe, we caught up with Chris to find out what inspires him, how he uses ground-breaking technology, and what advice he would give young deaf dancers. 28
“The ways in which individuals on the deaf spectrum experience and connect with music are diverse.”
Hi Chris. Can you tell us about yourself and what dance means to you? I’m Chris Fonseca, born and raised in the heart of southeast London. I’m a dance artist, choreographer, teacher, actor, and presenter. Dancing is my stress relief. It allows me to release tension and frustration, and is therapeutic through movement, helping me return to a state of calm and well-being. Additionally, it allows me to express myself creatively with passion.
“Breaking barriers by doing what I love hasn’t been an easy ride.”
Why did you start dancing? I began dancing during my teenage years, at the age of twelve or thirteen - I had been quite active as a child. It was my aunt who recommended that I watch the classic 1984 street dance movie Breakin’. As soon as I first saw dancer and actor Michael ‘Boogaloo Shrimp’ Chambers move, I knew that I was fascinated with dancing. I love the movements in various street dance styles and how they inspired me to dance visually.
Can you explain how you feel the music and what technology you use to enhance your experience as a deaf dancer? The vibrations of the music ripple like water, and I ground myself by firmly planting my feet on the floor, allowing the energy to flow from my toes to my head. Before I begin moving, it’s important for me to grasp the structure of the music. The ways in which individuals on the deaf spectrum experience and connect with music are diverse. Speaking from my personal experience, my relationship with music is unique. I have a cochlear implant in my left ear, which is a tool that doesn’t transmit all the same frequencies as natural hearing. As a result, I am unable to fully perceive music in the same way. However, by simultaneously listening and feeling the music, I have trained my neurotransmitters to discern the beats I want to dance to within the layers of the music.
I also sometimes use a SUPBAC when dancing. Wearing this enhances my experience and enables me to identify intricate beats and comprehend layers when creating choreography. It provides a better understanding of musicality, allowing me, as a deaf person, to absorb and enjoy music. 29
What is SUBPAC? What advice would you give to a young deaf person who wants to pursue dance? Breaking barriers by doing what I love hasn’t been an easy ride. I’ve spent years creating my own formula and finding the right recipe for overcoming my journey – the 3 Ps. I want to share them with you all: Passion - Having passion is energy, something you’ve always been obsessed with, fuelling your self-motivation, and leading you towards your purpose. Persistence - Being persistent is what makes the impossible possible in any circumstance, always pushing through with determination that exceeds doubt. Patience - Patience is key. Trusting the process and understanding that achieving the results you’ve always wanted takes time. Focus on your ability, not your disability. Discover more about Chris and his work at www.chrisfonseca.co He is currently choreographing a new brand-new accessible Theatre show, High Times and Dirty Monsters. You can find out more about the show in our What’s On section.
30
SUBPAC is a wearable de vice that transforms audio into low -frequency vibrations that the weare r can feel on their body. The vibra tions then pulse through bones to the inner ear and are sensed as hear ing. This incredible technolog y allows Chris and many other me mbers of the d/Deaf community to experience music in a new way – th rough physical sensations. Ac ting almost like surround sound for the body, SUBPAC means he can immerse himself in the rhythm an d beats.
Talk About FROM BLADDER & BOWEL UK
Advice, personal stories and practical tips in your inbox from the UK's leading bladder and bowel charitable service for children and adults.
Subscribe for free at
www.bbuk.org.uk Bladder & Bowel UK, Part of Disabled Living, Registered Charity No: 224742 31
A deaf-led charity making the arts accessible for all 12 million people in the UK are deaf, deafened or hard of hearing. That means one in five of us rely on subtitles and captions to experience the joy of live theatre, to take guided tours around museums, or to see our favourite authors speak at festivals. Stagetext makes those experiences possible, and their CEO Melaine Sharpe, spoke with us about their groundbreaking history and exciting future plans. We were set up more than 20 years ago by three friends, all with different types of deafness, who attended the first ever captioned show in the UK, Anthony and Cleopatra at the Barbican in 1999. This first experience of what accessibility could look like unlocked something wonderful. They wanted to share their transformative experience with deaf audiences all over the 32
country and realised they would probably need to take matters into their own hands and do it themselves. Using our two decades of experience, we employ the latest technology and set the highest standards in access, to give everyone a complete and equal experience of the arts. Last year, Stagetext worked with 238 cultural
organisations across the UK and made over 1,100 performances, talks, tours and digital works accessible. We use bespoke software developed specifically for captioning which controls dot matrix LED caption units housed on large screens, so all audience members can enjoy the show alongside each other. For live performances such as theatre shows we use pre-prepared captions which are then cued live by a theatre captioner. For Q&A’s and other unscripted events, a speech-to-text reporter will create live subtitles in real-time. We’ve also teamed up with museums like the Wellcome Collection and the V&A, and even Buckingham Palace, to provide training and support in their efforts to increase access to the arts. We help with live captioning on tablets for exhibition tours and we provide captions for their online events, talks and videos. Our work enables deaf people to engage in the arts with their friends and family and have an equal experience to those around them. It can be life changing. When I first experienced theatre with captions it was such a transformative experience. I used to
A live subtitled tour guide by Stagetext at the Wellcome Collection
get headaches or zone out sometimes when I couldn’t follow what was being said, so this brought me back to the room and enabled me to fully enjoy theatre again. We have captioning awareness week coming up on 13-17 November. We are still in planning mode at the moment, but we usually have lots of captioned events across the UK to celebrate and raise awareness of the need for more captions at arts and cultural events. Excitingly, we’ve just moved from London to our new home at the Mercury Theatre in Colchester. We’ll be working closely with a wide range of cultural and heritage organisations in the region, so that more people can enjoy being part of the thriving arts scene on offer in the South East. By joining forces with the Mercury, both organisations will work together to put access at the heart of our creative processes and everything we do. Find out more about Stagetext at www.stagetext.org You can also explore their What’s On guide for captioned events around the UK at www.stagetext.org/whats-on
“One in five of us rely on subtitles and captions to experience the joy of live theatre”
33
Find a Funder
Ace Centre Providing Assistive Technology (AT) and Augmentative and Alternative Communication services (AAC) What does the Ace Centre do?
How do they help?
Ace Centre is a charity dedicated to empowering individuals with communication disabilities. They provide specialised support, including assistive technology (AT) and therapy, to enable people to communicate, connect, and lead more fulfilling lives. Ace Centre breaks down communication barriers and fosters inclusivity and accessibility.
Ace Centre’s approach with research, funding, and advice is a real game-changer. They dig deep to understand needs, offer expert advice, and create personalised solutions for those with communication disabilities. Their services also include practical solutions to help in communication such as alphabet and symbol charts, AAC including their Text Aloud app and customisable digital pragmatic organisation dynamic displays (PODD).
Why is this important? People with communication disabilities often experience feelings of isolation and encounter obstacles in society. Ace Centre help those people gain access to the tools they need to communicate, connect with others, and regain their independence. They are also working to fight the stigma associated with these disabilities. 34
People Ace Centre support Meet Olive 4-year-old Olive is deaf with double cochlear implants. She also has cerebral palsy which restricts her movement, meaning she struggles to use sign language. Olive has not
let this hinder her progress; as her mum Jenny says, ‘Olive is a total communicator and she’ll use any means necessary.’ She started with early access to sign language, symbols and switches and has progressed to a two-page opening 40 keyword PODD book. Meet Paul Paul suffered a brain stem stroke aged 42 and is now paralysed and cared for by his wife Vicky. He talks openly about his struggles saying, ‘not being able to communicate to those around you can be everything from frustrating to dangerous’. He goes on to talk about his journey with Ace Centre: ‘Ace Centre assured me that they would give me back the power of speech. Sure enough, their knowledge of what was available and their ability to listen to my specific needs has meant that now I have access to a Grid Pad with a combination of a Quha head mouse and bespoke finger switch.’
Would you benefit from their help? You can call their advice line on 0800 080 3115 and they’ll connect you with a member of the Ace Centre admin team, who will put you in touch with a clinical colleague as soon as possible. You can also email enquiries@acecentre.org.uk. Ace Centre also offer independent interdisciplinary assessments to identify appropriate AT and AAC resources, and support with NHS England referrals. You can make an online enquiry at www.acecentre.org.uk/services/assessments.
35
Disabled Living
Who we are & what we do: Disabled Living
A charity which provides impartial information and advice about products, equipment (assistive technology) and services for disabled children, adults, older people, carers and the professionals who support them. We have a range of services which you can access via our helpline, through the website or at our Kidz to Adultz exhibitions.
www.disabledliving.co.uk
Equipz
The team comprises occupational therapists, trusted assessors, moving and handling specialists, physiotherapists, nurses and continence specialists. We respond to enquiries via our helpline and website. Some people opt to visit the Disabled Living Centre based in Manchester for a free equipment assessment.
Helpline: 0161 214 4590 | www.disabledliving.co.uk/equipment
Bladder & Bowel UK
The team provide information and advice for children, young people and adults with bladder and bowel problems. We provide a confidential helpline managed by a team of specialist nurses and knowledgeable information staff. In addition, the website offers a wide range of downloadable free resources.
Helpline: 0161 214 4591 | www.bbuk.org.uk
Kidz to Adultz
We organise the largest FREE UK exhibitions totally dedicated to disabled children, young adults, their families, carers and the professionals who support them, with over 100 exhibitors at each event. We currently deliver five events nationally in Coventry, Farnborough, Newport, Edinburgh and Manchester.
www.kidzexhibitions.co.uk
Training
We run a comprehensive training programme for professionals and carers. Most of our courses are accredited by Open Awards and others provide CPD opportunities. Our training courses can be ‘tailor made’ to suit your organisations requirements and can be delivered throughout the UK.
www.disabledliving.co.uk/training
