The View from Where I Sit

Tag: cultural

  • The Disability Arts Movement

    The Disability Arts Movement is a cultural and political movement that advocates for the rights, representation, and inclusion of disabled artists, challenging societal norms and celebrating disability as a source of creativity.


    Overview and History
    The Disability Arts Movement emerged in the late 1970s and 1980s, coinciding with the rise of disability rights activism. It was initiated by disabled artists and activists who sought to address the marginalization of disabled individuals in the arts and culture. The movement emphasizes the importance of self-representation, allowing disabled individuals to control their narratives and artistic expressions.

    Key Themes and Objectives
    Challenging Ableism: The movement seeks to dismantle ableist norms and stereotypes, promoting the idea that disability can be a source of artistic inspiration rather than a limitation.

    Cultural Value: It advocates for the recognition of disability as a valuable aspect of cultural identity, encouraging the exploration of disability experiences through various art forms, including visual arts, theater, and literature.

    Legislative Impact: The movement has influenced significant legislation, such as the Disability Discrimination Act of 1995 in the UK, which aimed to protect the rights of disabled individuals in various sectors, including the arts.

    Notable Contributions and Events
    Artistic Expression    : The Disability Arts Movement has led to the creation of numerous artworks that reflect the lived experiences of disabled individuals. This includes exhibitions, performances, and festivals that showcase the talents of disabled artists.

    DisArt Festival:     One of the largest disability art festivals in the U.S., the DisArt Festival, aims to change perceptions about disability through art. It features a variety of artistic expressions, including fashion designed for disabled bodies, highlighting the intersection of disability and creativity.

    Conclusion
    The Disability Arts Movement represents a significant shift in how disability is perceived within the arts. By advocating for the rights and visibility of disabled artists, the movement not only enriches the cultural landscape but also fosters a more inclusive society that values diversity and creativity. Through ongoing efforts, the movement continues to challenge societal barriers and promote equitable access to artistic opportunities for all.

  • International Day of People with Disabilities

    By: Daniella Jade Lowe

    ‘Disability equals diversity not disadvantage.’

    To highlight this message, the UN has marked the International Day of Persons with Disabilities since 1992, to spread the word on disability issues and mobilise support for the dignity, rights, and well-being of persons with disabilities.

    The day also aims to draw attention to the benefits to society of including persons with disabilities in every aspect of political, social, economic, and cultural life.

    Celebrated on 3 December around the world, IDPD mobilizes support for critical issues relating to the inclusion of persons with disabilities, promotes awareness-raising about disability issues and draws attention to the benefits of an inclusive and accessible society for all. UN agencies, civil society organizations, academic institutions and the private sector are encouraged to support IDPD by collaborating with organizations for people with disabilities to arrange events and activities.

    The Australian Government has been supporting IDPwD, since 1996 and provides funds to promote and raise awareness of the day around Australia. Building on many decades of UN’s work in the field of disability, the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, adopted in 2006, has further advanced the rights and well-being of persons with disabilities in the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and other international development frameworks, such as the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction, the Charter on Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities in Humanitarian Action, the New Urban Agenda, and the Addis Ababa Action Agenda on Financing for Development.

    The logo of the United Nations International Day of Persons with Disabilities comprises four semi-circles of different colours representing human hands, with a solid blue circle at the centre.

    This year, in honour of International Day of People with Disabilities, WindReach Bermuda, will be hosting a Virtual Conference on 3 December 2020 with the theme of ‘Amplifying Community Voices’.

    We are hoping to address a few topics during the day including speakers on the history of disability in Bermuda, how those with disabilities are perceived, having individuals’ voices heard in their own lives. Both Employment and Accessibility will be panel discussions with Bermudian experts and those living with disabilities.

    https://www.windreachbermuda.org/donate?fbclid=IwAR22i-YNIxYvFAc4N9VqFB4x7VFmn4w4Zq4aRR1_EORJrX4ks3qBnhN52QM