Dignity and Equal Opportunity: Securing the Human Rights of Disabled People in an Age of Austerity

Draft Call-out for Dramatic Presentation at Report launch:
“Dignity and Equal Opportunity: Securing the Human Rights of Disabled People in an
Age of Austerity”
Houses of Parliament – Tuesday 26th November 4pm

• Welfare reform: Are you being affected by welfare reform and austerity measures?
• Tell your story: Would you like the opportunity to tell your own story to MPs and media in Parliament?
• Dramatic presentation: Would you like to take part in a small action group that will put together a
dramatic presentation in Parliament highlighting the impact of austerity on the rights of disabled people?
• Training: Do you live in London, or are you able to travel to London during November, for two planning
workshops (9th and 16th November) and the main event (26th November)?

If so, please take part in our “Theatre of the Oppressed” presentation in Parliament!10 places are available – contact DPAC via ciaradoyle@yahoo.com

What commitment is involved?

We will meet for two planning days in November and bring together a short dramatic presentation using Theatre of the Oppressed methods. We would ask that people who want to take part, check that they are available for the following dates:

• 1st planning workshop: 3pm, 9th November (Resource for London, 356 Holloway Road, London, N76PA)
• Second planning workshop: 3pm, 16th November (Resource for London, 356 Holloway Road, N76PA)
• Dramatic Presentation: 26th November from 4pm to 6pm (Houses of Parliament, Westminster, London)

Do I need any specific experience or skills?

The only experiences you need to bring are your own stories of how you have been affected by welfare reform and austerity measures. This event is open to all disabled people and carers who are being affected by government cutbacks. You do not need to have ever done any acting or storytelling before. The workshops will explore how we can explore the inner creativity that exists in ALL people.

What will happen at the workshops?

At the workshops we will start by using some Theatre of the Oppressed activities to tap in to our own
creativity. We will then take some time to explore our stories and experiences. We will bring together a short
action-drama which then tells the collective story of the group and which can be presented in Parliament as
part of the event which will launch the report.

What will happen on the evening we go to Parliament?

The Just Fair consortium will be launching the report “Dignity and Equal Opportunity: Securing the
Human Rights of Persons with Disabilities in an Age of Austerity” to an audience of MPs, Peers, and
media, and our drama or creative story-telling will be part of this launch

Who is organising the event?

This event is being organised by the Just Fair Consortium with the support of Disabled People Against Cuts. 

The workshops will be facilitated by DPAC.

Where will the planning sessions take place?

2nd and 16th November at Resource for London – 356 Holloway Road, London, N7 6PA

How do I get there?

By London Underground – take the Piccadilly line to Holloway Road station. On leaving the station turn left and walk under the railway bridge for 5 minutes. Resource for London is on the opposite side of the road and can be reached by using the pedestrian crossing. By bus – buses 4, 17, 29, 43, 153, 253, 259, 271, 279 and X43 stop within a short walk of Resource for London. Also there are mobility buses available in the area, these are numbers 920, 921, 923 and 927.

What will I get out of taking part?

By taking part in this event you will have the opportunity to tell your story directly to a group of MP’s in parliament. You will also get to take part in the Theatre of the Oppressed workshops which will give you a
set of skills that can be used for planning actions and events in future on issues you care about.

How much will this cost?

All of these activities are free of charge, including the training sessions and the presentation itself.
Also, ten travel bursaries will be available for each of the three sessions, for those who cannot afford to pay for travel, each providing a subsidy of £20 per person (i.e. overall 30 bursaries are available – 10 will be
allocated per each session).

How can I get Involved?

Please contact Ciara Doyle of Disabled People Against Cuts on ciaradoyle@yahoo.com in order to apply totake part in the training sessions and the main event. As mentioned above, 10 places are available so pleaseget in touch ASAP

DPAC