New musical theatre class: St Ives

Image: Applause Musical Theatre Academy logo 

 Image: Becky (a young blonde woman who has Down syndrome), a character from the TV series Glee, in cheerleader costume. 

Caption: Doesn't your teen deserve some Applause?

Text of the poster (available as an image on the Applause Musical Theatre Academy Facebook page):

Applause Musical Theatre Academy

Build confident, creative kids through performance.

Applause Musical Theatre Academy is starting a new class in Term 2 for teens with special meeds on 

Thursdays from 6.00 pm - 7.00 pm in St Ives.

This class will provide your teen (from Year 6 to 12) with an avenue to express him/herself creatively and freely, and build confidence not just in performing.

Your teen will learn to song, dance and act songs from popular musicals such as High School Musical, The Wizard of Oz and The Sound of Music.

Drama is also taught through fun acting exercises.

With two music-qualified, industry experienced professionals teaching the class and love piano accompaniment, this is the real deal.

There are performance opportunities so your teen will get moments toshine performing on the stage in front of an audience.

Image: Becky from the TV series Glee, in cheerleader costume. Caption: Doesn't your teen deserve some Applause?

Register for our free trial class on Thursday 4 May here: 

www.applausemta.com.au/enrol-now.html

• If you are sure your teen will love this class, then pay the $25 registration fee and your teen will get a free Academy T shirt worth $25.

For more information call Ingrid on  0405 495 099 or email ingrid@applausemta.com.au

Reminder: 9 pm tonight

You Can't Ask That, ABC TV 9 pm tonight: the episode where people with Down syndrome answer the questions.

People with Down Syndrome are often faced with a world that believes they don't have much to contribute. Tonight, #YouCantAskThat gives them a chance to speak for themselves.

Well worth watching. Or later on iView.

You Can't Ask That: reminder of series return tomorrow, ABC TV

Several people with Down syndrome will appear in the new series series:

You Can't Ask That returns for a second season of life-affirming, insightful, hilarious and refreshingly inappropriate television. 

... You Can't Ask That asks groups of misunderstood, judged or marginalised Australians the awkward, inappropriate or uncomfortable questions you've always wanted to know the answers to, but have always been too afraid to ask.

You Can't Ask That Series 2 starts on ABC TV 1, 9.30 pm Thursday 6 April 2017 and will be on iView (Episode 1, Blind People, is available now).

'Speechless' on Australian TV this week

US series Speechless is premiering in Australia at 8.00pm Saturday 4 March 2017 on ELEVEN. A 'Behind the Scenes' video  preview is available on TenPlay now.

Reviews from the US, where the show has been screening since September 2016 on the ABC network:

Speechless Is Breaking New Ground on Television

David M Perry, The Atlantic, 21 September 2016

The new ABC comedy about the family of a teenager with cerebral palsy is one of the rare shows to put a character with disabilities at the center of its narrative ...

How the Sitcom ‘Speechless’ Understands Families Like Mine

Neil Genzlinger, New York Times, 9 September 2016

If you live in a household like mine — one with a nonverbal child — you’re anticipating one television show above all others this fall: “Speechless,” ... A prime-time series on a major network about “us”? It’s occasion for excitement, and for reflection. What, exactly, do we who live in the “Speechless” universe hope this series will accomplish?

Thanks to the eagle-eyed Starting with Julius for the heads up on Facebook. 

Casting call : 'children of differing abilities and backgrounds', Sydney

PARENTS/GUARDIANS HOW TO APPLY:

Send the following details to alice@northernpictures.com.au

• Full name, address, contact number, email, child's name and age
• Please also include a recent photo of your child, no larger than 8MB in order to be received by email

Note: by responding to this invitation you are giving Northern Pictures permission to store the information you provide and use it for advertising purposes only. We will not use your information or any materials you provide (including  (photos) for any other purpose without further permission.

World Festival of Magic tickets: free for DS NSW members

Thanks to the Lion's Club of Bondi, we have FREE tickets to the World Festival of Magic on Monday 19th December 2016 (11am, 1.30pm and 4pm) for Down Syndrome NSW members.

If you would like FREE tickets to this event please email our office at events@dsansw.org.au with your details. We have a limited number of tickets so distribution will be on a first in first served basis.

See you there!

Latest additions the 'events' pages

• Click here for Down Syndrome NSW events

These links provide information about events run by other organisations that might be of interest to people with Down syndrome, their families, carers and professionals who support them 

• All current events listings  

Art Exhibition - International Day of People with Disability event
Exhibition of works completed by people with disability who attend regular classes at Hazelhurst Art Gallery. Includes works by Josie Webster. Come and see their amazing work at their first Exhibition.
26 November - 6 December 2016 - Hazelhurst Art Gallery, Gymea NSW

Aladdin - the Musical: special performance

Disney and Autism Awareness Australia are partnering to present an autism friendly performance of Aladdin - The Musical on Saturday 4 March at 1.30pm.

This specially adapted performance is suitable for all individuals on the autism spectrum, their family and friends.

Slight adjustments to the production will include removal of strobe lighting and pyrotechnics, reduction of any jarring sounds and lights focused into the audience, house lights being left slightly up and relaxed exit and entry to the theatre.

A wonderful opportunity for the whole family to enjoy this beloved Disney classic in a supportive and inclusive environment.

Tickets go on sale:
9 am Wednesday 9 November 2016 through www.aladdinthemusical.com.au

Enquiries: Capitol Theatre, Sydney

Performing Arts Summer School

In partnership with Murmuration, The Young Americans (YA's) will facilitate a week-long Summer School designed for participants with disability. Participants will learn from and perform with this super talented international cast. As well as developing performing arts skills in singing, drama and dance, participants will perform alongside The Young Americans in a community sharing.  Using music as the tool, The Young Americans cast of trained college age performer-teachers provide a safe and fun atmosphere for participants to learn, explore, create, and grow!

30 January - 4 February 2017

Open to all people with disability, no previous experience required, age range 16 +

Limited places 

Workshops: Monday 30 - Friday 3 February

Community Sharing: Saturday 4 February 

Glebe Town Hall and Marrickville Town Hall (accessible venues)

Early Bird Offer  $350 -  open now 

Register and pay by Tuesday 20 December 2016 to save $50

• All details, enquiries and registration here

Arts news

Accessible Arts  Newsletter October 2016

• transcripts from Arts Activated Conference
• information on the NSW Artist with Disability Fellowship
• launch of Front-Up disability-led Arts and Cultural Hub opening in Seven Hills 
• events

'Focus on Ability' on Aurora TV
A SBS Australia hour long documentary about the Focus on Ability Film Festival  will air in November. An Aurora Channel (Foxtel community channel) 14 part series will screen on Sunday evenings from 23 October 2016.

Sit Down, Shut Up and Watch Film Festival 'gives people with disabilities a voice' on the big screen 

Claire Campbell, ABC News, 21 October 2016
An increasing number of South Australian people with a learning disability are turning to filmmaking in a bid to change misconceptions about disabilities ...

The Value of Art 26:15 mins

Attitude Live, 22 August 2010

In the art world they're referred to as outsider artists …they live with disability…they’ve never been formally trained. They are doing their own thing outside of the traditional art world of galleries, museums and exclusive schools ...

People with disabilities are welcome at Mardi Gras

Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade is on Saturday 5 March 2016.

The full program of events, starting on 19 February is here.

People with disabilities are welcome at Mardi Gras
Matt Akersten, Same Same, 8 February 2016

The Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras parade isn’t just about having some fun while covered in glitter, it’s an opportunity for people to feel connected and included, say the team at not-for-profit disability service provider Northcott. 

People with Disability Australia, the Cerebral Palsy Alliance, and Northcott are joining forces for a Disability Pride parade float and will be active at Fair Day too. 

“In 2016 we’d like to invite people with disability from far and wide to join us,” say the Northcott crew ...

'Born This Way': on US TV

Born This Way is a six-episode 'docu-series', following the lives of seven young adults with Down syndrome living in Southern California. It premiered in the US last wee, but the online episodes are not available for viewing via Australian internet connections. You can glean a little of its flavour from the trailer videos online. Reaction from viewers seems to be very positive, although some commentators said they hesitated to watch it because of past experiences of the representation of people with Down syndrome on TV. With the second episode broadcast in the US this week, we expect to hear a broader range of responses, that are interesting, even if we haven't seen it yet.

We will be on the lookout for it on Australian television in the future, or perhaps on DVD. In the meantime, here are some early responses:

born this way

Sue Robins, 14th December 2015
... Make a wish, Santa says and Aaron immediately replies: I wish for a wife. A wife! I don’t know what to do with that wish. I know that Aaron’s wish for a wife is a wish for love and belonging. I wish that for him too ...

To the Creators of ‘Born This Way,’ From a Person With a Disability

Emily Wachter, The Mighty, 11th December 2015

... Thank you for taking me inside the lives of seven people with Down syndrome.

Thank you for showing the struggles of a person with special needs.

Thank you for showing that others with special needs can live normal lives.

Thank you for showing that some people with disabilities have a hard time accepting our diagnoses ...

Tearing Down Barriers Through Television

Jennifer Laszlo Mizrahi, Huffington Post, 11th december 2015
... Sadly, for generations, television has shown people with disabilities as objects of pity. From the Jerry Lewis telethons, to stories where school teams become heroes simply by letting one kid with a disability play for a few minutes out on the court or field, our television sets have brought us stigmas that undermine the one-in-five Americans who have a disability.

Thankfully, with A and E Networks' new show, "Born This Way," there has been a major breakthrough. Finally, people with disabilities and their families are being shown honestly.

Known in the Twitterverse as #BornThisWay, the show follows seven dynamic young adults with Down syndrome and their families as they navigate jobs and relationships and look to gain greater independence ...

Born This Way - Reactions from Josh's Mom
Walkersville Mom, 9th December 2015
I’ve been waiting for what seems like F-O-R-E-V-E-R to see Born This Way on A&E. I can honestly say it did not disappoint! ...

If you get to see it, let us know what you think!

Up Club Local

Down Syndrome NSW has received funding through the National Disability Insurance Agency that will provide additional opportunities for our members to connect with their local communities. As part of this funding, we are establishing Up Club Local groups.

These social groups are distinct from our successful and long-running Up Club and have been developed to increase the accessibility of Up Club to adults with Down syndrome. Membership to Up Club Local groups is open to current members of the Up Club as well as others who do not currently attend Up Club.

Current Up Club Locals - we have now established 4 Up Club Local groups in the Sydney area:

Up Club Inner West – meets monthly at a regular meeting spot in Newtown.
Up Club North – meets monthly at a regular meeting spot in Chatswood.
Up Club South – this group meets monthly at a regular meeting spot in Cronulla.
Up Club Blue Mountains – meets monthly at a regular meeting spot in Springwood.

These Up Club Local groups are open to adults with Down syndrome and intellectual disability. So far, the Up Club Local groups have had fun getting to know each other at a range of activities including planning meetings, Yum Cha lunches, live music nights, pub and trivia nights, visits to the local markets and the cinemas. Group members are encouraged to be actively involved in planning the activities that the group chooses to do together.

If you live in one of these areas and would like to join, please contact Lyb: lyb.makin@dsansw.org.au

New Up Club Locals:
Down Syndrome NSW would like to establish more Up Club Local groups in your area, and is looking to recruit energetic and passionate Up Club Group Co-ordinators in the following areas:

Hornsby, Ryde and North Western Sydney
South-Western Sydney
Central Coast and Newcastle
Wollongong
Mid-North Coast
Far North Coast

If you know anyone who would be suitable for a casual position with Down Syndrome NSW, please contact Lyb: lyb.makin@dsansw.org.au

Let's dance!

Out of Line

Bodylines Ensemble - set in a futuristic school-scape where the enforcement of rules borders on controlling, where self-expression is disallowed, and sameness is the status-quo, the Shopfront Inclusive Bodylines Ensemble present their explosive new live performance work, Out of Line.

A Shopfront project in partnership with Autism Spectrum Australia and Kogarah High School, Out of Line is a remarkable bringing together of over 30 young people with disability from across South East Sydney.

12 noon and 7 pm 27th and 28th August 2015 - Australian Theatre for Young People, Walsh Bay

The Right Foot
DirtyFeet - creative dance workshops for people with and without disability between the ages of 14 and 26 years, providing a creative activity for those who may otherwise not have access to dance.Free, limited places. Registration is essential.
10am - 1:30pm, 12, 19, 26 September and 3 October 2015 - Glebe

The Australian Chamber Orchestra's Move Program

Morwenna Collett (Manager Project Controls and Risk at the Australia Council and member of ACO’s Disability Advisory Committee) - report on the 2015 program.

Catalyst Dance Residency Expression of Interest

Accessible Arts Newsletter, July 2015

The two-year Catalyst Dance Residency Program 2015 - 2016 call for 'Expressions of Interest' is now open nationally to all dancers with and without disability, and close Thursday 3 September 2015 at 4pm.

The Catalyst Dance Residency Program is a national artist development program across two years for dance practitioners with and without disability who demonstrate a commitment to integrated dance practice. It will comprise:

• a 7-day Skills and Career Development Residency, Carriageworks, Sydney, 2015 
• a 6-day Choreographic Research Lab Residency with Critical Path, Sydney, 2016

Key residency dates:
Year One 2015 - Sunday 11 October – Saturday 17 October
Year Two 2016 - Monday 15 August – Saturday 20 August

Visit the Catalyst Dance website to apply to this exciting opportunity.

Special Olympics World Games 2015: Los Angeles, now!

The 14th Special Olympics World Games in Los Angeles run from 25th July until 2nd August, with the opening ceremony being broadcast live tomorrow morning Australian time. Special Olympics Australia's Aussie Stars newsletter provides information on the telecast:

If you are in Australia, don't forget to watch the 22-minute Road To LA broadcast and the three-hour Opening Ceremony broadcast live from 10.30am (AEST) Sunday 26 July 2015 on ESPN. ESPN is the global broadcast partner for the Special Olympics World Summer Games 2015.

Team Australia have settled into their host town of Huntingdon Beach - Aussie Stars will keep you up with all the news, photos and fun throughout the games. All the information for supporting the team is at the foot of the newsletter page - sign up!

The Games have their own Facebook page, here.

Special Olympics Australia on social media:
Web: www.specialolympics.com.au
Facebook: SpecialOlympicsAustralia
Twitter: @SOAustralia
Instagram: @SOAustralia
You Tube: SpecOAustralia

All the best to every athlete representing their country as a member of Team Australia!

Even Google is taking part in honouring the athletes and the World Games:

Today’s Google Doodle Celebrates the Special Olympics World Games

John Bonazzo, New York Observer, 24th July 2015

On your mark, get set, go! 

The newest Google Doodle celebrates the 14th Special Olympics World Summer Games, which kick off tomorrow and run through August 2 in Los Angeles. The athletes in the doodle are shown stretching, lifting weights, swimming and kicking soccer balls. 

The 2015 World Summer Games will feature 6,500 athletes representing more than 160 countries, along with 30,000 volunteers and an anticipated 500,000 spectators. It’s also the biggest single sporting event in Los Angeles since the 1984 Olympics. 

The games will take place in the same Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum where the 1932 and 1984 Olympics were held, and will also utilize athletic facilities on the USC and UCLA campuses.

Gig Buddies - a new way of supporting people to just go out

We would be interested to hear from anyone who has paired up with Gig Buddies Sydney - what have you been to, how well has it worked for you to go to the gigs you want to experience?

Enjoying Sydney’s live music

Every Australian Counts, 18th May 2015
Newly launched Gig Buddies is helping adults with learning disabilities and autism attend live music in venues across Sydney.

A new service is pairing people with learning disabilities and autism with other music lovers to attend live music gigs and events together – and become friends.

Gig Buddies launched at Sydney’s Round House in February. It was inspired by Stay Up Late, a similar service in the UK ...

'Where Hope Grows': movie review

The much anticipated movie,  Where Hope Grows, starring David de Sanctis is premiering in the US on 15th May. If you see any mention of it coming to cinemas in Australia, please let us know, and we will be watching out for it as well. International Down Syndrome Coalition staff were impressed by their recent preview:

'Where Hope Grows': A ReviewBeth Sullivan, Huffington Post, 11th May 2015
... Several on the IDSC staff noted their expectations going into the movie were little more than hoping to watch a sweet movie starring an individual with Down syndrome -- but were unprepared for the strong message, excellent acting and moving moments...

• Discussion and study guides are available to download from the movie's website, here.

Kids at the House 2015

Sydney Opera House's Kids at the House program for 2015 has been released.

Some events will be designed to accommodate children who might have difficulty with too much, light, sound, sitting still  - an adaptation that has been very popular ... keep an eye on the web page for additional events throughout the year. In addition to shows, tours and learning experiences are listed.

Photographic exhibition at Sydney Opera House for IDPWD

Merry Makers Australia

Trivia Night success - thank you

We had an impressive turnout of 180 people at our Trivia Night at Five Dock RSL on 30th August. It was a lively mix of members, their friends and families, staff, board members and a strong representation of Up Clubbers.

A great night was had by all with the winners taking home an impressive prize pack that included; hand made cards by Bridget Parker, wine, and a gift voucher. There were prizes for second and third place too. There was a special prize given to the most valued player on the losing table, won by DS NSW Board member, Jason Lloyd.

We are looking to roll this out across the State, so if you are interested in hosting your own trivia night please get in touch with the Ben Chinnock, our Community Engagement Manager, via ben.chinnock@dsansw.org.au and he will be able to provide you with a 'how to' guide.

The winning team - well done!

A day in the life ... new dancework for Sprung!!

Sprung!! (in its third year in the Northern Rivers area) is a unique dance theatre ensemble already making a name for itself in the national scene following performances at the 2012 National Accessible Arts conference and the 2014 Australian Youth Dance Festival in South Australia. It is an exciting blend of dancers, artists and performers with diverse backgrounds, strengths, and vulnerabilities, who create deeply felt works that engage audiences and communities.

A day in the life… is a ground-breaking new work developed under the leadership of Sprung!!’s new Artistic Director, Michael Hennessy, who spent nine years with the famous Sydney Dance Company. Sprung!!’s Senior Associate Artists in Residence; Peter Notley and Alison Toft, along with Junior Associate Artist Tara Coughlan, joined Hennessy to collaborate with the ensemble of a dozen dancers with and without disability to develop this exciting project, which explores the everyday lives of the dancers and performers; the highs, the lows, the joys, the sorrows, the hopes and dreams they sometimes encounter.

Music by local composer Fred Cole and film overlays by Film Maker John Rado complete A day in the life… allowing the audience a brief interaction which will touch everyone to their core!

For further information and media enquiries, contact the General Manager on 0468 356-164 or info.sprung@gmail.com

• Byron Community Centre

Dreamhouse documentary starts next Thursday

Three young adults with intellectual disabilities fly the nest and move into a new home for 10 weeks. If it works out, they can stay on and call The Dreamhouse home.

ABC TV 1 Thursday 7th August 2014,  9:30pm - trailer