International Day of Disabled People on 3 December 2020: We’ve Got Each Other
Manchester City Council is proud to deliver this digital accessible event for International Day of Disabled People and UK Disability History Month which we’ve designed and produced with Manchester Archive+, Greater Manchester Coalition of Disabled People and with support from Manchester Histories. Our exciting programme celebrates the talents and activism of disabled people in our culture and city.
Our selection of YouTube videos will be live as links below on Thursday 3 December 2020.
Agenda
· Welcome to IDDP Manc 20 – A keynote speech by Dr Eamonn O’Neal, High Sheriff for Greater Manchester
From Manchester and Beyond – New series of short films telling the hidden stories of how disabled people took to the streets of Manchester during the 80’s, 90’s and 00’s in both protest and in celebration. By Greater Manchester Coalition of Disabled People:
1. Episode 1: Too Frightening for Kids TV! In 1988, Granada Television’s headquarters were picketed by disabled protestors after it had vetoed a decision to cast disabled actor Nabil Shaban in a children’s television drama.
2. Episode 2: ‘Children in Need’ versus the wrath of DAN – In 1993 disabled protestors disrupted a live BBC outside broadcast in Albert Square in opposition to ‘Children in Need’ and their negative portrayal of disabled people.
3. Episode 3: Disabled People Against Apartheid – In 1982 disabled people from Manchester joined other protestors picketing the Stoke Mandeville Games in opposition to the inclusion of the South Africa team.
4. Episode 4: The Battle of Little Peter Street – In 1993 local disabled trade unionist picketed a party being held at their own union’s social club in central Manchester, an inaccessible social club, down a flight of steps!
5. Episode 5: The Independence Festival 1997 -2001. In 1997, Manchester kept up its tradition of being a trailblazer city when it hosted the first ever annual national festival in celebration of disabled people’s arts and culture.
· ‘We’ve got each other’ – Song by disability rights activist and singer Ian Stanton. Performed by local singer/songwriter Miss Dennis Queen.
· Songs by The Spotlighters followed pre-recorded Q&A – a band of young disabled and neurodivergent musicians who write surreal pop songs with a punk rock attitude.”
· History of Greater Manchester Coalition of Disabled People – a short film about the history of this unique organisation.
· Lord Alf Morris, the man, the legacy – short films created for Digifest 2020 event by Manchester Histories to mark the 50th anniversary of Chronically Disabled & Sick Person’s Act, led through Parliament by this legendary Manchester MP.
You can explore the rest of the Digifest 2020 disability stories, creativity, and histories at their online gallery: https://manchesterhistories.co.uk/whatson/page.aspx?ID=297
