Everybody's Different
Creating space for children to discover disability and difference.
An arts-based programme that engages the school community in understanding equality and access.
In the UK, there are 770,000 disabled children under the age of 16
That equates to one child in 20 or 7% of children in UK
Everybody's Different was developed with Kobi Nazrul Primary School and uses drama and creative arts to encourage key stage 1 and 2 children to address the obstacles for disability within their school, not only physically but socially as well.
The level of children and young people's awareness of disability is often overlooked. ‘Disability' is a subject rarely tackled or given space for discussion in primary schools. Yet at this early age, children are more accepting of many ideas and stimulus.
Kazzum's Artistic Director Daryl Beeton states, "Working for many years with children and young people I noticed that ‘Disability' is a subject that doesn't get spoken about, mainly out to fear of saying the wrong thing. Yet, being a disabled artist myself, I found that by working on arts projects in schools I was also providing a very basic form of Disability Equality Training for the children taking part."
Children who participate in Everybody's Different benefit by:
• Acquiring an understanding of disability
• Understanding the obstacles that disabled people face - both physical and social
• An opportunity to debate and question their observations with peers
• Experiencing improved social interaction due to challenging preconceptions and social stereotypes
• Gaining increased confidence in their individual identity
• The example of positive role models - at least one of our workshop leaders delivering each session is disabled
• A creative outlet to express themselves on an important subject
Schools investing time in raising pupil's awareness of disability can ensure that they are not only meeting the requirements of the recent legislation but nurturing better informed adults.
The project gives children the opportunity to explore obstructions to disability within a familiar environment and investigate how to overcome them in a safe and creative atmosphere.
Watch the short film below to find out more about the project:
If your school is interested in becoming involved in this programme or for further information please contact the Kazzum office on 020 7539 3500 or email info@kazzum.org
