- Ruth Gould MBE, Artistic Director
Greetings friends, comrades, supporters and visitors. It has been a while since I posted, so I feel the need to deliver an extended editorial…
Many of you will be aware that I have been away from the office with a lung disease, which after five months has finally been given a name – hypersensitive pneumonitis – although, alas, the reason I have it may never be known. I am making good progress and, while I will be using oxygen blasts for a while, I am pleased that the steroids are now being reduced as some of side effects of this medication have been a struggle. I am still just easing myself back into things, but I’m now looking forward to being more present as I have really missed being at work. Reflecting on my situation, I am so glad that I work in a disability controlled organisation as the support and understanding that I have had over the last few months have been absolutely incredible. Unfortunately our national (and international) working culture can sometimes provide little support for part time work, especially when welfare and/or benefit awards are needed to stay in employment.
I am aware that many disabled/Deaf people are prevented from working at all due to the inflexibility of the systems within which we have to operate. There is still so much to be done to truly make society equal and give us the means to earn a living, to contribute to taxes and achieve in careers. It is something most of us yearn for yet, as government figures show, something that we are too often prevented from realising. I am so glad I work in the arts, and especially in DaDaFest, with people who ‘get it’ and appreciate what we can do without judgement.
Other news – don’t miss out on the week end events of 22nd September when DaDaFest will be delivering a programme to mark Bluecoat’s 300 years – details below. Hope to see you there – now go and enjoy the rest of the summer.