I'm thinking of starting a theater group for people with mild to moderate physical disabilities aged 18-35. Here's why, in my experience with theater there are very few places for youth performers to express and further their talents,especially for those of us who have visible disabilities i.e those of us who use mobility aides. I often feel that people visible disabilities who don't have mental impairments are pushed aside in these disability related groups because the definition of disability has widened so much in the last few years. I'v worked with groups(not only theater but support groups and camps) where everybody in the disability minority is included and in the process each disability group doesn't get enough attention and some of the accessibly needs are not met because every one is lumped together too much, instead of too little. That's what I mean by being pushed aside. I'v seen this many times so I know it is true. I am also disappointed when I see theater groups for disabled being run by people who are able bodied. I thought the best way for me to fix these issues would be to start something of my own. It would be called "Only those who limp." To be in the group a person could be any race,gender, sex, etc but you must have a physical disability to act in it.
Some of these disabilities would be for example:
Cerebral Palsy.
Muscle disorders.
Spinal disorders and injuries.
Missing limps.
Blindness/low vision
Hearing impairments.
The group would have readings and small performances. Scripts written by disabled playwrights would be highly preferred but not mandatory. Some people have asked me why I don't want to include quote on quote 'everybody" One of the reasons is at this point I simply don't have the resources or know-how to include people with mental impairments,types of autism, or very severely disabled in a way that would be enjoyable and safe for them. In addition to that I'v seen groups that only focus on one area of disability such as blindness,deafness,Down Syndrome etc so what could be wrong with starting a group that focuses mainly on visible motor disabilities in the same way? Plus audience members can be of any and every ability.
Any thoughts on my idea?
Some of these disabilities would be for example:
Cerebral Palsy.
Muscle disorders.
Spinal disorders and injuries.
Missing limps.
Blindness/low vision
Hearing impairments.
The group would have readings and small performances. Scripts written by disabled playwrights would be highly preferred but not mandatory. Some people have asked me why I don't want to include quote on quote 'everybody" One of the reasons is at this point I simply don't have the resources or know-how to include people with mental impairments,types of autism, or very severely disabled in a way that would be enjoyable and safe for them. In addition to that I'v seen groups that only focus on one area of disability such as blindness,deafness,Down Syndrome etc so what could be wrong with starting a group that focuses mainly on visible motor disabilities in the same way? Plus audience members can be of any and every ability.
Any thoughts on my idea?
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