5 minute read
What's on
Events
Jeffrey Boakye: Kofi and the Rap Battle Summer
Southbank Centre, London
Friday 27 October, 2pm
For Kofi, music is everything. He’s always on the lookout for ways to earn some extra money, but can he sell a music magazine at school and stay out of trouble? Take a trip back to the 90s in this fun interactive game show-style event – and learn how to write your very own rap lyrics at the same time. This event is British Sign Language interpreted.
London Zoo BSL Tours
Regent’s Park, London
Wednesday 15 November, 11.15am & 2.15pm
Join a tour of London Zoo led by Deaf presenter John Wilson. He’ll use British Sign Language to teach you more about the amazing animals, including lions, giraffes and penguins, and their global conservation work. The tours are free to attend but need to be pre-booked.
Operation Ouch! Food, Poo and You
Museum of Science and Industry, Manchester
Sunday 19 November, 2.30-5pm
From the tip of the tongue to the end of the bum, explore the role of each organ in the digestive journey through interactive games and challenges, fun facts and fascinating objects from the museum collection. This is a relaxed session and will have a smaller capacity, with adjusted sound levels throughout the exhibition and additional sensory activities to enjoy.
Podcasts
Access All: Disability News and Mental Health – Is ChatGPT a disability ally?
In this episode Nikki Fox is joined by Paul Carter from Click, the BBC’s programme exploring the latest tech innovations. After an AI chatbot ‘plays the disability card’ and tells a human it’s visually impaired, they discuss whether Artificial Intelligence can be developed and used in a way that is accessible and inclusive.
The Unsyted Radio
Whether you’re a Disabled gamer, an engineer working on an accessibility device or an advocate creating a more diverse and inclusive world, this podcast has been made for you. Previous episodes include an interview with a blind magician and comic book writer, a chat with the co-founders of Disabled Girls Who Lift, and a series focusing on guide dogs.
Books
Bear: A Story of Autism and Difference
by Val Jones, with illustrations by Leanne Coelho
Join Bear on a heart-warming journey of self-discovery, autism understanding and appreciation by the other bears. The message of universal acceptance for all resonates throughout this delightful and award-winning story, and helps children understand about autism.
Sitting Pretty: The View from My Ordinary Resilient Disabled Body
by Rebekah Taussig
A memoir from disability advocate Rebekah Taussig who grew up longing for stories that allowed disability to be complex and ordinary, uncomfortable, painful, and fulfilling. Rebekah processes a lifetime of memories to paint a beautiful, nuanced portrait of a body that looks and moves differently than most.
Theatre
The Little Big Things
Soho Place Theatre, London
Thursday 9 November, 7.30pm
Henry Fraser adapted to a new life as a tetraplegic and wheelchair user after a diving accident in 2009. This uplifting and colourful new musical is based on his autobiography and is a life-affirming reminder about the transformative power of family. This is a captioned performance.
High Time and Dirty Monsters
Derby Theatre, Derby
Tuesday 14-Wednesday 15 November, 7pm
A brand-new hip hop Theatre show exploring the highs and lows of Deaf, Disabled and Neurodivergent young adults in contemporary Britain. The stories are told by a collective of actors, beatboxers, and dancers with creative captioning, integrated sign language and integrated audio description.
The Whispering Jungle
The Lowry, Salford
Sunday 12 November, 11am & 1.30pm
Bringing together colourful puppets, sensory play and ASMR in an immersive, multi-sensory theatre production for young audiences with learning disabilities. Come and help the animals of the rainforest rebuild their house and realise that home is where you’re with your family.
Matilda The Musical
Cambridge Theatre, London
Saturday 18 November, 2.30pm
This multi-award-winning musical is the story of an extraordinary little girl who, armed with a vivid imagination and a sharp mind, dares to take a stand and change her own destiny. This performance is British Sign Language interpreted. The interpreter stands to the side of the stage, so please contact their box office to book a seat with a clear view.
TV
Tommy Jessop Goes to Hollywood
BBC iPlayer
Tommy is an award-winning actor and has starred in high-profile TV programmes and short films. Now he wants to be a leading man, but the roles aren’t being offered to him.
Tommy wants to show that people with Down’s syndrome can play heroes and so he decides to take matters into his own hands.
Amputating Alice
Channel 4
An inspiring documentary following Paralympic Champion swimmer Alice Tai as she undergoes an amputation and then races to be ready for the 2022 Commonwealth Games, where she goes on to win gold.
Perfect
UKTV Play
An irreverent comedy following three young wheelchair users on their quest for jobs and love. After meeting at a pointless work preparation scheme for Disabled people, together they must navigate life, love and a system designed to only benefit those who run it.
The Great British Bake Off
Channel 4
Bake Off is back and for the first time ever a deaf contestant has entered the tent. Tasha, 27, is a participation officer from Bristol and is joined by her British Sign Language interpreter, Daryl. Judges Paul Hollywood and Prue Leith, along with hosts Alison Hammond and Noel Fielding, have started to learn BSL so that they can give her feedback.
Film
Champions
12A
Inspired by a true story, this hilarious and heartwarming film features Woody Harrelson as a reluctant coach for a team of Disabled basketball players known as the Friends. All of the Friends are played by Disabled performers - some who are actors, some who were athletes at the Special Olympics, and others who make their big screen debut!
