Norfolk’s Young Disabled People Films To Premiere At Forum

May 21, 2010 - PRLog -- The group, made up of young disabled people from across Norfolk aged 14 to 25, has created a film, entitled “Disability is…”, exploring the life experiences of young disabled people across the county.
They will also be previewing the first in a series of interviews with famous disabled people, celebrating the capabilities and achievements of disabled people as well as acknowledging the barriers that still have to be overcome, which see’s former Home Secretary David Blunkett talking about his life in politics.

The Youth Forum, through these films, are trying to reflect the attitudes that exist in society today and hope that the films will challenge the public, perhaps making them question their own preconceptions and images they have of disability.

The group, which started at the end of 2009, has worked with local film maker Robert Vaughan and the BBC to learn their craft in film making and drawing the best from an interviewee.

These new found skills were utilised to the full when they were invited to interview David Blunkett MP at the Houses of Parliament earlier this year.  
The interview, lead by Youth Forum member Edward Bates, explored Mr. Blunkett’s experiences growing up in Sheffield as a visually impaired young man and discussed the triumphs and tribulations he has experienced as a disabled man in politics.

Caroline Golding, coordinator for the Youth Forum said “above all the group wants to begin creating a new positive identity for disabled people, one that portrays them as normal human beings deserving respect and finally dispelling the myth that disabled people are incapable and unable to contribute to society.”

The films will start on bank holiday Monday 31st May in Fusion at the Forum in Norwich and run through Saturday 5th June as part of the Norfolk Coalition of Disabled People’s Disability Pride, an event which aims to celebrate diversity and the lives of disabled people.
Members of the Youth Forum will be on hand during the week to discuss the area’s covered in the films with members of the public as well as selling bricks for their Lego wall, representing solidarity and support in Norfolk, which is hoped will raise further funds for Disability Pride.

An official media event will take place in the Fusion at the Forum, Norwich on Wednesday 2nd June, 1:30pm, to showcase the films. Members of the Youth Forum will be in attendance for a photo call and to discuss their experiences in creating the films.

Notes

Disability Pride will see a whole day of activities, performances and celebrations at The Forum, Norwich, Norfolk on 5th June 2010.

Disability Pride is about celebrating disabled people’s identity and community. It is about showcasing talent, achievements and successes in arts, culture, sport and music.

Disability Pride is for anyone and everyone who considers themselves to be a disabled person; be it through mental health, physical and sensory impairments, learning disability or any other kind of long term condition.

For more information regarding Disability Pride please contact Ann Young on 01508 491218 or email ann.young@ncodp.org.uk.
You can also visit http://www.ncodp.org.uk/disability-pride/ for full details regarding this amazing event.

The Norfolk Coalition of Disabled People’s Youth Forum is for any young disabled person in Norfolk aged 14-25.

The Youth Forum supports young disabled people to stand up for their rights and tackle the barriers which prevent them being fully included in society.
The group meets fortnightly providing an opportunity for young disabled people to get together and discuss the issues that are important to them, it is also a good place to make friends and have fun.

For more information regarding NCODP’s Youth Forum please contact Caroline Golding on 01508 491217 or email caroline.golding@ncodp.org.uk.
You can also read further information regarding the group at http://www.ncodp.org.uk/youth-forum/

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The Norfolk Coalition of Disabled People (NCODP) is a human-rights group controlled by disabled people and their organisations. They organise and take part in campaigns and run services that promote social equality and dignity for all disabled people.

The NCODP regards having an impairment as a normal part of being human. Disability results from people with impairments being excluded by physical and social barriers and negative attitudes. Their main task is to challenge the many forms of discrimination created by these barriers and attitudes.

The NCODP believes that disabled people must take the leading role in decisions that affect their lives both locally and as part of the national and international disability movements in which the NCODP plays an active part. There must be “Nothing about us without us.”