Improving disabled people's access to Live Music

Steph Cutler

Following unexpected sight loss Steph Cutler set up her own Disability Equality consultancy called, Open Eyed. Combining her commercial background with her firm belief in the business case for inclusion and accessibility Open Eyed supports the public and private sector to make ‘reasonable adjustments' under the Disability Discrimination Act. Within her business she delivers tailor made disability equality training to a wide range of clients.

As a disabled consumer and business owner, Steph is regularly commissioned to speak and write on the benefits of accessibility and other disabled issues.

Steph won national recognition when Open eyed was short-listed for the Handbag.com and Barclay's business Plan of the Year Award 2005. In the same year Steph was given the title ‘Young Achiever of the year' by the Prince's Trust for Coventry and Warwickshire.

Steph is a keen gig goer and a regular mystery disabled shopper for Attitude is Everything.

Jamie Beddard

Jamie Beddard is currently Co-Editor of ‘Disability Arts in London' (DAIL) – a magazine celebrating, showcasing and promoting the talent of disabled artists. He has previously worked as an actor, director and writer in TV, film and theatre. TV/film credits include ‘Skalligrigg', ‘Quills', ‘I..D.', ‘Carrie's War' and ‘The Egg', and he has worked with Graeae, Nottingham Playhouse and Traverse theatre companies amongst others.

He has facilitated numerous workshops, residencies and training sessions, and is particularly excited about working with ‘Attitude is Everything' because of his passion for live music. He has wide experience of advising theatres and educational institutions around access and inclusion.

A regular festival, and gig goer; some cool bands, and some highly suspect! Other oddities include passions for Ipswich Town FC, weird traveling adventures, continental lagers and chess….not quite rock ‘n' roll (yet!).

Ju Gosling

Ju Gosling has a PhD in Communication and Image Studies and a long history of involvement in music and events production. She is also disabled, and over the last decade has achieved an international reputation as an artist, performer and writer. Ju is an experienced trainer, as well as being an expert in the training needs of disabled arts workers. In addition to her professional activities, Ju represents disabled people on a variety of local and national committees. You can find out more about Ju and her work on her website at www.ju90.co.uk

Deborah Williams

Deborah is Creative Producer and artist in residence with Reality Productions. She has over twenty years professional experience in the arts, moving image and radio. She has worked in venue and stage management, technical theatre, senior management and arts administration, advocacy and consultancy. Deborah is also a writer, digital composer, director and performer.

Companies worked with include; Half Moon Young People's Theatre, Graeae Theatre Company, London Disability Arts Forum, Pleasance London and Edinburgh, Oily Cart, Theatre Centre, Creativepeople, Foundation for Community Dance and The Arts Council.

Rachel Stelmach

I have a background in Fine Art and Graphic Design and that was how I first got involved in the world of outdoor eventing and music festivals. My passion is for creating greater accessibility to this world for disabled people who still face exclusion and discrimination. I undertook intensive training in 2003 with Disability Arts Cymru – www.dacymru.com to become a Disability Equality Trainer and now specialise in training Festivals and arts organisations . Working with Attitude is Everything will enable me to help even more events to consider the needs of disabled people in everything that they do.
My website is at www.bluehook.co.uk Bluehook Disability Training, planning, consultancy.

Robin Surgeoner

Current Projects

Disability Equality Training and Organisational Development leading to Barrier Free Service Provision

Working in the re-empowerment of disenfranchised individuals through: Understanding and applying The Social Model of Disability and Self Empowerment through the use of creative thinking and self expression

Angryfish Training - Disability Issues Consultant & Empowerment Trainer, experience includes:

•  Permission To Speak – Music & Creative Writing Recording projects.

•  Various Research and Policy Development Consultations – specialising in working toward person centred service planning and delivery. This includes commercial, statutory and entertainment services.

•  Service and customer based research into maximising effectiveness in customer potential.

Education

BA Philosophy – Birmingham University

City & Guilds 730/7 Stages I & II

Rick Townson

I have had a passion for live music over many years and enjoy a very broad range of musical styles. My tastes range from the heavy industrial bands such as KMFDM and Rammstein, through to more popular and chart orientated bands like the Kaiser Chiefs. This passion, however, has been tempered over recent years due to the demanding role as father and husband with a young family.

Disability can be a very dry and somewhat boring subject if not delivered properly so my sessions are never boring. Using anecdotal evidence and humour, delegates learn through listening, doing and enjoying the learning process. The light-hearted approach of my delivery of this subject makes it easier for them to understand and appreciate the issues, without feeling oppressed or threatened themselves.