How I’d love to change the world overnight but sadly that’s an ask too far, even for this passionate radical mum on a mission! But by sharing here something of my take on the world I hope to inspire you to act, to sow the seeds of optimism and positivity, to shake society awake with the Art of the Possible and the infinite joyful possibilities of future living.
Inspiring Inclusion already exists for a handful of people whose lives have been influenced and changed beyond recognition and way beyond any anticipation when they were born. In the world of learning disability examples include Jen Blackwell BEM, FRSA, Dr Tommy Jessop, Dr Sarah Gordy MBE, Andrew Self, Ciara Lawrence, Gary Bourlet BEM, Chris Pavia, Scott Watkin BEM, Wendy Perez, Grace Strobel, Dr Mark Brookes MBE and many others whose stars are rising.
But to inspire inclusion for countless others normally regarded as being on the fringes of society requires Innovative Inclusion.
It requires us to think differently, to give ourselves license to take the plunge, to be open to learning from leaders from unexpected places, to step up and be counted as citizens who care, but most importantly, to listen attentively, intelligently, carefully, and with compassion.
I cannot imagine walking in the shoes of the commissioners and gatekeepers. Some see the light but I want to wake up those slumbering, those weighed down by the system, those who perceive their job being to tick boxes to demonstrate accountability to the public purse and in so doing knowingly deny people the help they so desperately need, and be forced to watch the consequences; which incidentally will ultimately come with a higher price tag for the public purse. Instead, they can be open to being creative, and be part of the solution to empower and enable people to know they matter, to smile, to believe in themselves, to follow their dreams just like any other member of the human race.
On occasion it requires us to kick back, to challenge the woefully inadequate and unlawful, to not accept something because it’s better than nothing. Having a learning disability doesn’t preclude or bar you from society. In my eyes, society has a duty to you. That duty is to embrace you, to listen to you, to learn from you, and to help make your life as fulfilling and happy as it is possible to be. After all, whoever asked to be born with a learning disability?
Many times over the years we have found ourselves dauntingly challenged. Challenged by the system, challenged by Jen, the people we’re attempting to work with, or the environment we have been expected to occupy. It has required us to dig deep, to keep the faith, to believe in the Art of the Possible, to always remember our role is to support our daughter Jen to follow her dreams and be the person she wants to be.
But there are the others. People who have open minds, and open hearts, who have believed in us and Jen and the Blackwell philosophy that living an inclusive life is in the best interests of every person from those we connect with at school, at community organisations, at the shops or the hairdressers, socially when out and about, those who stand by you when the chips are down giving you inner support and fortitude, empowering you to keep on keeping on and believing that we’re all stronger together.
From one woman’s dream, a mighty oak tree is growing. Together we are co-founders of the multi-award-winning charity DanceSyndrome which is nurturing souls gifting hope to thousands; creating opportunity where previously there was none; making connections with diverse people from all walks of life; inspiring, creating, and strengthening communities and connections; empowering people with learning disabilities to walk tall, take pride in themselves and their lives, and look to the future with hope and joy in their hearts.
Jen’s mission? Jen is unerring and constant. She wants to take her passion for dance to the ends of the world.
I live for dance – it’s my passion and my life. I have the right to a life of my choosing. My future lies in dance and I want to share the fun and my passion for dance, and get the world dancing.
