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Speaking For Ourselves
Speaking For Ourselves
© Hemera
The initiative was conceived following the oral history of Scope, which celebrated the charity's 50th anniversary in 2002. Speaking for Ourselves forms part of Scope's Time to Get Equal campaign, which aims to raise awareness of the problems and barriers faced by disabled people and to demand improvements. This historical resource will continue the campaign for equality for disabled people by informing future generations.
Scope is seeking up to 15 disabled volunteers to carry out interviews and gather frank and honest life stories of people with cerebral palsy over the age of 50 on what it means to be disabled and how this has changed during the course of their lives. Scope is also seeking people with cerebral palsy who would like to contribute to the project.
The final resource will be distributed to over 4,000 secondary schools as an educational tool for Key Stages 3 and 4 Citizenship and Personal Social Health Education activities. It will also be used among Special Educational Needs Schools and 16+ Specialist FE Colleges to teach young disabled people about their heritage. The archived footage will be held by the British Library Sound Archive, British Film Institute and Wellcome Library.
Alex White, Scope's project lead, said:
"This is a great opportunity for disabled people to create a collective history. Through real-life testimonies this initiative will bring together a common voice for one of the most over-looked minorities in the UK today. We believe this project will help address inequalities within the academic field and shape a more inclusive future.”
Carole Souter, Director of the Heritage Lottery Fund, said:
"The lives of disabled people living in the UK have changed dramatically during the last century. Capturing memories and experiences before they are forgotten is important for everyone and this project will give Scope the chance to create a unique record for use today and in the future."
To participate in the Speaking for Ourselves project, as a volunteer interviewer or to tell your story, call Alex White on 020 7619 7228 or email alex.white@scope.org.uk
- Summaries of the interviews are available on the National Sound Archive website!
