tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30583398696057435532024-03-13T04:53:57.531+00:00Rockinpaddy's BlogAnd why not!Rockinpaddyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16083196478419955258noreply@blogger.comBlogger44125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3058339869605743553.post-55935046223840856762011-12-12T20:28:00.001+00:002011-12-12T20:28:15.393+00:00audio from mobile.amrRockinpaddyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16083196478419955258noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3058339869605743553.post-69213099177168752952011-05-12T19:06:00.000+00:002011-05-13T20:34:03.170+00:00<object id="flashObj" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=9,0,47,0" height="260" width="370"><param name="movie" value="http://c.brightcove.com/services/viewer/federated_f9?isVid=1"><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF"><param name="flashVars" value="videoId=940212380001&playerID=69900095001&playerKey=AQ~~,AAAAAEabvr4~,Wtd2HT-p_VhJQ6tgdykx3j23oh1YN-2U&domain=embed&dynamicStreaming=true"><param name="base" value="http://admin.brightcove.com"><param name="seamlesstabbing" value="false"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="swLiveConnect" value="true"><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"><embed src="http://c.brightcove.com/services/viewer/federated_f9?isVid=1" bgcolor="#FFFFFF" flashvars="videoId=940212380001&playerID=69900095001&playerKey=AQ~~,AAAAAEabvr4~,Wtd2HT-p_VhJQ6tgdykx3j23oh1YN-2U&domain=embed&dynamicStreaming=true" base="http://admin.brightcove.com" name="flashObj" seamlesstabbing="false" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" swliveconnect="true" allowscriptaccess="always" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/shockwave/download/index.cgi?P1_Prod_Version=ShockwaveFlash" height="260" width="370"></embed></object>Rockinpaddyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16083196478419955258noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3058339869605743553.post-32793313731586137452010-04-28T13:38:00.006+00:002010-04-28T14:35:47.291+00:00Election Fatigue & other matters<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_SyYwyS-3Ymg/S9hDNeA9-uI/AAAAAAAAAJQ/DQSRdQ63ApA/s1600/Ian+dury+collage+master.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_SyYwyS-3Ymg/S9hDNeA9-uI/AAAAAAAAAJQ/DQSRdQ63ApA/s200/Ian+dury+collage+master.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5465192046488582882" border="0" /></a>My last few blogs have been of the audio variety, so I thought it was about time I put pencil end to keyboard and mulled over the last few weeks or so.<br /><br />I had a great inspiring trip with a few close friends (56) up to our favourite outdoor education centre, Bendrigg Lodge. The energy, talents and friendship the young people share on this trip is always inspiring and this trip was no exception.<br /><br />You may have guessed from my twitter, facebook or diary antics, that since December I've been getting more & more involved with the life & times of Ian Dury and in particular the brilliant Theatre Company Graeae. I've been singing as part of the development stage of there latest production "Reasons To Be Cheerful". Written by Paul Sirett, it's a funny, gritty, sometimes hard & sad story intertwinned around the songs of Ian Dury. I think this description of the show will be better articulated as I get to know the story once it's finished it's 100th or more re-write. I've only met Paul a handful of times but i love watching him, watching us, wondering what his next thought is. What might he be thinking as a result of a flippent rehearsal comment or action that might end up in the next script, or not? We are in the safe and genius hands of Jenny Sealy who I love being around & learning from. She is a very experienced Artistic Director and great fun to be around. Robert Hyman is our MDand he can sure hit them keys.<br /><br />You'll have to come and see!<br /><br />Anyway on Saturday, it was confirmed that I'm in it, doing the vocal. I'm over the moon, and completely over whelmed by this new opportunity. It feels like I'm punching well over my weight on this one, even though others tell me different and in my heart I know if I work hard and focus I might just get close to living the total dream! <br /><br />I've sung all my life, never brilliantly, but always tried entertainingly. I live & love music and have been lucky to make a living from it in different ways and to do this is a boyhood dream that has stayed with me through my life.<br /><br />It's the people around me who are so skilled and talented that are the icing on the cake, you should see them, they are top banana & I'm going on the journey with them!!<br /><br />I realise, I've not actually mentioned the elections, well why should I?? None of them have said much about the things that matter to me, Inclusion, rights, social justice, valuing informal learning & young disabled & non disabled people growing, learning & playing together....except yesterday when the bias of all parties towards segregated education was shown to still be in existence!<br /><br />And Mr Steen MP, I'm giving up on ever hearing back from you about your bad parking habits. With any luck he's going to get kicked out on 6th May and we'll never know about his parking antics or expenses behaviours ever again. With the greatest of respects, thanks for showing you never did actually want to hear from Disabled People, I hope you are very happy polishing yer pearls & may you never need a parking space in SW London!<br /><br />Love<br /><br />JKRockinpaddyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16083196478419955258noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3058339869605743553.post-42273364505222627192010-02-18T15:30:00.006+00:002010-02-25T13:32:47.586+00:00Archive audio blogs - last: The wheelchair saga!My audio blogs are via the link above, click & it will take you too all my audio blogs with most recent at the top, plus older audio blogs too.Rockinpaddyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16083196478419955258noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3058339869605743553.post-89381240001808234152010-02-08T17:29:00.002+00:002010-02-08T17:31:00.398+00:00Testing my mobile blog accessIn an attempt to keep my blog updated I'm trying a few new settings. Technomungus!<br /><br />I see Mr Stein MP has been naughty with his expenses. No wonder he parks in blue badge parking bays as it saves on having to claim on parking tickets! Surprisingly he still hasn't responded to any of my emails which is disappointing considering he said he wanted to hear from anyone put out by his attitude...I mean actions, apparently he feels we have too many parking bays, so therefore he parks on them when he feels the need.<br /><br />I'm still waiting Mr Stein!!<br /><br />JK<br />Sent using BlackBerry® from OrangeRockinpaddyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16083196478419955258noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3058339869605743553.post-13362880008963562732009-10-13T10:52:00.008+00:002009-10-13T14:53:56.190+00:00Oh Janey Mac!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_SyYwyS-3Ymg/StRcHkU4fLI/AAAAAAAAAIQ/9nMBFK0MXvY/s1600-h/7628_152673094009_664249009_2853769_1690277_n.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_SyYwyS-3Ymg/StRcHkU4fLI/AAAAAAAAAIQ/9nMBFK0MXvY/s200/7628_152673094009_664249009_2853769_1690277_n.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392035938949430450" border="0" /></a><br />I'm not nearly, I am! And it all feels fine so far. My head hasn't fallen off, I haven't forgotten how to party, I don't need more or less sleep and best of all I can still do my own version of that rub yer stomach pat yer head thing that people do, except I can't reach my head and my circular motion is just around me belly button!<br /><br />I guess just acknowledging I'm 40 means <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">theres</span> some significance to it, but I haven't been able to put my finger on it's exact significance yet. My feeling is yahoo, I've got here and my life has been great so far. We've had some pretty major challenges in our family and so far survived and become stronger as a result of them. So no complaints apart from still not being able to properly access the tube for the last 34 years (mum got me on when I was 6 by carrying me down) or being able to access the best intimate live venues in London without the bouncers (oops door supervisors) needing to call for back up to get me in!<br /><br />we had a great party where it confirmed that I know I've got the best family and friends a 40 year old could wish for and they can all still party too!<br /><br />So what pearls of wisdom have I learnt over 40 years (the following is only useful for my self guidance and not meant as advice or to be followed by anyone else, you can do your own!):<br /><ul><li><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Humility</span> is a great virtue to which I will always wish to work towards.</li><li>I haven't got all the answers but I'm happy to continue looking.</li><li>I'm on a journey and love sharing it with others.</li><li>Don't tinkle in a field in the wind, especially in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Dorking</span> in the middle of the night.</li><li>Have a good time all the time.</li><li>I'm a lover not a fighter (except where freedom and discrimination is concerned).</li><li>Disability has nothing to do with ability.</li><li>The road to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Holyhead</span> is two-faced - it's the best journey and the worst all in two lanes!</li><li>Being in a wheelchair is absolutely fine & dandy unless it breaks down. It's steps, stairs and attitude that stops you doing things.</li><li>Keep practicing, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">there's</span> always something to improve.</li><li>Trust in others, the Holy Spirit & yourself.</li><li>My glass is nearly always full to over flowing.</li><li>Never sit in a deckchair on the Isle of Wight with Ginger, without having a good limerick up your sleeve.<br /></li><li>Independence is not being able to do everything on your own.</li><li>Cows are lovely things and I still haven't quite worked them out.</li><li>I like music loud.</li><li>I don't trust cucumber.<br /></li><li>This is a beautiful world which we need to look after and I hope to continue seeing the most <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">beautiful</span> sites it has without damaging it too much.</li><li>Normal doesn't exist.</li><li>Music is my bag.</li><li>Don't end the day with things left to do, resolve n plan, but go to bed settled or you'll never sleep.</li><li>Irritable bowel is really irritating when your nervously about to perform/facilitate/present/meet someone important/speak or if you haven't got a pa/hoist/strong mate/accessible loo nearby (<span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">although</span> I have to add, I've been lucky so far!).</li><li>I love my Mum & Dad, friends and family and my life so far.</li><li><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">There's</span> always a way to do and manage anything life throws at you.</li><li>Augusto <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Boal</span> and Paulo <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Freire</span> have taught me loads.</li><li><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">There's</span> not much on telly.</li><li>Extreme wealth is as bad and obscene as poverty.</li><li>Why does business news get air time when community news gets zilch (by <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">community I</span> mean good news opportunity to work and support each other to create change, embrace differences and do things for the good of each other and our world).</li><li>I'm not the best musician or singer but I love playing and rocking it with a crowd who's up for it.</li><li>All means All.</li><li>Nothing About Us Without Us.</li><li>My van Lizzie, is wicked and changed my life.</li><li>My life is always changing so don't try to stay the same.</li><li>I still haven't found my soul mate, but I've whittled it down to about 30.</li><li>It was hard writing the last one without breaking into a U2 number.</li><li>There is definately good. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">There is</span> only bad if you want to look for it or if you let 'em win.</li><li>I'm proud to work with so many inspiring young people.</li><li>Vic <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">Finklestein</span> & Michael Oliver, Jane <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">Campbell</span> (Dame, sorry Jane) & Jenny Morris have best articulated both my understanding of disability and my experience of disability.</li><li>The <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">Fonze</span> is still <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">coolamundo</span>...Eh!</li><li><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">Colombo</span> is still a genius.</li><li>Elvis in his youth sung the butt of a song.<br /></li><li>Frank Spencer is still my hero!</li><li>My impairment is a total part of me, it's not secondary, non-existent, to be cured or made better or made normal, it's part of me, not the whole of me or the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">dominant</span> part of me, it's part of me, not to be hidden, or ashamed of, or to be blamed on others or myself, its part of me and like the wheelchair (see above) it doesn't stop me doing anything that is important to me.</li><li>My top 5 songs (see along right hand side of blog) <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">hasn't</span> changed much over the past five years so need to re-visit.</li><li>Jacks is the best bar in my world and serves the best Guinness in the World.</li><li>Thank god I'm not a good business man.</li><li>Try to be as honest as you can to yourself and to others.</li><li>Turning 40's cool.</li><li>Don't rush, the journey is as important as the destination. </li><li><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">There's</span> plenty of time but don't procrastinate or even worse don't not do the things you need to do (and I'm not talking about the washing up)!</li><li>I've got the loveliest, talented, kindest god children you could wish for.</li><li>Do the washing up ( I <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21">prefer</span> doing it as you go long, as long as <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_22">the</span> food doesn't go cold).</li><li>Lists are good so always put at least one thing on that you can tick off straight away.</li><li>Get the balance between doing the hard things and the easy things right. </li><li>Doing things together <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_23">collaboratively</span> fuels and motives my individual work.</li><li>Inclusion is the way of the Jedi.</li><li>The Saw Doctors, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_24">Pogues</span>, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_25">Dubliners</span>, Elvis, Elvis Costello, Robert Wyatt & Billy Bragg to name but a few. </li><li>I'm a tiger (when I need to be).</li><li>Don't forget yer shovel if you want to go to work.</li><li>Keep wasps off my sandwich.</li><li>Don't be <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_26">pretentious</span> or self important.</li><li>Never wear a mankini at your birthday party.</li><li>Do it! </li><li>I'll be sorry about writing at least one of these someday, so will update when I'm 80.</li><li>Nothing is definitive.<br /></li></ul><br />So enough reflecting for now, still got some major freedom fighting and plenty discrimination to beat off and I'm not going to rest on that. You know who you are and you've been warned.<br /><br /><br />Be lucky<br />JKRockinpaddyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16083196478419955258noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3058339869605743553.post-45300319183940591372009-09-04T19:48:00.001+00:002009-09-04T19:52:53.326+00:00From My friends at DAN<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_SyYwyS-3Ymg/SqFwBrrEE3I/AAAAAAAAAII/mGfbPmGE-AU/s1600-h/ORGDAN.GIF"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 190px; height: 200px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_SyYwyS-3Ymg/SqFwBrrEE3I/AAAAAAAAAII/mGfbPmGE-AU/s200/ORGDAN.GIF" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5377702604262609778" border="0" /></a><br />I don't usually post other peoples writing but Dan are trying to spread the word about this action, so please read on:<br /><br />The Disabled People's Direct Action Network (DAN) is once again taking<br />action against Birmingham City Council (BCC) on Monday 14th September for<br />the rights of disabled people in Birmingham and everywhere to life,<br />liberty and the choice and control over our own lives that most<br />non-disabled people take for granted, but which we can be denied at the<br />whim of a local authority.<br /><br />BCC promised to work with DAN towards establishing genuine independent<br />living for disabled people in Birmingham after our last action in March<br />(see report at <a href="http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/2009/04/425854.html" onmousedown="'UntrustedLink.bootstrap($(this)," target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><span>http://www.indymedia.org.u</span><wbr><span class="word_break"></span>k/en/2009/04/425854.html</a>) won us<br />a meeting with Peter Hay (Director of Health and Social Care) and other<br />Council officials, but has not delivered on that promise, and 6 months<br />later there has been no apparent change in BCC's treatment of disabled<br />people.<br /><br />Yesterday (30th August 2009), a disabled service user and DAN supporter,<br />for whom members of Birmingham DAN had been advocating in the "social<br />care" system, died in hospital in Birmingham following BCC's refusal, only<br />a few weeks before, to provide him with any care or support to live<br />independently.<br /><br />Disabled people in Birmingham are still being refused assessments for<br />direct payments to employ Personal Assistants (which is breaking the legal<br />obligation of all Local Authorities under the 1990 Community Care Act),<br />being told by social workers that they do not have any needs or being<br />bullied by council officials into signing agreements they do not want to<br />sign, simply to save the council money.<br />Other disabled people are still homeless, living in totally inaccessible<br />housing, trapped against their will in nursing homes where they have no<br />choice and control over their own lives, or living in total social<br />isolation and disgustingly filthy conditions, not because of a lack of<br />funding for accessible housing and social support services, but because of<br />the absence of the political will to use council funding for those<br />purposes.<br /><br />How many more disabled people will have to die and how many more lives<br />will be put at risk before BCC gives us our human rights?<br /><br />The action on September 14th will start at 1pm and will be in Birmingham<br />city centre. For further information contact Steve on 07931 421947 or<br />soulrebel@riseup.net or Tom on 07816 275985 or tomcomdan@hotmail.co.uk.<br /><br />Please forward this message to as many disabled people (or anyone else who<br />you think may be interested in taking part in the action) as possible.<br /><br />FREE OUR PEOPLE!<br /><br />Steve Graby, Birmingham DANRockinpaddyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16083196478419955258noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3058339869605743553.post-54508198873874004632009-07-20T12:01:00.007+00:002009-07-20T14:07:44.088+00:00Abbeyfeale to Athens to Albury via Stratford UA & Newham!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_SyYwyS-3Ymg/SmRdGk1J76I/AAAAAAAAAIA/_RSWoNvFpKI/s1600-h/holiday+time+in+Greece+052.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_SyYwyS-3Ymg/SmRdGk1J76I/AAAAAAAAAIA/_RSWoNvFpKI/s200/holiday+time+in+Greece+052.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360511824024956834" border="0" /></a><br />It's often easy to say "<span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">I'm</span> very busy at the moment" but my carbon footprint over the last 2 months could easily have been mistaken for the footprint left by a <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">sizable</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Yettie</span> with extra foot growth issues. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Stratford</span> seems a distant memory, but going to the home of the bard to perform Equality Street at <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">UK</span> Youths national Youth work conference was some highlight. <br /><br />The team performed well, despite <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">British</span> rail making the challenges of travel even more challenging. The performance went down very well and was even seen as being a bit '<span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">controversial</span>'? I'm not sure it really was but my guess is that this is because of our starting point being that Inclusion = All Means All, no <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">ifs</span>, buts, or might have <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">beens</span> (cue for a song).<br /><br />The band has been extremely busy, starting off with a gig with our furry womble friend Haydon at <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Hyde</span> Park, despite the mightiest of early morning thunder storms, the sun came out for <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Rockinpaddy</span> in the Park. Then off on a small-scale tour of Ireland, playing around the wild west, including my cousins wedding in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Adare</span> and two gigs in our hometown of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">abbeyfeale</span>. Any time playing at home is special, but our <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">acoustic</span> set in 'Jacks -The Corner house' had to be up there. A few <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">Guinness's</span> were sunk & <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">Roland</span> & Dave made their Irish debut's with <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">Rockinpaddy</span>. It was a very quick trip in the sense that because we were playing, we were busy, but we tried our best to <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">recapture</span> the peace and serenity that 6 blokes sharing a country house full of brandy, can have. The Rock & Roll moment of the tour, apart from the wedding, fixing the water filled stage roofing, <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">feasting</span> in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">Leens</span> hotel or listening to the sad death of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">MJ</span> on the radio as we returned from a gig, had to be drinking Brandy at breakfast as dad wanted to clear the cupboards out!<br /><br />After <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21">Abbeyfeale</span> I squeezed in a a few <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_22">CIL</span> meetings, a session in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_23">Camberley</span> and a music workshop before heading off to Athens to help lead the music element of a European Performing Arts Seminar. I have to admit working self employed, I was nervous about pulling this one off, but i worked with a brilliant team and together we had an amazing experience, <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_24">definitely</span> a moment of moments. The participants, particularly the young woman and girls of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_25">Amalion</span> made the whole event a special, fun and creative experience and the quality of work in the final show was absolutely amazing. <br /><br />The picture heading this blog was taken from the roof garden of our hotel where we stayed for a few days after the seminar to chill out in Athens. the garden overlooked the Acropolis (still not finished!), where each morning Barry & I would sit drinking strawberry iced water, <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_26">ooh</span> it was lovely. The city of Athens was busy and hot, any blank space was covered in <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_27">graffiti</span>, some good, some not so good. what amazed me was for an <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_28">Olympic</span> city, the access, apart from the brilliant Metro, was so inaccessible. Dropped curbs were rough and inconsistent and it made me realise the efforts the team went through to make the seminar venue as accessible as it was.<br /><br />I think the nerves actually spurred me on and thanks to our workshop participants we created some great original material which reflected the good time we had. I made some very good friends out there, particularly my 2 co-facilitators and a number of individuals who have stayed in touch since my return.<br /><br />My time out there re-enforced the importance of music in influencing change and also the need to develop young disabled people as leaders. The experience got me questioning the impact we had and I felt there was more potential from this event to grow and touch elements of change desperately needed in Europe for the inclusion and equality movement.<br /><br />On my return it was straight into a second equality & inclusion session with <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_29">Newham</span> youth <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_30">Service</span> who are on the journey. Finally a small <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_31">acoustic</span> set at the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_32">Albury</span> Festival rounded up a very busy period. I have to say I had hoped for more in the Ferret race but at least we had a bigger dressing room than the little fury creatures!<br /><br />An amazing few months and I'd like to thank my <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_33">PA's</span> & family for supporting me through this busy time, if I'm busy then they too are busy! Most of all thanks to all who joined us in Hyde Park, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_34">Stratford</span>, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_35">Newham</span>, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_36">Camberley</span>, Merton, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_37">Abbeyfeale</span>, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_38">Adare</span>, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_39">Albury</span> & Athens. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_40">There's</span> more to come over the next few months, not to mention the party of all party's my 75<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_41">th</span> birthday (Well <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_42">that's</span> how I feel today anyway)! Now what does my house look like again?Rockinpaddyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16083196478419955258noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3058339869605743553.post-41688340107392376122009-06-14T12:33:00.006+00:002009-06-14T13:08:57.300+00:00While I have the chance.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_SyYwyS-3Ymg/SjTukLXIdbI/AAAAAAAAAG8/BVBiKUxa0Qs/s1600-h/475px-Busy_desk.svg.png"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 158px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_SyYwyS-3Ymg/SjTukLXIdbI/AAAAAAAAAG8/BVBiKUxa0Qs/s200/475px-Busy_desk.svg.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347160962888136114" border="0" /></a><br />I'm glad the greens did well in the recent elections, the only party with a strong social model of disability policy, which is desperately needed. Sorry I don't believe the argument that those voting <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">BNP</span> were doing it as a protest, there were at least another 10 parties on my ballet paper that could have been voted for that weren't racist, narrow minded bigots, so why choose <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">BNP</span> for a protest?<br /><br />Rant over, very busy at the moment so apologise if this blog is more like a list than a reflective diary. Currently working with Orpheus 'Breakthrough Media Group' developing the second Independent Living Podcast (visit www.orpheus.org.uk & click on news to listen to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">te</span> first), Disability Initiative in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Camberley</span> delivering a Decision making Accredited programme. Equality Street Cabaret received rave revues in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Stratford</span> as part of UK Youths 2b or not 2B national youth work conference.<br /><br />I had a great night with <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Newham</span> Youth Service exploring their inclusive practice and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">CIL</span> discussions in Merton have moved to a snails pace as we have reached the 'money stage' of development, suddenly the brakes have been eased on and we await progress. The band and my music work generally, is very, very, very, busy and I'm very pleased and grateful considering we are in a <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">recession</span>. We had a great time with Haydon the Womble at Hyde Park (click on pictures of main site) and we are now rehearsing hard for a small-scale tour in Ireland and then a number of workshops in Greece as part of an exciting European Performing Arts Seminar. 'It's My Money' should be completed soon & I hear from some of the gang who participated in last years Starting Out programme are doing well in their transitions.<br /><br />So haven't got much time to mention that I'm slowly learning new film editing skills (visit <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">rockin</span> news to see my homage to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">AFC's</span> promotion) we've got new <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">calfs</span> being born back at home, new <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">rockinpaddy</span> T-shirts are on the way & you can <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">pre</span> order by dropping me an email on the main site) AFC have gone up for the second season and that my garden is in desperate need of some <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">tlc</span>, off to rehearsals, I'll try and blog in between Ireland & Greece or just after....if I surviveRockinpaddyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16083196478419955258noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3058339869605743553.post-70289436916582987592009-05-09T19:12:00.007+00:002009-05-10T14:16:40.402+00:00Thank you Augusto Boal<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_SyYwyS-3Ymg/SgXWCwEarEI/AAAAAAAAAGs/RNeF2UC4GPA/s1600-h/me+and+augusto.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 162px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_SyYwyS-3Ymg/SgXWCwEarEI/AAAAAAAAAGs/RNeF2UC4GPA/s200/me+and+augusto.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333904676441730114" border="0" /></a>Augusto Boal sadly died on 2nd May 2009. I had the privilege to have learnt directly from him and the world is a poorer place now. The day before he died he spent the day in a solidarity vigil with workers.<br /><br />The reason for blogging today is because I spent the day in Bethnal Green celebrating & remembering his life in true Boalian style. We even had identified the global moment for silence wrongly (5 hours ahead/behind) but carried on with the moment as it was. It was the moment.<br /><br />What was amazing was that Augusto made a global difference and yet too few people know of his work. The Guardian had done a piece and a few radio shows mentioned his passing, and yet his books will be in the majority, if not all universities. His techniques and methods are being used to transform realities all over the world.<br /><br />Earlier in my learning Paulo Freire has had a major impact on my understanding of discrimination & oppression, he also influenced Boal thoughts & theories which transformed what and how theatre could be. Amazingly and with so much good fortune I had the privilege and opportunity to meet and spend time learning from Augusto Boal back in 2003ish engaging with him around his theories & book 'Rainbow of Desire'. A year or so ago I was honoured to have played a small part in attempting to get him nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize which now sadly will never be realised.<br /><br />Adrian Jackson played a great role today and it was definitely an amazing event to be part of.<br /><br />Thank you Augusto for impacting on my life in such a positive way. Important & significant moments, here, today, and in the future we can transform & we can change our reality.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Reflective Note:</span> Today I found out that there were events in Rio de Janeiro,London, Los Angeles, Lille, Vancouver, Istanbul, Belgrade, Barcelona, Stockholm & Rotterdam and these are only places that were able to promote there event so it is likely that there were many more as I know his work is also celebrated in India, Ireland, Croatia amongst others.Rockinpaddyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16083196478419955258noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3058339869605743553.post-60964911091305685372009-02-11T19:42:00.003+00:002009-02-11T20:10:00.550+00:00Times they are a changing<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_SyYwyS-3Ymg/SZMvitFQ1VI/AAAAAAAAAGU/XsCASqBsasQ/s1600-h/obama-alex-pardy-2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 190px; height: 200px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_SyYwyS-3Ymg/SZMvitFQ1VI/AAAAAAAAAGU/XsCASqBsasQ/s200/obama-alex-pardy-2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5301633459608933714" border="0" /></a><br />I actually missed the moment Obama was sworn in all though I did get to here Aretha give it large which was very powerful indeed. As it turned out I <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">didn't</span> miss it all, as he had to do it all over again the next day. The <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">whole</span> thing did get me thinking about how far have we really come? What got put in place in America to challenge discrimination and begin to get black people into positions of real power. I'm under no <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">illusion</span> that discrimination and racism hasn't ended just because of Obama, but there is an energy of optimism for change. My gut reaction is to think that black people themselves have made the changes by believing, by working and by challenging for opportunity.<br /><br />What's it going to take for things to change for disabled people? Even in America there is still a lack of disabled people in positions of power, in the media, on the television, running companies.<br /><br />On another note, snow angels? Yep it snowed and all of a sudden <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">every ones</span> creating snow angels, wheres that all come from?<br /><br />I'm working with a group around inspiring people? I'm trying to move <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">inspiration</span> away from celebrity and away from success only being about how much money they make. I've always been a bit <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">cautious</span> about <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">inspirational</span> disabled people, because because of the links with being seen as brave heroes over-coming <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">perceived</span> adversity. So what's your criteria for inspiration cause there are some inspiring people out there, <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Myles</span> Horton, Paulo <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Freire</span>, David <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Heavey</span> & Pete <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Seegar</span> for a start!<br /><br />We're almost into march! My life seems to get faster and faster, so what do i need to do to slow it down a bit...answers on a postcard, or of course you can just post a comment below.<br /><br />Be Lucky,<br /><br />RPRockinpaddyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16083196478419955258noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3058339869605743553.post-21622026332881683162009-01-09T12:17:00.003+00:002009-02-11T19:41:56.671+00:00Big up the New Year!Just thought I'd do a quick blog to comemerate my internet connection in County Down. Some Random thoughts & people in my head...Joe Dolan, Ronnie Drew, hope Shane makes it through another year, Gemmsey's leaving for New Zealand, Lots of interesting work coming up, first time I've ever sent post to ALL my aunts & uncles - what a mission that was, my lovely God-children are growing up, I'm flippin 40 this year, so the Wolfe Tones can officially sing Janey Mac I'm nearly forty to me now, still not sure I've grown up yet, scary!<br /><br />I've loved this last month away from everything, a time to reflect, try and generate some new ideas, not sure I've totally succeeded but I did do most of the work I was aiming to do.<br /><br /><br />So lets do it, 2009!<br /><br />RPRockinpaddyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16083196478419955258noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3058339869605743553.post-22846845587307960502008-06-26T18:00:00.007+00:002008-06-26T18:45:22.710+00:00Single Equalities Again<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_SyYwyS-3Ymg/SGPZ27EFswI/AAAAAAAAAE0/2AktnMPkGHI/s1600-h/Eye-Print-C10002086.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_SyYwyS-3Ymg/SGPZ27EFswI/AAAAAAAAAE0/2AktnMPkGHI/s200/Eye-Print-C10002086.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5216252331016172290" border="0" /></a><br />The government announced once again it's intentions to introduce a single equalities bill today. It got chucked out before because of concerns from many who had fought for the various focused discriminations acts. The concern was, and possibly still is that individual strands of diversity and equality will be watered down. Todays news coverage demonstrates that that concern is well justified.<br /><br />Remember how you cringed when you worked out what the lyrics to "melting pot" actually meant and this is on the road, bland homogenised policy which possibly doesn't address the real deal of discrimination. Actually I quite liked the song but loud and proud of who you are it certainly 'ain't!<br /><br />I wrote a piece once about justifying the need to focus on individual dimensions of equality in order to truly understand the particular and unique characteristics of the various forms of discrimination and oppression. Of course there are cross-overs and links which have helped us to come together and unite but there are distinct and subtle differences which make each form of discrimination unique to a particular dis empowered group.<br /><br />If a single equalities law truely addresses issues of power & social change then it sounds good, but already there are concerns that things like Disability Equality Duties will be watered down to a commitement rather than enforceable duties, so we will have to keep a watch on this one as it could be good or it could go against the battles already in progress.Rockinpaddyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16083196478419955258noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3058339869605743553.post-39750319334487562452008-04-20T15:09:00.003+00:002008-04-20T15:17:30.615+00:00Will you be there?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www2.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href=" com="" 2008="" 04="" html=""><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_aQ1h56WoARI/RiR-V4_3yrI/AAAAAAAAAFw/F-efgSUbcM0/s320/bad02.gif" alt="Blogging Against Disablism Day, May 1st 2008" title="Blogging Against Disablism Day, May 1st 2008" border="0" /></a><br /><br />1st May 2008, blogtastic event. I'm warming up for a right rant!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www2.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href=" com="" 2008="" 04="" html=""><br /><br /><br /></a>Rockinpaddyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16083196478419955258noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3058339869605743553.post-64258672779616792192008-04-06T13:40:00.008+00:002008-04-07T17:13:12.468+00:00No flame for disability rights in China<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_SyYwyS-3Ymg/R_jTSsnzjEI/AAAAAAAAADY/ZdwqDPJWJWM/s1600-h/Free_Tibet.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_SyYwyS-3Ymg/R_jTSsnzjEI/AAAAAAAAADY/ZdwqDPJWJWM/s200/Free_Tibet.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5186127289086348354" border="0" /></a><br />The freedom of Tibet is in the headlines today & rightly so, but Human Rights abuses by the Chinese regime (I'm not blanketing that it is all it's people, there are Chinese people trying to change things too) is not just isolated to just the Tibetan issue. Human Rights abuses against disabled people in China often go unmentioned, in particular abuses against disabled women and those with learning difficulties. I'm not an expert but have read & studied a few reports, hard evidence is difficult to get at as the abuses are often impacted upon the most vulnerable with the least loudest voice. Much evidence is anecdotal but never the less terrible and needs acting upon.<br /><br />There has been much debate this weekend as the Olympic "flame of shame" goes through London that sport and politics should be separated, but I feel that is very naive. Sport doesn't happen in isolation or a vacuum. The Olympic ideals are spot on, but they get used for all sorts of agenda's, some ok, some not. If sport has nothing to do with politics why have a minister for sport?<br /><br />I have a Tibetan friend who now lives in Nepal, we studied together and became friends and he promised that if I ever get out there, he'd get me up the mountains no problem! so I know a little about whats been happening, I've frantically been reading up to try and become more informed, I don't like the feeling of just jumping on a bandwagon, at least without a bit more information from more than one source. I think that it's unfortunate that the flames/olympics are getting it, but I think until there is some freedoms respected then China are asking for it. That's not to say China should adopt what we believe is a right form of democracy, but they should end human rights oppressive behaviors, as should the hundreds of other countries getting away with it.<br /><br />The Tibetan struggle will be effecting disabled people in Tibet & China and so I did want to jump on a bandwagon if it is to create awareness that may one day do something to contribute to change for the better.Rockinpaddyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16083196478419955258noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3058339869605743553.post-89562567000206709922008-04-01T17:31:00.007+00:002008-04-01T18:29:06.381+00:00United<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_SyYwyS-3Ymg/R_J-38nzjDI/AAAAAAAAADQ/9oARe6Og_Bs/s1600-h/Copy+of+CIL+workshop+14+Feb+2008+068.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_SyYwyS-3Ymg/R_J-38nzjDI/AAAAAAAAADQ/9oARe6Og_Bs/s200/Copy+of+CIL+workshop+14+Feb+2008+068.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5184345620687850546" border="0" /></a><br />Today was our local Go Forum, a small but growing group of local disabled people fighting for local issues that affect disabled peoples lives. It was one of the best I've been to, because there was a sense that within the general mess and struggles we are trying to improve there was a sense of coming together.<br /><br />There are many different views on the group, which is probably it's strength & if honest there has been some tensions on the group, this is mainly in the context of discussions of major cutbacks in services in Merton and the best way forward. Well although there are still differences there was a general feeling that we stand together so that all disabled peoples needs are considered. New things are not a choice if they are at the expense of other things being taken away.<br /><br />If something needs changing then change should be done by working together to improve things. People need to be involved and supported in being the author of their own changes.<br /><br />We are concerned about these local issues because they have a very real impact on all people, not just disabled people, but their families, loved ones, children, older people, working people, disadvantaged and excluded people and the comfortable, regular folk. It's about all of us.<br /><br />I <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">genuinely</span> feel that those we are working with within the local authority also do care & they are trying to do a difficult job in which they very rarely get praised for. I think & hope they are trying to get it right (or do I just see the good side of <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">everyone</span>?), we need to begin to build a dialogue of trust in each other. They need to trust that we can make the right decisions if given the right tools and we need to start to trust that they will not take the process away from us and yet again <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">dis empower</span> us back t the status <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">quo</span>. The reality is we're not going back to those dark days, we'll just move onwards.<br /><br />My fear is that cabinet, the group with the power to decide only see figures, a balance sheet and the most in vogue <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">initiative</span> that will create good headlines. I have met a few good councillors to discuss the future of a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">CIL</span>, and I can only hope that those that <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">genuinely</span> care about <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">people out</span> number those who have whatever other motives to balance the figures.<br /><br />Disabled people can and do contribute to our society but can only do it if our needs are <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">adequately</span> met, actually fully met, <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">adequate</span> isn't enough. Once fully met we play a full active part in our community, we buy things, we work, we pay taxes, council tax, just the same as everyone else. The current discussions around cut-backs have very little to do with a <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">genuine</span> transformation <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">programme</span>. Transformation is <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">generally</span> a positive process where you start at one place and through learning and understanding, you move to a better place, transformation. The cut backs are about very basic things like getting around from a to b, having support for our loved ones, being able to meet friends that we want to have by choice, having a purpose to life.<br /><br />I agree that services and provisions may need to change in terms of transformation, but that is different from creating cut backs to essential services and provisions. If people are genuine about transformation, then enter into a process of change, the new tag is co-producing, us together, with us having more control over the things that affect us, as a result we change, that change will also mean you need to change too!<br /><br />By the way I still haven't heard from MP Mr <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">Steen</span> about his parking habits, sadly it is now obvious that when he said he was happy to hear from disabled people he obviously didn't and just needed the publicity. (thankfully he isn't an MP in Merton).Rockinpaddyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16083196478419955258noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3058339869605743553.post-71058292194136943242008-02-13T00:17:00.001+00:002008-02-13T00:48:26.824+00:00Free SourcingThanks to free source software I've nearly cracked all the things I would wish to do on my computer. It also means that my back catologue of recorded music is now digitally enhanced, cleaned up a bit and secured. <br />I had two tapes of songs that were the only ones in existence and included a couple of successful blasts from the past that I would have been gutted had I lost them. The original recordings are on a reel but I haven't got one of them and the reel is in the darkest depths of "the big cupboard". I've downloaded three free source bits of software. All brilliant and they do the job so mind map, hi Q recorder and my old friend audacity, thank you, I'll be donating to the cause! They go to prove that as long as you don't go download crazy and run a few safety checks, you can get really good tools that don't cost a fortune and help to make those big boys even greedier for your money!<br /><br />On another note after two days of preparration and getting a few things off my chest, I'm well up for that workshop I mentioned in the last blog. <br /><br />One more thing is it only me that's sick of hearing about the american 'primaries'. The clue is in the title! There's loads more to come with the actual elections and its already getting as much air time as our UK elections and loads more than any european news, which we are actually part of. I'm not US bashing, more media bashing to get it all a bit more in perspective. We have lots in common with more countries than just america so calm it down a bit. Hilary and Barack will let us know which of them will be taking over from W.<br /><br />Be lucky<br />JKRockinpaddyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16083196478419955258noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3058339869605743553.post-38109484491515362592008-02-13T00:17:00.000+00:002008-02-13T00:47:45.010+00:00Free SourcingThanks to free source software I've nearly cracked all the things I would wish to do on my computer. It also means that my back catologue of recorded music is now digitally enhanced, cleaned up a bit and secured. <br />I had two tapes of songs that were the only ones in existence and included a couple of successful blasts from the past that I would have been gutted had I lost them. The original recordings are on a reel but I haven't got one of them and the reel is in the darkest depths of "the big cupboard". I've downloaded three free source bits of software. All brilliant and they do the job so mind map, hi Q recorder and my old friend audacity, thank you, I'll be donating to the cause! They go to prove that as long as you don't go download crazy and run a few safety checks, you can get really good tools that don't cost a fortune and help to make those big boys even greedier for your money!<br /><br />On another note after two days of preparration and getting a few things off my chest, I'm well up for that workshop I mentioned in the last blog. <br /><br />One more thing is it only me that's sick of hearing about the american 'primaries'. The clue is in the title! There's loads more to come with the actual elections and its already getting as much air time as our UK elections and loads more than any european news, which we are actually part of. I'm not US bashing, more media bashing to get it all a bit more in perspective. We have lots in common with more countries than just america so calm it down a bit. Hilary and Barack will let us know which of them will be taking over from W.<br /><br />Be lucky<br />JKRockinpaddyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16083196478419955258noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3058339869605743553.post-22840378156274592922008-02-08T00:10:00.000+00:002008-02-09T15:07:13.614+00:00Nothing's ever perfick, but thats ok?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_SyYwyS-3Ymg/R63BYoFXBGI/AAAAAAAAACo/70h_chr34-I/s1600-h/Yeovil+workshop.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_SyYwyS-3Ymg/R63BYoFXBGI/AAAAAAAAACo/70h_chr34-I/s200/Yeovil+workshop.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5164996976484746338" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I'm working on planning for a workshop happening next week and I'm excited and nervous about it all at the same time. Its important to me personally and I can see how it could and will be really good and I can also see where it might not be perfick. I'm putting as much as I can to make it a good, enjoyable day that people feel that they can participate and join in with. I also know I won't have key people/colleagues there who could make a valuable contribution.<br /><br />Trying to make the day accessible with limited resources is also a challenge and is the bit I worry the most about because it needs to be addressed if people are to genuinely engage. Access is probably the only bit that isn't ok if not in place.<br /><br />An event or event not being perfick is ok if it's part of a journey, a step in a learning process and of course, if all feel they are part of that process or journey. Even mistakes made around access can sometimes be forgiven if the mistake is learnt from and not made again.<br />I think the worries are set within fear of a blame culture a fear that we are not open to trying something in a new way. Again if it's a collaboration, we can take responsibility for our actions and move on without fear of being put in the stocks or being defensive. I hope next week will be a collaboration, a step along the journey and I hope it will be a positive, enjoyable experience. We will be talking about really important issues and I hope we see the struggles and barriers as a challenge and part of our growing strength rather than an insurmountable mountain.<br /><br />My personal glass is almost always at least three quarters full, that's just me, life's to short for me to be beaten by negativity and problems, I see them and try and do something about them. Sometimes I get it right and oh yes I also get it wrong too. I really hope all that come on the workshop will feel that their glass is at least half full too. At least we can join together and say cheers to the next event!Rockinpaddyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16083196478419955258noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3058339869605743553.post-84324230800461646832007-12-05T20:14:00.000+00:002007-12-05T20:44:20.512+00:00Was I just in the wrong place?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_SyYwyS-3Ymg/R1cNeqvXBWI/AAAAAAAAACE/thHNA6ov62Q/s1600-h/450px-Red_question_mark.svg.png"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_SyYwyS-3Ymg/R1cNeqvXBWI/AAAAAAAAACE/thHNA6ov62Q/s200/450px-Red_question_mark.svg.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5140592320186877282" border="0" /></a><br />The 3rd December is/was International Disabled Peoples Day, but you might not have known that. I kept a look out, told people on my face book, was hoping there might be a story or two for my students to pick up and talk to me about in their lesson. Nothing, zilch, zero. I know there must have been something going on, the day couldn't have gone by un-noticed, could it?<br /><br />The UN started the day and each year have a different theme, this year was 'decent work for disabled people (well people with disabilities is what they say, but I just can't physically right it that way, it's not very social model now is it). The aim of the day is to mobilise support for disability issues! Well I'm mobilised, but did it touch your day? Did the person who has never thought about disability issues suddenly see the light as a result of the day?<br /><br />I know it takes more than a single focus day or some gimmicky thing to change attitudes and I'm sure that there were some excellent conferences and seminars, debates and lunches and I know not everything has to be splashed across the media for it to make a difference, but just one ickle recognition of it would have got my mobilisation up to full speed. An opportunity missed? probably. Attitudes changed or challenged? Who knows. Disability issues promoted in the media? Not much.<br /><br />Well next year I'm going to colour my hair yellow and blue, get naked (dependent on the temperature and speed of my mobilisation as a result of other events on the day) all day and I'm gonna get Guinness to mobilise me inside and then I'm gonna head to Downing Street and I'm gonna celebrate my unique diversity and my general contribution to global politics and get on the news for kissing Gordon Brown whilst singing The Stranglers golden Brown, but humorously singing Gordon instead of Golden (D'oh). Or then again, I might just carry on doing my own little thing, obviously that will still include Guinness but fully clothed and with no trip into central London, so probably better all around, and it probably won't mobilise many new allies!<br /><br />Be Lucky,<br /><br />JKRockinpaddyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16083196478419955258noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3058339869605743553.post-17819683852098043692007-11-30T14:50:00.000+00:002007-11-30T15:38:12.797+00:00Oh Voltaire<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_SyYwyS-3Ymg/R1AuX1pAfbI/AAAAAAAAAB8/ia65CqEdjhs/s1600-R/thinking+woman.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_SyYwyS-3Ymg/R1AuX1pAfbI/AAAAAAAAAB8/ZovAa6y65XM/s200/thinking+woman.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5138658161900682674" border="0" /></a><br />"I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it!"<br /><br />Sounds good, apparently he had some very dodgey views indeed, which has put me off this quote a bit!<br /><br />It's going round my head as to how it works, especially when people see you as all the same. Positive & negative freedoms all link towards discrimination and oppression, I'm not sure what I wanted to write here, but new I wanted to say something as theres so much in my head. It's exciting, it's hard, it's confusing, it's tricky...Once I know what IT is I'll be sorted.<br /><br />Question Time had a good debate last night about The Oxford Union & their Freedom of Speech debate the other night. It's tricky to know whether it was a genuine debate where extreme views could be put down for what they are through academic rigor, or was it just a publicity stunt? Certainly the BNP had a publicity shot up on their site of Griffin in the Oxford chamber within a few hours of his entrance (the bbc news story had a link to the site).<br /><br />This is probably as confusing to you, as it is to me, but it'll make sense at some point in the future. I know learning of any value is confusing for a bit so I must be learning masses at the moment. I went to a friends funeral yesterday which was sad and has probably added to my reflective mood. His two son's spoke and I realised the strength we have within ourselves in the most difficult of situations, it's our humanity that comes out and speaks the truth and when it does, it is so powerful. They were amazingly strong and were not afraid to show emotion. I'm sure Alan was so proud.<br /><br />I guess the two bits to this blog are linked, the first bit is about freedoms that we have and don't have and how we either use those freedoms properly or we abuse them. The second part is about when we speak from the heart because we feel & we believe, we recognise the positive strength of our humanity and thats what quashes people who speak just to wind things up and have a bit of fun with it, because it doesn't affect them in any way. One is Intrinsic because it means everything & the other is extrinsic because it means nothing to the person saying it and everything to those who are oppressing or discriminating.<br /><br />I had an embarrassing blog moment yesterday when I commented on another blog and my tag read "sit back & enjoy the ride" the observant amongst you will see I've made a few changes, but this blog demonstrates that my blog is a bit of my journey and I don't always know where I'm going...Tom tom anyone?<br /><br />Be lucky<br /><br />JKRockinpaddyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16083196478419955258noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3058339869605743553.post-54061730922075608232007-11-28T00:40:00.000+00:002007-11-30T15:40:45.998+00:00Why do we need a CIL in Merton?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_SyYwyS-3Ymg/R01PSVpAfYI/AAAAAAAAABo/bs9Uwdo9Snk/s1600-h/Copy+of+society.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_SyYwyS-3Ymg/R01PSVpAfYI/AAAAAAAAABo/bs9Uwdo9Snk/s200/Copy+of+society.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5137849926364986754" border="0" /></a>That's the question I was asked today.<br />As some of you will know, I've finished my degree studies and am using some of my time before my next venture in a productive and local way.<br /><br />The answer to why we need a CIL or Centre for Independent Living is that there is no officially recognised disabled people led organisation which is providing an effective voice for disabled people in Merton and we need that (not that I know of at this point). We need an effective peer support organisation around issues of Independent Living, a CIL provides a new opportunity to have that focus and for disability issues to be listened to on our terms.<br /><br />There are gaps in support services which are responsive to independent living that can campaign and lobby for equality and better participation in society locally that is led & controlled by disabled people. Nationally, where CILs have been successful services have improved and been closer to what disabled people want, because disabled people have led them themselves. There is a gap in supporting disabled people in a way that doesn't split us into catagories or that tries to fit us into boxes.<br /><br />In a nutshell, disabled people who want to live independently with control over their lives want a peer support organisation that is resourced to encourage social change and full inclusion in our communities and that understands what is needed to achieve independent living at a level that we can choose and control.<br /><br />There are lots of organisations doing some good work but they rightly have a focus on their particular interest group. Undoubtedly they are important to supporting disabled people to take control of their own destiny and a CIL will need to work in partnership to fill the gaps that do exist. So it's about collaboration rather than competition, choices rather than this or that.<br /><br />Unfortunately, discussions about the new CIL have been drawn into a context of cut backs and reductions in other social services. A CIL must be about adding to choice and filling some of the gaps around supporting independent living that reflects a social model of disability. It is not a replacement day centre or any other type of replacment centre. In fact, until disabled people get together and decide locally, we only have our own thoughts and assumptions and examples from other CIL's as to what our CIl will be or do!<br /><br />What a local CIL is and does must be decided by disabled people locally and should be very different from traditional services, thats where the gap is. If it replecates any other service already in place it will not be achieving it's purposes and will be the same old same old. A new CIL is a different discussion from what is happening in terms of current reviews and cut backs in existing services. A CIL cannot be seen as a replacement or a cheap option. It is only when a cIL is working that it can demonstrate it's value and people can make a choice for themselves, but it cannot be limited by assumptions and limitations even before it gets started.<br /><br />I do support the proposal for a disabled people led CIL, as I've experienced and hear from Disabled People every day about the gaps and barriers we face in achieving a decent level of independent living and also the ability to make choices and have control over what's important to us. All of this is essential to our ability to participate fully in our community.<br /><br />In the past couple of months I've talked with perhaps 50 to 60 disabled people about issues around developing CILs both locally and nationally, some for and some against, and the key message has been to get it [the CIL] done properly with adequate and varied funding and infrastructure and sustainability and secondly that it needs to be developed on our terms.<br /><br />A CIL is about providing a different or alternative choice for people, not forcing them to have a CIL instead of something else. It is also not about grouping us together because f some imposed label. We are individuals who share common experiences that can bring us together, but just as important is our lives in relation to all people, friends and communities. We are not just all about disability. How effective a local CIL is, is dependent on how well Disabled People get involved in partnership to make it work, adequate funding and capacity and how inclusive it becomes as a user-led organisation. As a disabled person I value having control over my life, what I do & how I do it. Direct Payments has put me in control and a CIL would help to ensure more disabled people have the support and opportunity to have more control over their lives.<br /><br />I'm old enough now to know that it won't be the answer to all our prayers but it will be a massive leap in the right direction towards disabled people being heard and valued in our local community. There is of course an important role for non-disabled allies and organisations to collaborate and share with us the journey, so it is up to us all to make it work.<br /><br />Be lucky,<br /><br />JKRockinpaddyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16083196478419955258noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3058339869605743553.post-39690557853823869012007-07-16T16:48:00.000+00:002007-07-16T18:11:43.356+00:00Sorry It's Been So Long<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_SyYwyS-3Ymg/RpuvQOVdD7I/AAAAAAAAABg/29-oS2ym9bI/s1600-h/around+roehampton+016.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_SyYwyS-3Ymg/RpuvQOVdD7I/AAAAAAAAABg/29-oS2ym9bI/s200/around+roehampton+016.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5087852897305956274" border="0" /></a><br />My first update is to say that I haven't had any response from Mr Steen MP to my email sent on 1st June, so it's obvious that he isn't interested in apologising for his actions but in just getting a few column inches to promote himself. Obviously I've sent him an email asking why he hasn't responded after asking people to contact him. A publicity stunt perhaps?<br /><br />My final dissertation gets handed in next Monday & I've had an amazing three year journey. I feel like I have learnt about some new principles that will be important to my future practices, primarily around the importance of Autonomy, clarity around equality and the role of Social Justice & Haman Rights. Also the importance of participation in democracy, so nothing small or easy but all important.<br /><br />My next journey, seems to be taking me towards strengthening my understanding of research methods and a focus on 'building community'....oh yeh, and how to survive a night out with the lads as my alcohol consumption has definitely decreased!<br /><br />My last three years has developed my understanding around philosophy and the use of philosophy to clarify a concept such as equality or the social model so that it can withstand the rigors of challenge and debate, academic or otherwise.<br /><br />Philosophy & theory are important but the last month has also re-enforced my own belief in the importance between theory & practice and in how they underpin or support each other. Why, because I've listened and seen at first hand that disabled people are still experiencing discrimination and struggles on a daily basis. More of this in my next entry.<br /><br />To catch up, I'm going to make a few seperate entries as in one it would be too long and boring to read (probably!) and then you can read as much or as little as you wish. Oh yes, I've also been involved in a national launch of our resource pack "So What Is Inclusion", (an ideal stocking filler for Christmas, easter present or any celebration), DJ'd 2 weddings, been featured on a national podcast and also a spread in a Nigerian Disability Issues magazine, been quoted in Young People Now and finally had my hair cut.<br /><br />Be Lucky,<br /><br />JKRockinpaddyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16083196478419955258noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3058339869605743553.post-13330804688920687282007-06-01T18:25:00.000+00:002007-06-01T18:32:25.180+00:00Email to Mr Steen MP<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB">Dear Mr Steen,</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB">You asked people to make contact with you if inconvenienced by your rather poor parking.<span style=""> </span>Unfortunately, I have become very inconvenienced by your poor use of language and rather blinkered views as to our needs.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB">Could I just point out disabled people are not a minority but gladly your views are.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB">Will you now be resigning as you obviously cannot represent the views of all of your constituency very well at all?</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB">Yours disappointingly,</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> JK<br /><br />If you've been inconvenienced by Mr Steen's Parking he would like to hear from you. You can email him here <a href="http://www.anthonysteen.org.uk">link</a>Rockinpaddyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16083196478419955258noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3058339869605743553.post-64392405089916446042007-05-06T19:10:00.001+00:002007-05-06T19:10:46.083+00:00Yellow & Blue<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rockinpaddy/484353965/" title="photo sharing"><img src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/213/484353965_738a633dcf_m.jpg" alt="" style="border: solid 2px #000000;" /></a><br /><span style="font-size: 0.9em; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rockinpaddy/484353965/">Yellow & Blue</a> <br />Originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/rockinpaddy/">rockinpaddy</a>.</span><br clear="all" /><p>Took a mid-week break from the ol' degree and went crazy with the hair! We lost by the way....</p>Rockinpaddyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16083196478419955258noreply@blogger.com0