Empowering Youth in Their Workplaces 5. Success Stories and Positive change

Seeing is believing. Even today, there is not easy access to art made by people with disabilities (film, television, literature, art, dance, even comic books!). It isn't in textbooks, it isn't on television. There is no "collection" or history to show that we do exist and do create and that it IS a viable option for a career.

Not a solution, just a problem/question - Is there a way to highlight the "greatest" and make... more »

10 Years ago a gallery/studio was founded in the heart of Dumbo Brooklyn, in a storefront on the main street by The League school, who since was priced out of having a headquarters in this very now expensive neighborhood. Many of the residents, artists, celebrities consider LAND an institution and add to their collections frequently. LAND artists have been featured at the Moma, art fairs, exhibitions and written about... more »

Look at the program(s) that A Place To Be in Middleburg, VA has put together. They have put together an amazing project called "The Same Sky Project" that tells the story of 20 or so individuals with varying disabilities and how they have embraced these but the disability has not defiined them. It is such a powerful and inspiring story.

Last year Deaf West Theater went to Broadway with its version (deaf and non-deaf) of the musical "Spring Awakening." Not only was this in itself a cause for celebration, but the cast featured the FIRST wheelchair actress to hit Broadway. The show was nominated for a Tony Award and may tour the country.
The only down side to this is that Deaf West has again succeeded with an adaptation. The deaf community needs to tell... more »

In 1985 (?), I was contacted by Jim Dickson of the National Organization on Disability to perform at a protest rally against the FDR Memorial Commissions' decision to omit images of FDR in his wheelchair, I composed the song, 'FDR in a Wheelchair' that assisted with getting the momentum to encourage the U.S. Congress to come up with funding for a second statue that now displays FDR in his White House wheelchair. Music,... more »