TOUCHDOWN 21

TOUCHDOWN21 is a research project.

A research project made by people with Down syndrome, about people with Down Syndrome. 

We collect information. 

We want to look at this topic from many different angles. 

And we want to bring together people who are thinking about this topic.

It started in Germany as a World Down Syndrome Day project, and is based there, but all the website pages are now available in English.

There are stories about people with Down syndrome from around the world, art projects, film, history, information and questions.

The idea of people with Down syndrome researching Down syndrome would have been revolutionary until very recently - TOUCHDOWN21 is worth watching to see where it takes us.

• The original site in German is here.

Arts news and information

Lots of activity in the arts:

Actress Jamie Brewer advocates for increased diversity and inclusion in film and television
Monique Shafter, 7.30 (ABC TV), 26 May 2016 (6 m, video and transcript)
Fans of TV series American Horror Story would know actress Jamie Brewer who played 'Addie', a character with Down syndrome. Having Down syndrome herself, she is an advocate for increased diversity and inclusion in film and TV ...

Accessible Arts, the peak body for arts and disability in New South Wales has launched a new website. Visit it regularly for news, information, events and opportunities.

• Accessible Arts Newsletter May 2016

Front Up - call for professional and emerging artists with disability
Front Up is now looking to recruit artists with disability to take part in this innovative community Arts and Cultural program. We are looking for artists who want to take their careers to the next level in becoming future arts and cultural leaders including involvement in programs based in Western and Metropolitan Sydney ...

• Applications close 13th June 2016

Bus Stop Films moves to Australian Film, Televsion and Radio School

Bus Stop Films, 29 April 2016
A significant development for Bus Stop Films.

Selfie project: Women With Disabilities ACT

Women with Disabilities (ACT) announced this project on their Facebook page earlier this week:

WWDACT is embarking on a new project to encourage women of all abilities to be proud of who are, what they do and what they look like. The organisation is collecting "Selfies" of women doing every day activities whether it be participating in sport, art, social activities, or just being by yourself. 

It's easy. Just take a photo of yourself, upload it onto your computer and then e-mail it to us. If you have difficulty taking photos, just get someone else to. 

WWDACT is joining in the "Selfie Revolution" by beginning its own "WWDACT Selfies Revolution" to promote more positive body image perceptions of women with disabilities. Changing one perception at a time, it begins with us. 

WWDACT invites you to send in these "Selfies" and we will publish them in a tasteful and beautiful way. More information will be coming shortly, but we really hope you can participate now by e-mailing your selfie to wwdact@wchm.org.au

IDPWD 21st Anniversary: Chris Bunton's video

International Day of People with Disability Australia called for people turning 21 this year to help them to celebrate IDPWD's 21st anniversary by recording a video - Chris Bunton answered the call with style, and a great message. Congratulations Chris, and happy 21st!

My Community Matters: submit a 90 sec video

My Community Matters is an SBS project about celebrating the diversity of Australian communities and stories that contribute to an inclusive society.

We are providing Australians with the chance to share their story with the Prime Minister in person on Australia Day 2013, as well as have their story published on the SBS website. All you need to do is submit your 90 second video.

Criteria
Create a 90 second video story about why your community matters to you, highlighting the forms of belonging and participation in Australia. We are looking for submissions that share the diversity of today’s Australia: stories about all aspects of community – from your neighbourhood, local school, sporting club, cultural group or community organisation. 

The winner will receive ...

• The opportunity to share their story in person with Prime Minister Julia Gillard on Australia Day
• Publication of their story on the SBS website

Submissions to My Community Matters are now open and close on Friday 4th January 2013.

Go get creative, grab your phone or camera and start your video!

• My Community Matters web page - includes a video introduction to the project

The Right Foot Project: contemporary dance workshop

DirtyFeet is excited to present The Right Foot Project - contemporary dance workshops for people with and without disabilities. The workshops are led by experienced dance maker Sarah-Vyne Vassallo and will develop a small creative dance work over two days. Dancers will explore new devised movement within a collaborative environment. 

When: Saturday 22 and 29 September

Time: 10am-1.30pm Both days. Sharing 29 September 1pm.

Where: Redfern Town Hall. 73 Pitt St Redfern.

Access: Open to all levels of ability 12-26 ys. Suitable for low to moderate support needs.

Workshops are FREE but registration is essential. You can register by emailing sarah@dirtyfeet.com.au

The workshops are supported by the Ian Potter Foundation, the City of Sydney and Accessible Arts.

At DirtyFeet we like to give back to the community. DirtyFeet’s Community Outreach program provides opportunities to those who might not otherwise have access to dance. We believe in the positive impact dance has on people’s lives- it is a creative way to improve health and fitness, encourage self-expression and build confidence. 

Adult Transition Project: Northcott Disability Services and Charles Sturt University

The Adult Transition Project will include gathering people’s stories of their experiences of transitions. Any person with a childhood-onset disability, who is aged 40-65 years and who lives in New South Wales can contribute a story about a transition. 

People who are carers or guardians of a person with a childhood-onset disability, who is aged 40-65 years and who lives in New South Wales can also contribute a story as a proxy for the person with a disability, with that person’s consent. 

These stories will assist Northcott Disability Services to better understand the types of transition experiences that people with disabilities face and the kinds of supports that might be needed for successful transitions.  The information that will be gathered by the Adult Transition Project will be used to inform future service delivery to people with a childhood onset disability aged 40-65 years.

The project has received ethical approval from the Charles Sturt University Human Research Ethics Committee. Northcott is currently recruiting participants to share their stories of their experiences of transition for this project.

Completion Date: 31 December 2012

Further Information about how to become involved in this project:

• Information sheet
• Guide to story submissions
• Adult Flexible Therapy - Riverina/Murray
• Adult Flexible Therapy - South West Sydney

National Short Film Competition

Focus on dis-Ability


- a video competition raising awareness of the ability of people who have a disability.


NOVA Employment is calling for video entries (5 minutes maximum length) which raise awareness of the ability of people who have a disability. The underlying theme of entries should be Focus on dis-Ability. 


With over $50,000 worth of cash and prizes to be won, entrants are encouraged to be as creative as possible. 


Deadline midnight Friday 28 September 2012


Submissions to be delivered on DVD to 


NOVA Employment Video Competition
PO Box 795
St Marys NSW, 1790


Creative members of the public and High School students are invited to submit entries.


Cost: Free

Website for further details of criteria, categories, prizes and presentation event: focusonability.com.au

Open Books Open Doors - Teaching Reading to Children with Down Syndrome is a new blog focussed on all aspects of developing literacy skills in children with Down syndrome, published by a Connecticut based project,  funded by grants from the Connecticut Down Syndrome Congress and the University of Saint Joseph in West Hartford, CT.

Current post titles will give you an indication of its coverage:

  Myths and realities 

  What about sight words? 

  There’s an app for that 

  Great resource for podcasts on reading! 

  Sue Buckley is my hero 

  Why we need universal literacy screening 

  Let’s raise the bar 

  The power of literacy

The content draws on research specific to children with Down syndrome and more generic research on emerging literacy. It is beautifully illustrated and well set-out, making it easy to navigate. 

A very apt new resource to appear during our National Year of Reading, worth adding to your regular reading list, and passing on to your child's teachers.

Catalyst Dance Masterclass at Carriageworks

From Accessible Arts -  a wonderful dance opportunity at a fabulous Sydney venue:

The Accessible Arts Catalyst Dance Masterclass Series aims to provide skills development and training for dance practitioners, teachers, choreographers and dancers with and without disability currently working or interested in working in inclusive practices. 


Calling artists with and without disability - emerging and professional dancers, physical theatre performers, dance teachers, educators, choreographers and arts practitioners.


Participants will

• Experience professional development and training
• Explore strategies and methods for devising work
• Engage with Australia’s leading choreographers

The Catalyst objectives are in response to several key recommendations identified from the Dance Symposium held in 2011.

As the series is designed as a progressive skills development process participants are encouraged to attend all three workshops to gain the most benefit.

Masterclass I - Saturday 30 June and Sunday 1 July 
Masterclass II -  Saturday 8 and Sunday 9 September
Masterclass III - Sunday 4 November
Final Showing - Sunday 4 November


All at Carriageworks, Everleigh (Redfern)

More information, details of costs and registration are here, on the Accessible Arts website.

The Catalyst Dance Masterclass series is supported by Accessble Arts NSW, ANZ Trustees, Ausdance NSW, Carriageworks and the Ian Potter Foundation'

"Now I See" book project - would you like to contribute?

The call for submissions for the Now I See book project are still open - contact the organisers now if you are interested in contributing:

Submissions are being sought from parents (both mums and dads) who have a child with Down syndrome and who are keen to write about their experiences: of how they dealt with their child’s diagnosis; of what they thought life would be like with their child and how, in reality, it has turned out to be; and the gifts (for instance, acceptance, respect, love, courage and delight) that child has brought into their lives.

The submissions will be compiled into a national book, with the working title Now I See. The book is aimed at raising awareness (and challenging outdated ideas) about life today for children with Down syndrome and their parents. All submissions will be considered. More information: www.nowisee.com.au