[Music]
[Music] [Applause]
it doesn’t matter how many arms or legs
it doesn’t matter how many arms or legs you’ve got for pole dancing it’s hard
you’ve got for pole dancing it’s hard
you’ve got for pole dancing it’s hard regardless of what package you come in
regardless of what package you come in
regardless of what package you come in we’re all gonna get bruises we’re all
we’re all gonna get bruises we’re all
we’re all gonna get bruises we’re all gonna be sore I was born without most of
gonna be sore I was born without most of
gonna be sore I was born without most of my left arm when I came into the studio
my left arm when I came into the studio
my left arm when I came into the studio for my first pole lessons like wow I
for my first pole lessons like wow I
for my first pole lessons like wow I never thought that I’d be able to do
never thought that I’d be able to do
never thought that I’d be able to do this
this
this [Music]
[Music]
[Music] I have never felt so amazingly sexy
I have never felt so amazingly sexy
I have never felt so amazingly sexy powerful unique and it reinforces that
powerful unique and it reinforces that
powerful unique and it reinforces that limiting factors of my body and not
limiting factors of my body and not
limiting factors of my body and not necessarily in my number of limbs but
necessarily in my number of limbs but
necessarily in my number of limbs but there in my own perception it’s
there in my own perception it’s
there in my own perception it’s incredibly empowering for me to know
incredibly empowering for me to know
incredibly empowering for me to know that I am strong enough and capable
that I am strong enough and capable
that I am strong enough and capable enough to do what I do
hi I’m Deb that was me in case you
hi I’m Deb that was me in case you didn’t recognize me with clothes on oh
didn’t recognize me with clothes on oh
didn’t recognize me with clothes on oh wait you probably did but in fairness I
wait you probably did but in fairness I
wait you probably did but in fairness I don’t actually feel like myself with
don’t actually feel like myself with
don’t actually feel like myself with this many clothes on because being
this many clothes on because being
this many clothes on because being dressed like that small part of my job
dressed like that small part of my job
dressed like that small part of my job do you love your job I really love my
do you love your job I really love my
do you love your job I really love my job
job
job I am empowering people through movement
I am empowering people through movement
I am empowering people through movement or my expression of movement every
or my expression of movement every
or my expression of movement every single day it’s really rewarding and it
single day it’s really rewarding and it
single day it’s really rewarding and it wasn’t until about 10 years ago that I
wasn’t until about 10 years ago that I
wasn’t until about 10 years ago that I actually came to embrace my physicality
actually came to embrace my physicality
actually came to embrace my physicality and start to take this body out for a
and start to take this body out for a
and start to take this body out for a run and see what I could do I left
run and see what I could do I left
run and see what I could do I left behind a career in network engineering
behind a career in network engineering
behind a career in network engineering you know information technology and
you know information technology and
you know information technology and started to explore and understand how
started to explore and understand how
started to explore and understand how the human body could work and how I
the human body could work and how I
the human body could work and how I could make it do some really fun stuff
could make it do some really fun stuff
could make it do some really fun stuff on the way I ended up picking up to
on the way I ended up picking up to
on the way I ended up picking up to international dance titles and I’m a
international dance titles and I’m a
international dance titles and I’m a pioneer in my field I was the first
pioneer in my field I was the first
pioneer in my field I was the first person with a disability to this level
person with a disability to this level
person with a disability to this level to figure out how to adapt and translate
to figure out how to adapt and translate
to figure out how to adapt and translate really advanced pole tricks and
really advanced pole tricks and
really advanced pole tricks and transitions so I wrote a book about it
transitions so I wrote a book about it
transitions so I wrote a book about it called pole translation to help other
called pole translation to help other
called pole translation to help other instructors out there make pole
instructors out there make pole
instructors out there make pole accessible and inclusive for anyone who
accessible and inclusive for anyone who
accessible and inclusive for anyone who might want to do it because that’s the
might want to do it because that’s the
might want to do it because that’s the world I want to see one that recognizes
world I want to see one that recognizes
world I want to see one that recognizes that all of humanity is diverse and that
that all of humanity is diverse and that
that all of humanity is diverse and that we all have the equal right to enjoy our
we all have the equal right to enjoy our
we all have the equal right to enjoy our opportunities and I get to do that every
opportunities and I get to do that every
opportunities and I get to do that every day and it’s a real good love so I just
day and it’s a real good love so I just
day and it’s a real good love so I just want to give you an experience of what
want to give you an experience of what
want to give you an experience of what my jobs like if you’re able to get on up
my jobs like if you’re able to get on up
my jobs like if you’re able to get on up you’ve been sitting there for ages
you’ve been sitting there for ages
you’ve been sitting there for ages so I’d like you to take a big breath in
so I’d like you to take a big breath in
so I’d like you to take a big breath in and reach up as high as you can and
and reach up as high as you can and
and reach up as high as you can and freeze oh how good does that feel a
freeze oh how good does that feel a
freeze oh how good does that feel a hands in the air like you just don’t
hands in the air like you just don’t
hands in the air like you just don’t care amazing alright now I can see
care amazing alright now I can see
care amazing alright now I can see around the room that there aren’t very
around the room that there aren’t very
around the room that there aren’t very many visual learners you can all sit
many visual learners you can all sit
many visual learners you can all sit back down because everytime I go to the
back down because everytime I go to the
back down because everytime I go to the studio and I’ve got a new class you can
studio and I’ve got a new class you can
studio and I’ve got a new class you can bet that there’s one student in my room
bet that there’s one student in my room
bet that there’s one student in my room that’s like one hand in the air and I’m
that’s like one hand in the air and I’m
that’s like one hand in the air and I’m I tell them in my preamble right
I tell them in my preamble right
I tell them in my preamble right I’ve got one arm so I’ll be doing things
I’ve got one arm so I’ll be doing things
I’ve got one arm so I’ll be doing things like this but I’ll tell you what to do
like this but I’ll tell you what to do
like this but I’ll tell you what to do with both of yours and still they want
with both of yours and still they want
with both of yours and still they want to do exactly what the teacher does so
to do exactly what the teacher does so
to do exactly what the teacher does so they do it exactly the same way as I do
they do it exactly the same way as I do
they do it exactly the same way as I do and it gives me a right chuckle I don’t
and it gives me a right chuckle I don’t
and it gives me a right chuckle I don’t take it badly
so what more could I want right my life
so what more could I want right my life is really rewarding I travel the world
is really rewarding I travel the world
is really rewarding I travel the world they teach people movement I live in my
they teach people movement I live in my
they teach people movement I live in my passion it’s great oh God I’m one of
passion it’s great oh God I’m one of
passion it’s great oh God I’m one of them
them
them I’m one of those inspirational people
I’m one of those inspirational people
I’m one of those inspirational people with a disability is going out there and
with a disability is going out there and
with a disability is going out there and kickings life but and making you feel a
kickings life but and making you feel a
kickings life but and making you feel a little bit crap did you think that I was
little bit crap did you think that I was
little bit crap did you think that I was here to give you a motivational speech
here to give you a motivational speech
here to give you a motivational speech about how I overcame adversity and lived
about how I overcame adversity and lived
about how I overcame adversity and lived triumphantly sorry I’m not see what
triumphantly sorry I’m not see what
triumphantly sorry I’m not see what they’ve done with our friend here I mean
they’ve done with our friend here I mean
they’ve done with our friend here I mean he looks pretty happy right he’s clearly
he looks pretty happy right he’s clearly
he looks pretty happy right he’s clearly been carving up that athletics track
been carving up that athletics track
been carving up that athletics track rockin his blades loving life but what’s
rockin his blades loving life but what’s
rockin his blades loving life but what’s that written in green on his chest oh
that written in green on his chest oh
that written in green on his chest oh and his mmm crotch
and his mmm crotch
and his mmm crotch that says your excuse is invalid
that says your excuse is invalid
that says your excuse is invalid that’s cheeky little dick is that my
that’s cheeky little dick is that my
that’s cheeky little dick is that my excuse for what exactly now excuse me
excuse for what exactly now excuse me
excuse for what exactly now excuse me captain judgey pants I’m not sure I like
captain judgey pants I’m not sure I like
captain judgey pants I’m not sure I like what you’re insinuating I don’t want any
what you’re insinuating I don’t want any
what you’re insinuating I don’t want any part of that that’s not a game that I’m
part of that that’s not a game that I’m
part of that that’s not a game that I’m prepared to play so what someone’s done
prepared to play so what someone’s done
prepared to play so what someone’s done is they’ve taken an image of a person
is they’ve taken an image of a person
is they’ve taken an image of a person with a disability and use it to promote
with a disability and use it to promote
with a disability and use it to promote their agenda trying to manipulate the
their agenda trying to manipulate the
their agenda trying to manipulate the able-bodied majority isn’t that most of
able-bodied majority isn’t that most of
able-bodied majority isn’t that most of you sucked in you’ve been played right
you sucked in you’ve been played right
you sucked in you’ve been played right and I appear in some photos like this
and I appear in some photos like this
and I appear in some photos like this but I have untagged myself from them
but I have untagged myself from them
but I have untagged myself from them because I want no part of it that’s not
because I want no part of it that’s not
because I want no part of it that’s not okay I’m not sure he would have
okay I’m not sure he would have
okay I’m not sure he would have consented to his photo being used in
consented to his photo being used in
consented to his photo being used in this way it’s called inspiration porn
this way it’s called inspiration porn
this way it’s called inspiration porn and this is Amy Purdy asking what’s your
and this is Amy Purdy asking what’s your
and this is Amy Purdy asking what’s your excuse for objectifying me as your
excuse for objectifying me as your
excuse for objectifying me as your inspiration porn to those people who
inspiration porn to those people who
inspiration porn to those people who choose to create it we don’t ask for it
choose to create it we don’t ask for it
choose to create it we don’t ask for it and in it we’re exception alized
and in it we’re exception alized
and in it we’re exception alized and objectified right and all this puts
and objectified right and all this puts
and objectified right and all this puts disabled people in a framework to suit
disabled people in a framework to suit
disabled people in a framework to suit the able-bodied majority and sometimes
the able-bodied majority and sometimes
the able-bodied majority and sometimes their agenda is to sell you something
their agenda is to sell you something
their agenda is to sell you something Microsoft did this in the last Super
Microsoft did this in the last Super
Microsoft did this in the last Super Bowl they had an ad where they told the
Bowl they had an ad where they told the
Bowl they had an ad where they told the story of young Brandon he was a child
story of young Brandon he was a child
story of young Brandon he was a child born without both of his legs and
born without both of his legs and
born without both of his legs and Microsoft software was amazingly
Microsoft software was amazingly
Microsoft software was amazingly involved in helping him to develop the
involved in helping him to develop the
involved in helping him to develop the gait patterns to help him walk using his
gait patterns to help him walk using his
gait patterns to help him walk using his prosthetics amazing that Microsoft were
prosthetics amazing that Microsoft were
prosthetics amazing that Microsoft were able to help this child live a
able to help this child live a
able to help this child live a fulfilling life not so amazing was that
fulfilling life not so amazing was that
fulfilling life not so amazing was that they used that act for promotional
they used that act for promotional
they used that act for promotional purposes playing very emotional music
purposes playing very emotional music
purposes playing very emotional music showing Brandon doing very everyday
showing Brandon doing very everyday
showing Brandon doing very everyday things that children do and the
things that children do and the
things that children do and the insinuation behind that ad being that
insinuation behind that ad being that
insinuation behind that ad being that Brandon was broken and they helped fix
Brandon was broken and they helped fix
Brandon was broken and they helped fix him okay so this is the problem with
him okay so this is the problem with
him okay so this is the problem with where the able-bodied majority and the
where the able-bodied majority and the
where the able-bodied majority and the disabled world currently intersect
disabled world currently intersect
disabled world currently intersect that the words abled and disabled can
that the words abled and disabled can
that the words abled and disabled can quite literally be boiled down to two
quite literally be boiled down to two
quite literally be boiled down to two things able working complete broken
things able working complete broken
things able working complete broken disabled broken not working not whole
disabled broken not working not whole
disabled broken not working not whole that’s a lie
that’s a lie
that’s a lie I never felt broken or anything less
I never felt broken or anything less
I never felt broken or anything less than complete I was born with a
than complete I was born with a
than complete I was born with a congenital malformation not a tattoo on
congenital malformation not a tattoo on
congenital malformation not a tattoo on my head of the word disabled that I woke
my head of the word disabled that I woke
my head of the word disabled that I woke up and saw in the mirror every morning
up and saw in the mirror every morning
up and saw in the mirror every morning that wasn’t a label that was given to me
that wasn’t a label that was given to me
that wasn’t a label that was given to me until I started going to school and that
until I started going to school and that
until I started going to school and that label I had to wear like an
label I had to wear like an
label I had to wear like an uncomfortable and ill-fitting uniform
uncomfortable and ill-fitting uniform
uncomfortable and ill-fitting uniform and I was given to me to help the
and I was given to me to help the
and I was given to me to help the able-body majority frame and package me
able-body majority frame and package me
able-body majority frame and package me but with it it didn’t come with very
but with it it didn’t come with very
but with it it didn’t come with very many benefits so I want you to think
many benefits so I want you to think
many benefits so I want you to think back to the first time that you
back to the first time that you
back to the first time that you experienced crushing rejection the first
experienced crushing rejection the first
experienced crushing rejection the first time because after that you develop a
time because after that you develop a
time because after that you develop a thicker skin to it so let’s imagine
thicker skin to it so let’s imagine
thicker skin to it so let’s imagine seven-year-old Deb its school sports day
seven-year-old Deb its school sports day
seven-year-old Deb its school sports day and on this day we’re going to be
and on this day we’re going to be
and on this day we’re going to be playing skittles dodgeball there’s a
playing skittles dodgeball there’s a
playing skittles dodgeball there’s a running race that did felt that the
running race that did felt that the
running race that did felt that the determines two team captains and so
determines two team captains and so
determines two team captains and so there’s the two team captains and they
there’s the two team captains and they
there’s the two team captains and they are choosing the members from our class
are choosing the members from our class
are choosing the members from our class of nineteen people one at a time to come
of nineteen people one at a time to come
of nineteen people one at a time to come and join their teams I see the faces of
and join their teams I see the faces of
and join their teams I see the faces of delight as friends and allies are
delight as friends and allies are
delight as friends and allies are reunited and my heart is full of hope
reunited and my heart is full of hope
reunited and my heart is full of hope maybe I’ll get picked next and then
maybe I’ll get picked next and then
maybe I’ll get picked next and then there’s three of us and then my heart
there’s three of us and then my heart
there’s three of us and then my heart starts to sink and then I’m the only one
starts to sink and then I’m the only one
starts to sink and then I’m the only one standing there on the ball court and the
standing there on the ball court and the
standing there on the ball court and the teacher picks the team for me to go and
teacher picks the team for me to go and
teacher picks the team for me to go and join and the face is staring back at me
join and the face is staring back at me
join and the face is staring back at me aren’t sympathetic or pleased they’re
aren’t sympathetic or pleased they’re
aren’t sympathetic or pleased they’re satisfied that this is how it turned out
and as I walk over to them they groan
and as I walk over to them they groan and this happened every week for several
and this happened every week for several
and this happened every week for several years in my work teaching being the
years in my work teaching being the
years in my work teaching being the person with disability at the front of
person with disability at the front of
person with disability at the front of the room helping people explore their
the room helping people explore their
the room helping people explore their movement overcome their own internal
movement overcome their own internal
movement overcome their own internal objections I am working to promote the
objections I am working to promote the
objections I am working to promote the attitude of inclusion that I never
attitude of inclusion that I never
attitude of inclusion that I never experienced and that’s the world that I
experienced and that’s the world that I
experienced and that’s the world that I want to see one where we all just do
want to see one where we all just do
want to see one where we all just do this thing together and figure out ways
this thing together and figure out ways
this thing together and figure out ways to make it work right there’s no reason
to make it work right there’s no reason
to make it work right there’s no reason to do it any other way because this
to do it any other way because this
to do it any other way because this isn’t the Middle Ages and I was born
isn’t the Middle Ages and I was born
isn’t the Middle Ages and I was born missing an arm but I was born into a
missing an arm but I was born into a
missing an arm but I was born into a white middle-class family in the
white middle-class family in the
white middle-class family in the developed world I’m not one of the
developed world I’m not one of the
developed world I’m not one of the unlucky ones and that disability doesn’t
unlucky ones and that disability doesn’t
unlucky ones and that disability doesn’t sentence me to a life of hardship or
sentence me to a life of hardship or
sentence me to a life of hardship or misery that’s down to the way that other
misery that’s down to the way that other
misery that’s down to the way that other people treat me and how I choose to
people treat me and how I choose to
people treat me and how I choose to respond to it so I’ve talked to you a
respond to it so I’ve talked to you a
respond to it so I’ve talked to you a little bit about some instances in which
little bit about some instances in which
little bit about some instances in which the classification of disability
the classification of disability
the classification of disability particularly in sport can be a very
particularly in sport can be a very
particularly in sport can be a very negative thing there are some places
negative thing there are some places
negative thing there are some places where it works out quite well though
where it works out quite well though
where it works out quite well though Paralympics classification is necessary
Paralympics classification is necessary
Paralympics classification is necessary and when I was competing as a cyclist my
and when I was competing as a cyclist my
and when I was competing as a cyclist my classification was c5 which meant that I
classification was c5 which meant that I
classification was c5 which meant that I would compete against other people with
would compete against other people with
would compete against other people with an upper limb disability as opposed to
an upper limb disability as opposed to
an upper limb disability as opposed to say people with a vision impairment make
say people with a vision impairment make
say people with a vision impairment make sense and just as it makes sense that
sense and just as it makes sense that
sense and just as it makes sense that you wouldn’t race super bikes against
you wouldn’t race super bikes against
you wouldn’t race super bikes against Formula one cars the Paralympics and the
Formula one cars the Paralympics and the
Formula one cars the Paralympics and the Olympics are both worthy in their
Olympics are both worthy in their
Olympics are both worthy in their standing because we’re measuring
standing because we’re measuring
standing because we’re measuring athleticism that’s performance an output
athleticism that’s performance an output
athleticism that’s performance an output of a certain kick type right and they’re
of a certain kick type right and they’re
of a certain kick type right and they’re all testing that to their limits
all testing that to their limits
all testing that to their limits regardless of what that kid type might
regardless of what that kid type might
regardless of what that kid type might be and that’s worthy of accolade and
be and that’s worthy of accolade and
be and that’s worthy of accolade and celebration funnily enough disabled
celebration funnily enough disabled
celebration funnily enough disabled enough to be classified for the
enough to be classified for the
enough to be classified for the Paralympics and to drive a modified
Paralympics and to drive a modified
Paralympics and to drive a modified vehicle and to need to apply for a
vehicle and to need to apply for a
vehicle and to need to apply for a special driver’s license to have that
special driver’s license to have that
special driver’s license to have that modified vehicle not disabled enough
modified vehicle not disabled enough
modified vehicle not disabled enough though to enjoy any of the benefits that
though to enjoy any of the benefits that
though to enjoy any of the benefits that might come along with that such as
might come along with that such as
might come along with that such as mobility parking scheme
mobility parking scheme
mobility parking scheme or a freedom pass so the classification
or a freedom pass so the classification
or a freedom pass so the classification stuff kind of goes both ways I’m living
stuff kind of goes both ways I’m living
stuff kind of goes both ways I’m living in murky water here but the Paralympics
in murky water here but the Paralympics
in murky water here but the Paralympics in recent years especially in the UK has
in recent years especially in the UK has
in recent years especially in the UK has been so well supported and recognised
been so well supported and recognised
been so well supported and recognised you guys are really into it and I love
you guys are really into it and I love
you guys are really into it and I love that may that long continue because that
that may that long continue because that
that may that long continue because that is a sign that we’re moving into a world
is a sign that we’re moving into a world
is a sign that we’re moving into a world that I want to live in one where we be
that I want to live in one where we be
that I want to live in one where we be we pass intersection into integration
we pass intersection into integration
we pass intersection into integration when people of diversity can live and
when people of diversity can live and
when people of diversity can live and work side-by-side in harmony that’s what
work side-by-side in harmony that’s what
work side-by-side in harmony that’s what it’s all about but just because someone
it’s all about but just because someone
it’s all about but just because someone has a disability doesn’t mean they have
has a disability doesn’t mean they have
has a disability doesn’t mean they have to aspire to being a Paralympian either
to aspire to being a Paralympian either
to aspire to being a Paralympian either which is why I’m bowed out of that game
which is why I’m bowed out of that game
which is why I’m bowed out of that game it’s not the only way we can enjoy like
it’s not the only way we can enjoy like
it’s not the only way we can enjoy like equal attention to other people I don’t
equal attention to other people I don’t
equal attention to other people I don’t know if you’ve seen the movie Austin
know if you’ve seen the movie Austin
know if you’ve seen the movie Austin Powers or if you’re a fan or not but
Powers or if you’re a fan or not but
Powers or if you’re a fan or not but when they created and cast dr.evil and
when they created and cast dr.evil and
when they created and cast dr.evil and mini me that was a very brave step
mini me that was a very brave step
mini me that was a very brave step reminding us that some people with
reminding us that some people with
reminding us that some people with disabilities might also be deviance
disabilities might also be deviance
disabilities might also be deviance right we’re not all sweet and innocent
right we’re not all sweet and innocent
right we’re not all sweet and innocent creatures just because we’re disabled we
creatures just because we’re disabled we
creatures just because we’re disabled we are three-dimensional human beings and
are three-dimensional human beings and
are three-dimensional human beings and I’d like to see a lot more of that
I’d like to see a lot more of that
I’d like to see a lot more of that represented in the media you do have a
represented in the media you do have a
represented in the media you do have a fair bit going on here in the UK though
fair bit going on here in the UK though
fair bit going on here in the UK though on telly you’ve got the last leg
on telly you’ve got the last leg
on telly you’ve got the last leg cracking show two presenters just happen
cracking show two presenters just happen
cracking show two presenters just happen to be disabled and the humor really
to be disabled and the humor really
to be disabled and the humor really works for me when they cover news and
works for me when they cover news and
works for me when they cover news and current affairs and it’s not just
current affairs and it’s not just
current affairs and it’s not just because Adam Hills is also Australian
because Adam Hills is also Australian
because Adam Hills is also Australian it’s because it’s legitimately funny and
it’s because it’s legitimately funny and
it’s because it’s legitimately funny and Ellie Simmons has just come back from
Ellie Simmons has just come back from
Ellie Simmons has just come back from the Paralympics back from Rio and they
the Paralympics back from Rio and they
the Paralympics back from Rio and they were having a chat to her about how she
were having a chat to her about how she
were having a chat to her about how she lives with two other Paralympians and
lives with two other Paralympians and
lives with two other Paralympians and the funny stuff that happens in their
the funny stuff that happens in their
the funny stuff that happens in their household and they make a joke they
household and they make a joke they
household and they make a joke they should call it a sitcom two and a half
should call it a sitcom two and a half
should call it a sitcom two and a half women and they start making a joke about
women and they start making a joke about
women and they start making a joke about it about disability TV shows send us
it about disability TV shows send us
it about disability TV shows send us your hashtags what’s the next TV show
your hashtags what’s the next TV show
your hashtags what’s the next TV show featuring disability that you’d like to
featuring disability that you’d like to
featuring disability that you’d like to see on TV and I’m like whoa hold up a
see on TV and I’m like whoa hold up a
see on TV and I’m like whoa hold up a second that’s not what I want to see on
second that’s not what I want to see on
second that’s not what I want to see on TV I want to see more people with
TV I want to see more people with
TV I want to see more people with disability just happening to be on TV
disability just happening to be on TV
disability just happening to be on TV where it’s got nothing to do with it
where it’s got nothing to do with it
where it’s got nothing to do with it when can I go and see a movie that has
when can I go and see a movie that has
when can I go and see a movie that has nothing to do with disability where the
nothing to do with disability where the
nothing to do with disability where the lead actor might be disabled
lead actor might be disabled
lead actor might be disabled my gosh what if the love interest had a
my gosh what if the love interest had a
my gosh what if the love interest had a disability and the lead actor didn’t
disability and the lead actor didn’t
disability and the lead actor didn’t have to think it was awkward to be
have to think it was awkward to be
have to think it was awkward to be attracted to someone disabled because
attracted to someone disabled because
attracted to someone disabled because what if his friends thought that was a
what if his friends thought that was a
what if his friends thought that was a creepy fetish thing that’s a whole other
creepy fetish thing that’s a whole other
creepy fetish thing that’s a whole other TED talk right there okay so I want to
TED talk right there okay so I want to
TED talk right there okay so I want to see more of this stuff but I am very
see more of this stuff but I am very
see more of this stuff but I am very very fortunate to be part of the UK’s
very fortunate to be part of the UK’s
very fortunate to be part of the UK’s growing art movement in integration and
growing art movement in integration and
growing art movement in integration and I am part of the world’s first
I am part of the world’s first
I am part of the world’s first integrated outdoor circus called
integrated outdoor circus called
integrated outdoor circus called extraordinary bodies that needs to be
extraordinary bodies that needs to be
extraordinary bodies that needs to be playing yeah an extraordinary bodies we
playing yeah an extraordinary bodies we
playing yeah an extraordinary bodies we have cast members that get their jobs
have cast members that get their jobs
have cast members that get their jobs based on talent who knew that was
based on talent who knew that was
based on talent who knew that was possible
possible
possible where cast on our acting ability and our
where cast on our acting ability and our
where cast on our acting ability and our performance ability and there is another
performance ability and there is another
performance ability and there is another aerialist with measurement impairment
aerialist with measurement impairment
aerialist with measurement impairment hearing impairment one of our lead
hearing impairment one of our lead
hearing impairment one of our lead actors is a wheelchair user with
actors is a wheelchair user with
actors is a wheelchair user with cerebral palsy who gets to fly and we
cerebral palsy who gets to fly and we
cerebral palsy who gets to fly and we have non-disabled actors and performers
have non-disabled actors and performers
have non-disabled actors and performers as well and it’s not just us our shows
as well and it’s not just us our shows
as well and it’s not just us our shows are completely inclusive inaccessible to
are completely inclusive inaccessible to
are completely inclusive inaccessible to all people we have sign language
all people we have sign language
all people we have sign language interpreters as part of the show and
interpreters as part of the show and
interpreters as part of the show and audio describers and it’s usually
audio describers and it’s usually
audio describers and it’s usually low-cost or free outdoors and we’ve just
low-cost or free outdoors and we’ve just
low-cost or free outdoors and we’ve just got another two years of funding from
got another two years of funding from
got another two years of funding from the Arts Foundation to create new work
the Arts Foundation to create new work
the Arts Foundation to create new work Arts Council living room I think it was
Arts Council living room I think it was
Arts Council living room I think it was which is really cool so I’m very very
which is really cool so I’m very very
which is really cool so I’m very very fortunate to be one of the people who
fortunate to be one of the people who
fortunate to be one of the people who lives in their passion who gets to do
lives in their passion who gets to do
lives in their passion who gets to do their job based on merit and not as part
their job based on merit and not as part
their job based on merit and not as part of filling a diversity quota which I
of filling a diversity quota which I
of filling a diversity quota which I know happens quite a lot in the
know happens quite a lot in the
know happens quite a lot in the corporate world I don’t want to be the
corporate world I don’t want to be the
corporate world I don’t want to be the exception to the rule anymore I want to
exception to the rule anymore I want to
exception to the rule anymore I want to see us living in a world that embraces
see us living in a world that embraces
see us living in a world that embraces diverse humanity because at the end of
diverse humanity because at the end of
diverse humanity because at the end of the day we are all subject to the same
the day we are all subject to the same
the day we are all subject to the same human condition we will no love we will
human condition we will no love we will
human condition we will no love we will no loss we will no pain fear and joy so
no loss we will no pain fear and joy so
no loss we will no pain fear and joy so one day it’s going to happen guys you
one day it’s going to happen guys you
one day it’s going to happen guys you want to leave this room and your path
want to leave this room and your path
want to leave this room and your path will intersect
will intersect
will intersect that of someone with a disability how
that of someone with a disability how
that of someone with a disability how are you gonna interact with them because
are you gonna interact with them because
are you gonna interact with them because the person that I am my capacity as a
the person that I am my capacity as a
the person that I am my capacity as a human being what I like what I don’t
human being what I like what I don’t
human being what I like what I don’t like can’t be measured in fingers and
like can’t be measured in fingers and
like can’t be measured in fingers and toes there are not enough hands in the
toes there are not enough hands in the
toes there are not enough hands in the world to accommodate for how much I love
world to accommodate for how much I love
world to accommodate for how much I love beer and how much I hate pour it that’s
beer and how much I hate pour it that’s
beer and how much I hate pour it that’s all I got thanks very much
all I got thanks very much
all I got thanks very much [Applause]
[Applause]
[Applause] you
you
you [Music]
[Music] [Applause]
it doesn’t matter how many arms or legs
it doesn’t matter how many arms or legs you’ve got for pole dancing it’s hard
you’ve got for pole dancing it’s hard
you’ve got for pole dancing it’s hard regardless of what package you come in
regardless of what package you come in
regardless of what package you come in we’re all gonna get bruises we’re all
we’re all gonna get bruises we’re all
we’re all gonna get bruises we’re all gonna be sore I was born without most of
gonna be sore I was born without most of
gonna be sore I was born without most of my left arm when I came into the studio
my left arm when I came into the studio
my left arm when I came into the studio for my first pole lessons like wow I
for my first pole lessons like wow I
for my first pole lessons like wow I never thought that I’d be able to do
never thought that I’d be able to do
never thought that I’d be able to do this
this
this [Music]
[Music]
[Music] I have never felt so amazingly sexy
I have never felt so amazingly sexy
I have never felt so amazingly sexy powerful unique and it reinforces that
powerful unique and it reinforces that
powerful unique and it reinforces that limiting factors of my body and not
limiting factors of my body and not
limiting factors of my body and not necessarily in my number of limbs but
necessarily in my number of limbs but
necessarily in my number of limbs but there in my own perception it’s
there in my own perception it’s
there in my own perception it’s incredibly empowering for me to know
incredibly empowering for me to know
incredibly empowering for me to know that I am strong enough and capable
that I am strong enough and capable
that I am strong enough and capable enough to do what I do
hi I’m Deb that was me in case you
hi I’m Deb that was me in case you didn’t recognize me with clothes on oh
didn’t recognize me with clothes on oh
didn’t recognize me with clothes on oh wait you probably did but in fairness I
wait you probably did but in fairness I
wait you probably did but in fairness I don’t actually feel like myself with
don’t actually feel like myself with
don’t actually feel like myself with this many clothes on because being
this many clothes on because being
this many clothes on because being dressed like that small part of my job
dressed like that small part of my job
dressed like that small part of my job do you love your job I really love my
do you love your job I really love my
do you love your job I really love my job
job
job I am empowering people through movement
I am empowering people through movement
I am empowering people through movement or my expression of movement every
or my expression of movement every
or my expression of movement every single day it’s really rewarding and it
single day it’s really rewarding and it
single day it’s really rewarding and it wasn’t until about 10 years ago that I
wasn’t until about 10 years ago that I
wasn’t until about 10 years ago that I actually came to embrace my physicality
actually came to embrace my physicality
actually came to embrace my physicality and start to take this body out for a
and start to take this body out for a
and start to take this body out for a run and see what I could do I left
run and see what I could do I left
run and see what I could do I left behind a career in network engineering
behind a career in network engineering
behind a career in network engineering you know information technology and
you know information technology and
you know information technology and started to explore and understand how
started to explore and understand how
started to explore and understand how the human body could work and how I
the human body could work and how I
the human body could work and how I could make it do some really fun stuff
could make it do some really fun stuff
could make it do some really fun stuff on the way I ended up picking up to
on the way I ended up picking up to
on the way I ended up picking up to international dance titles and I’m a
international dance titles and I’m a
international dance titles and I’m a pioneer in my field I was the first
pioneer in my field I was the first
pioneer in my field I was the first person with a disability to this level
person with a disability to this level
person with a disability to this level to figure out how to adapt and translate
to figure out how to adapt and translate
to figure out how to adapt and translate really advanced pole tricks and
really advanced pole tricks and
really advanced pole tricks and transitions so I wrote a book about it
transitions so I wrote a book about it
transitions so I wrote a book about it called pole translation to help other
called pole translation to help other
called pole translation to help other instructors out there make pole
instructors out there make pole
instructors out there make pole accessible and inclusive for anyone who
accessible and inclusive for anyone who
accessible and inclusive for anyone who might want to do it because that’s the
might want to do it because that’s the
might want to do it because that’s the world I want to see one that recognizes
world I want to see one that recognizes
world I want to see one that recognizes that all of humanity is diverse and that
that all of humanity is diverse and that
that all of humanity is diverse and that we all have the equal right to enjoy our
we all have the equal right to enjoy our
we all have the equal right to enjoy our opportunities and I get to do that every
opportunities and I get to do that every
opportunities and I get to do that every day and it’s a real good love so I just
day and it’s a real good love so I just
day and it’s a real good love so I just want to give you an experience of what
want to give you an experience of what
want to give you an experience of what my jobs like if you’re able to get on up
my jobs like if you’re able to get on up
my jobs like if you’re able to get on up you’ve been sitting there for ages
you’ve been sitting there for ages
you’ve been sitting there for ages so I’d like you to take a big breath in
so I’d like you to take a big breath in
so I’d like you to take a big breath in and reach up as high as you can and
and reach up as high as you can and
and reach up as high as you can and freeze oh how good does that feel a
freeze oh how good does that feel a
freeze oh how good does that feel a hands in the air like you just don’t
hands in the air like you just don’t
hands in the air like you just don’t care amazing alright now I can see
care amazing alright now I can see
care amazing alright now I can see around the room that there aren’t very
around the room that there aren’t very
around the room that there aren’t very many visual learners you can all sit
many visual learners you can all sit
many visual learners you can all sit back down because everytime I go to the
back down because everytime I go to the
back down because everytime I go to the studio and I’ve got a new class you can
studio and I’ve got a new class you can
studio and I’ve got a new class you can bet that there’s one student in my room
bet that there’s one student in my room
bet that there’s one student in my room that’s like one hand in the air and I’m
that’s like one hand in the air and I’m
that’s like one hand in the air and I’m I tell them in my preamble right
I tell them in my preamble right
I tell them in my preamble right I’ve got one arm so I’ll be doing things
I’ve got one arm so I’ll be doing things
I’ve got one arm so I’ll be doing things like this but I’ll tell you what to do
like this but I’ll tell you what to do
like this but I’ll tell you what to do with both of yours and still they want
with both of yours and still they want
with both of yours and still they want to do exactly what the teacher does so
to do exactly what the teacher does so
to do exactly what the teacher does so they do it exactly the same way as I do
they do it exactly the same way as I do
they do it exactly the same way as I do and it gives me a right chuckle I don’t
and it gives me a right chuckle I don’t
and it gives me a right chuckle I don’t take it badly
so what more could I want right my life
so what more could I want right my life is really rewarding I travel the world
is really rewarding I travel the world
is really rewarding I travel the world they teach people movement I live in my
they teach people movement I live in my
they teach people movement I live in my passion it’s great oh God I’m one of
passion it’s great oh God I’m one of
passion it’s great oh God I’m one of them
them
them I’m one of those inspirational people
I’m one of those inspirational people
I’m one of those inspirational people with a disability is going out there and
with a disability is going out there and
with a disability is going out there and kickings life but and making you feel a
kickings life but and making you feel a
kickings life but and making you feel a little bit crap did you think that I was
little bit crap did you think that I was
little bit crap did you think that I was here to give you a motivational speech
here to give you a motivational speech
here to give you a motivational speech about how I overcame adversity and lived
about how I overcame adversity and lived
about how I overcame adversity and lived triumphantly sorry I’m not see what
triumphantly sorry I’m not see what
triumphantly sorry I’m not see what they’ve done with our friend here I mean
they’ve done with our friend here I mean
they’ve done with our friend here I mean he looks pretty happy right he’s clearly
he looks pretty happy right he’s clearly
he looks pretty happy right he’s clearly been carving up that athletics track
been carving up that athletics track
been carving up that athletics track rockin his blades loving life but what’s
rockin his blades loving life but what’s
rockin his blades loving life but what’s that written in green on his chest oh
that written in green on his chest oh
that written in green on his chest oh and his mmm crotch
and his mmm crotch
and his mmm crotch that says your excuse is invalid
that says your excuse is invalid
that says your excuse is invalid that’s cheeky little dick is that my
that’s cheeky little dick is that my
that’s cheeky little dick is that my excuse for what exactly now excuse me
excuse for what exactly now excuse me
excuse for what exactly now excuse me captain judgey pants I’m not sure I like
captain judgey pants I’m not sure I like
captain judgey pants I’m not sure I like what you’re insinuating I don’t want any
what you’re insinuating I don’t want any
what you’re insinuating I don’t want any part of that that’s not a game that I’m
part of that that’s not a game that I’m
part of that that’s not a game that I’m prepared to play so what someone’s done
prepared to play so what someone’s done
prepared to play so what someone’s done is they’ve taken an image of a person
is they’ve taken an image of a person
is they’ve taken an image of a person with a disability and use it to promote
with a disability and use it to promote
with a disability and use it to promote their agenda trying to manipulate the
their agenda trying to manipulate the
their agenda trying to manipulate the able-bodied majority isn’t that most of
able-bodied majority isn’t that most of
able-bodied majority isn’t that most of you sucked in you’ve been played right
you sucked in you’ve been played right
you sucked in you’ve been played right and I appear in some photos like this
and I appear in some photos like this
and I appear in some photos like this but I have untagged myself from them
but I have untagged myself from them
but I have untagged myself from them because I want no part of it that’s not
because I want no part of it that’s not
because I want no part of it that’s not okay I’m not sure he would have
okay I’m not sure he would have
okay I’m not sure he would have consented to his photo being used in
consented to his photo being used in
consented to his photo being used in this way it’s called inspiration porn
this way it’s called inspiration porn
this way it’s called inspiration porn and this is Amy Purdy asking what’s your
and this is Amy Purdy asking what’s your
and this is Amy Purdy asking what’s your excuse for objectifying me as your
excuse for objectifying me as your
excuse for objectifying me as your inspiration porn to those people who
inspiration porn to those people who
inspiration porn to those people who choose to create it we don’t ask for it
choose to create it we don’t ask for it
choose to create it we don’t ask for it and in it we’re exception alized
and in it we’re exception alized
and in it we’re exception alized and objectified right and all this puts
and objectified right and all this puts
and objectified right and all this puts disabled people in a framework to suit
disabled people in a framework to suit
disabled people in a framework to suit the able-bodied majority and sometimes
the able-bodied majority and sometimes
the able-bodied majority and sometimes their agenda is to sell you something
their agenda is to sell you something
their agenda is to sell you something Microsoft did this in the last Super
Microsoft did this in the last Super
Microsoft did this in the last Super Bowl they had an ad where they told the
Bowl they had an ad where they told the
Bowl they had an ad where they told the story of young Brandon he was a child
story of young Brandon he was a child
story of young Brandon he was a child born without both of his legs and
born without both of his legs and
born without both of his legs and Microsoft software was amazingly
Microsoft software was amazingly
Microsoft software was amazingly involved in helping him to develop the
involved in helping him to develop the
involved in helping him to develop the gait patterns to help him walk using his
gait patterns to help him walk using his
gait patterns to help him walk using his prosthetics amazing that Microsoft were
prosthetics amazing that Microsoft were
prosthetics amazing that Microsoft were able to help this child live a
able to help this child live a
able to help this child live a fulfilling life not so amazing was that
fulfilling life not so amazing was that
fulfilling life not so amazing was that they used that act for promotional
they used that act for promotional
they used that act for promotional purposes playing very emotional music
purposes playing very emotional music
purposes playing very emotional music showing Brandon doing very everyday
showing Brandon doing very everyday
showing Brandon doing very everyday things that children do and the
things that children do and the
things that children do and the insinuation behind that ad being that
insinuation behind that ad being that
insinuation behind that ad being that Brandon was broken and they helped fix
Brandon was broken and they helped fix
Brandon was broken and they helped fix him okay so this is the problem with
him okay so this is the problem with
him okay so this is the problem with where the able-bodied majority and the
where the able-bodied majority and the
where the able-bodied majority and the disabled world currently intersect
disabled world currently intersect
disabled world currently intersect that the words abled and disabled can
that the words abled and disabled can
that the words abled and disabled can quite literally be boiled down to two
quite literally be boiled down to two
quite literally be boiled down to two things able working complete broken
things able working complete broken
things able working complete broken disabled broken not working not whole
disabled broken not working not whole
disabled broken not working not whole that’s a lie
that’s a lie
that’s a lie I never felt broken or anything less
I never felt broken or anything less
I never felt broken or anything less than complete I was born with a
than complete I was born with a
than complete I was born with a congenital malformation not a tattoo on
congenital malformation not a tattoo on
congenital malformation not a tattoo on my head of the word disabled that I woke
my head of the word disabled that I woke
my head of the word disabled that I woke up and saw in the mirror every morning
up and saw in the mirror every morning
up and saw in the mirror every morning that wasn’t a label that was given to me
that wasn’t a label that was given to me
that wasn’t a label that was given to me until I started going to school and that
until I started going to school and that
until I started going to school and that label I had to wear like an
label I had to wear like an
label I had to wear like an uncomfortable and ill-fitting uniform
uncomfortable and ill-fitting uniform
uncomfortable and ill-fitting uniform and I was given to me to help the
and I was given to me to help the
and I was given to me to help the able-body majority frame and package me
able-body majority frame and package me
able-body majority frame and package me but with it it didn’t come with very
but with it it didn’t come with very
but with it it didn’t come with very many benefits so I want you to think
many benefits so I want you to think
many benefits so I want you to think back to the first time that you
back to the first time that you
back to the first time that you experienced crushing rejection the first
experienced crushing rejection the first
experienced crushing rejection the first time because after that you develop a
time because after that you develop a
time because after that you develop a thicker skin to it so let’s imagine
thicker skin to it so let’s imagine
thicker skin to it so let’s imagine seven-year-old Deb its school sports day
seven-year-old Deb its school sports day
seven-year-old Deb its school sports day and on this day we’re going to be
and on this day we’re going to be
and on this day we’re going to be playing skittles dodgeball there’s a
playing skittles dodgeball there’s a
playing skittles dodgeball there’s a running race that did felt that the
running race that did felt that the
running race that did felt that the determines two team captains and so
determines two team captains and so
determines two team captains and so there’s the two team captains and they
there’s the two team captains and they
there’s the two team captains and they are choosing the members from our class
are choosing the members from our class
are choosing the members from our class of nineteen people one at a time to come
of nineteen people one at a time to come
of nineteen people one at a time to come and join their teams I see the faces of
and join their teams I see the faces of
and join their teams I see the faces of delight as friends and allies are
delight as friends and allies are
delight as friends and allies are reunited and my heart is full of hope
reunited and my heart is full of hope
reunited and my heart is full of hope maybe I’ll get picked next and then
maybe I’ll get picked next and then
maybe I’ll get picked next and then there’s three of us and then my heart
there’s three of us and then my heart
there’s three of us and then my heart starts to sink and then I’m the only one
starts to sink and then I’m the only one
starts to sink and then I’m the only one standing there on the ball court and the
standing there on the ball court and the
standing there on the ball court and the teacher picks the team for me to go and
teacher picks the team for me to go and
teacher picks the team for me to go and join and the face is staring back at me
join and the face is staring back at me
join and the face is staring back at me aren’t sympathetic or pleased they’re
aren’t sympathetic or pleased they’re
aren’t sympathetic or pleased they’re satisfied that this is how it turned out
and as I walk over to them they groan
and as I walk over to them they groan and this happened every week for several
and this happened every week for several
and this happened every week for several years in my work teaching being the
years in my work teaching being the
years in my work teaching being the person with disability at the front of
person with disability at the front of
person with disability at the front of the room helping people explore their
the room helping people explore their
the room helping people explore their movement overcome their own internal
movement overcome their own internal
movement overcome their own internal objections I am working to promote the
objections I am working to promote the
objections I am working to promote the attitude of inclusion that I never
attitude of inclusion that I never
attitude of inclusion that I never experienced and that’s the world that I
experienced and that’s the world that I
experienced and that’s the world that I want to see one where we all just do
want to see one where we all just do
want to see one where we all just do this thing together and figure out ways
this thing together and figure out ways
this thing together and figure out ways to make it work right there’s no reason
to make it work right there’s no reason
to make it work right there’s no reason to do it any other way because this
to do it any other way because this
to do it any other way because this isn’t the Middle Ages and I was born
isn’t the Middle Ages and I was born
isn’t the Middle Ages and I was born missing an arm but I was born into a
missing an arm but I was born into a
missing an arm but I was born into a white middle-class family in the
white middle-class family in the
white middle-class family in the developed world I’m not one of the
developed world I’m not one of the
developed world I’m not one of the unlucky ones and that disability doesn’t
unlucky ones and that disability doesn’t
unlucky ones and that disability doesn’t sentence me to a life of hardship or
sentence me to a life of hardship or
sentence me to a life of hardship or misery that’s down to the way that other
misery that’s down to the way that other
misery that’s down to the way that other people treat me and how I choose to
people treat me and how I choose to
people treat me and how I choose to respond to it so I’ve talked to you a
respond to it so I’ve talked to you a
respond to it so I’ve talked to you a little bit about some instances in which
little bit about some instances in which
little bit about some instances in which the classification of disability
the classification of disability
the classification of disability particularly in sport can be a very
particularly in sport can be a very
particularly in sport can be a very negative thing there are some places
negative thing there are some places
negative thing there are some places where it works out quite well though
where it works out quite well though
where it works out quite well though Paralympics classification is necessary
Paralympics classification is necessary
Paralympics classification is necessary and when I was competing as a cyclist my
and when I was competing as a cyclist my
and when I was competing as a cyclist my classification was c5 which meant that I
classification was c5 which meant that I
classification was c5 which meant that I would compete against other people with
would compete against other people with
would compete against other people with an upper limb disability as opposed to
an upper limb disability as opposed to
an upper limb disability as opposed to say people with a vision impairment make
say people with a vision impairment make
say people with a vision impairment make sense and just as it makes sense that
sense and just as it makes sense that
sense and just as it makes sense that you wouldn’t race super bikes against
you wouldn’t race super bikes against
you wouldn’t race super bikes against Formula one cars the Paralympics and the
Formula one cars the Paralympics and the
Formula one cars the Paralympics and the Olympics are both worthy in their
Olympics are both worthy in their
Olympics are both worthy in their standing because we’re measuring
standing because we’re measuring
standing because we’re measuring athleticism that’s performance an output
athleticism that’s performance an output
athleticism that’s performance an output of a certain kick type right and they’re
of a certain kick type right and they’re
of a certain kick type right and they’re all testing that to their limits
all testing that to their limits
all testing that to their limits regardless of what that kid type might
regardless of what that kid type might
regardless of what that kid type might be and that’s worthy of accolade and
be and that’s worthy of accolade and
be and that’s worthy of accolade and celebration funnily enough disabled
celebration funnily enough disabled
celebration funnily enough disabled enough to be classified for the
enough to be classified for the
enough to be classified for the Paralympics and to drive a modified
Paralympics and to drive a modified
Paralympics and to drive a modified vehicle and to need to apply for a
vehicle and to need to apply for a
vehicle and to need to apply for a special driver’s license to have that
special driver’s license to have that
special driver’s license to have that modified vehicle not disabled enough
modified vehicle not disabled enough
modified vehicle not disabled enough though to enjoy any of the benefits that
though to enjoy any of the benefits that
though to enjoy any of the benefits that might come along with that such as
might come along with that such as
might come along with that such as mobility parking scheme
mobility parking scheme
mobility parking scheme or a freedom pass so the classification
or a freedom pass so the classification
or a freedom pass so the classification stuff kind of goes both ways I’m living
stuff kind of goes both ways I’m living
stuff kind of goes both ways I’m living in murky water here but the Paralympics
in murky water here but the Paralympics
in murky water here but the Paralympics in recent years especially in the UK has
in recent years especially in the UK has
in recent years especially in the UK has been so well supported and recognised
been so well supported and recognised
been so well supported and recognised you guys are really into it and I love
you guys are really into it and I love
you guys are really into it and I love that may that long continue because that
that may that long continue because that
that may that long continue because that is a sign that we’re moving into a world
is a sign that we’re moving into a world
is a sign that we’re moving into a world that I want to live in one where we be
that I want to live in one where we be
that I want to live in one where we be we pass intersection into integration
we pass intersection into integration
we pass intersection into integration when people of diversity can live and
when people of diversity can live and
when people of diversity can live and work side-by-side in harmony that’s what
work side-by-side in harmony that’s what
work side-by-side in harmony that’s what it’s all about but just because someone
it’s all about but just because someone
it’s all about but just because someone has a disability doesn’t mean they have
has a disability doesn’t mean they have
has a disability doesn’t mean they have to aspire to being a Paralympian either
to aspire to being a Paralympian either
to aspire to being a Paralympian either which is why I’m bowed out of that game
which is why I’m bowed out of that game
which is why I’m bowed out of that game it’s not the only way we can enjoy like
it’s not the only way we can enjoy like
it’s not the only way we can enjoy like equal attention to other people I don’t
equal attention to other people I don’t
equal attention to other people I don’t know if you’ve seen the movie Austin
know if you’ve seen the movie Austin
know if you’ve seen the movie Austin Powers or if you’re a fan or not but
Powers or if you’re a fan or not but
Powers or if you’re a fan or not but when they created and cast dr.evil and
when they created and cast dr.evil and
when they created and cast dr.evil and mini me that was a very brave step
mini me that was a very brave step
mini me that was a very brave step reminding us that some people with
reminding us that some people with
reminding us that some people with disabilities might also be deviance
disabilities might also be deviance
disabilities might also be deviance right we’re not all sweet and innocent
right we’re not all sweet and innocent
right we’re not all sweet and innocent creatures just because we’re disabled we
creatures just because we’re disabled we
creatures just because we’re disabled we are three-dimensional human beings and
are three-dimensional human beings and
are three-dimensional human beings and I’d like to see a lot more of that
I’d like to see a lot more of that
I’d like to see a lot more of that represented in the media you do have a
represented in the media you do have a
represented in the media you do have a fair bit going on here in the UK though
fair bit going on here in the UK though
fair bit going on here in the UK though on telly you’ve got the last leg
on telly you’ve got the last leg
on telly you’ve got the last leg cracking show two presenters just happen
cracking show two presenters just happen
cracking show two presenters just happen to be disabled and the humor really
to be disabled and the humor really
to be disabled and the humor really works for me when they cover news and
works for me when they cover news and
works for me when they cover news and current affairs and it’s not just
current affairs and it’s not just
current affairs and it’s not just because Adam Hills is also Australian
because Adam Hills is also Australian
because Adam Hills is also Australian it’s because it’s legitimately funny and
it’s because it’s legitimately funny and
it’s because it’s legitimately funny and Ellie Simmons has just come back from
Ellie Simmons has just come back from
Ellie Simmons has just come back from the Paralympics back from Rio and they
the Paralympics back from Rio and they
the Paralympics back from Rio and they were having a chat to her about how she
were having a chat to her about how she
were having a chat to her about how she lives with two other Paralympians and
lives with two other Paralympians and
lives with two other Paralympians and the funny stuff that happens in their
the funny stuff that happens in their
the funny stuff that happens in their household and they make a joke they
household and they make a joke they
household and they make a joke they should call it a sitcom two and a half
should call it a sitcom two and a half
should call it a sitcom two and a half women and they start making a joke about
women and they start making a joke about
women and they start making a joke about it about disability TV shows send us
it about disability TV shows send us
it about disability TV shows send us your hashtags what’s the next TV show
your hashtags what’s the next TV show
your hashtags what’s the next TV show featuring disability that you’d like to
featuring disability that you’d like to
featuring disability that you’d like to see on TV and I’m like whoa hold up a
see on TV and I’m like whoa hold up a
see on TV and I’m like whoa hold up a second that’s not what I want to see on
second that’s not what I want to see on
second that’s not what I want to see on TV I want to see more people with
TV I want to see more people with
TV I want to see more people with disability just happening to be on TV
disability just happening to be on TV
disability just happening to be on TV where it’s got nothing to do with it
where it’s got nothing to do with it
where it’s got nothing to do with it when can I go and see a movie that has
when can I go and see a movie that has
when can I go and see a movie that has nothing to do with disability where the
nothing to do with disability where the
nothing to do with disability where the lead actor might be disabled
lead actor might be disabled
lead actor might be disabled my gosh what if the love interest had a
my gosh what if the love interest had a
my gosh what if the love interest had a disability and the lead actor didn’t
disability and the lead actor didn’t
disability and the lead actor didn’t have to think it was awkward to be
have to think it was awkward to be
have to think it was awkward to be attracted to someone disabled because
attracted to someone disabled because
attracted to someone disabled because what if his friends thought that was a
what if his friends thought that was a
what if his friends thought that was a creepy fetish thing that’s a whole other
creepy fetish thing that’s a whole other
creepy fetish thing that’s a whole other TED talk right there okay so I want to
TED talk right there okay so I want to
TED talk right there okay so I want to see more of this stuff but I am very
see more of this stuff but I am very
see more of this stuff but I am very very fortunate to be part of the UK’s
very fortunate to be part of the UK’s
very fortunate to be part of the UK’s growing art movement in integration and
growing art movement in integration and
growing art movement in integration and I am part of the world’s first
I am part of the world’s first
I am part of the world’s first integrated outdoor circus called
integrated outdoor circus called
integrated outdoor circus called extraordinary bodies that needs to be
extraordinary bodies that needs to be
extraordinary bodies that needs to be playing yeah an extraordinary bodies we
playing yeah an extraordinary bodies we
playing yeah an extraordinary bodies we have cast members that get their jobs
have cast members that get their jobs
have cast members that get their jobs based on talent who knew that was
based on talent who knew that was
based on talent who knew that was possible
possible
possible where cast on our acting ability and our
where cast on our acting ability and our
where cast on our acting ability and our performance ability and there is another
performance ability and there is another
performance ability and there is another aerialist with measurement impairment
aerialist with measurement impairment
aerialist with measurement impairment hearing impairment one of our lead
hearing impairment one of our lead
hearing impairment one of our lead actors is a wheelchair user with
actors is a wheelchair user with
actors is a wheelchair user with cerebral palsy who gets to fly and we
cerebral palsy who gets to fly and we
cerebral palsy who gets to fly and we have non-disabled actors and performers
have non-disabled actors and performers
have non-disabled actors and performers as well and it’s not just us our shows
as well and it’s not just us our shows
as well and it’s not just us our shows are completely inclusive inaccessible to
are completely inclusive inaccessible to
are completely inclusive inaccessible to all people we have sign language
all people we have sign language
all people we have sign language interpreters as part of the show and
interpreters as part of the show and
interpreters as part of the show and audio describers and it’s usually
audio describers and it’s usually
audio describers and it’s usually low-cost or free outdoors and we’ve just
low-cost or free outdoors and we’ve just
low-cost or free outdoors and we’ve just got another two years of funding from
got another two years of funding from
got another two years of funding from the Arts Foundation to create new work
the Arts Foundation to create new work
the Arts Foundation to create new work Arts Council living room I think it was
Arts Council living room I think it was
Arts Council living room I think it was which is really cool so I’m very very
which is really cool so I’m very very
which is really cool so I’m very very fortunate to be one of the people who
fortunate to be one of the people who
fortunate to be one of the people who lives in their passion who gets to do
lives in their passion who gets to do
lives in their passion who gets to do their job based on merit and not as part
their job based on merit and not as part
their job based on merit and not as part of filling a diversity quota which I
of filling a diversity quota which I
of filling a diversity quota which I know happens quite a lot in the
know happens quite a lot in the
know happens quite a lot in the corporate world I don’t want to be the
corporate world I don’t want to be the
corporate world I don’t want to be the exception to the rule anymore I want to
exception to the rule anymore I want to
exception to the rule anymore I want to see us living in a world that embraces
see us living in a world that embraces
see us living in a world that embraces diverse humanity because at the end of
diverse humanity because at the end of
diverse humanity because at the end of the day we are all subject to the same
the day we are all subject to the same
the day we are all subject to the same human condition we will no love we will
human condition we will no love we will
human condition we will no love we will no loss we will no pain fear and joy so
no loss we will no pain fear and joy so
no loss we will no pain fear and joy so one day it’s going to happen guys you
one day it’s going to happen guys you
one day it’s going to happen guys you want to leave this room and your path
want to leave this room and your path
want to leave this room and your path will intersect
will intersect
will intersect that of someone with a disability how
that of someone with a disability how
that of someone with a disability how are you gonna interact with them because
are you gonna interact with them because
are you gonna interact with them because the person that I am my capacity as a
the person that I am my capacity as a
the person that I am my capacity as a human being what I like what I don’t
human being what I like what I don’t
human being what I like what I don’t like can’t be measured in fingers and
like can’t be measured in fingers and
like can’t be measured in fingers and toes there are not enough hands in the
toes there are not enough hands in the
toes there are not enough hands in the world to accommodate for how much I love
world to accommodate for how much I love
world to accommodate for how much I love beer and how much I hate pour it that’s
beer and how much I hate pour it that’s
beer and how much I hate pour it that’s all I got thanks very much
all I got thanks very much
all I got thanks very much [Applause]
[Applause]
[Applause] you
you
you [Music]
Please follow and like us: