Items · Disability Arts History Australia

Alan Constable

Aimee Crathern

NuunaRon

NuunaRon formerly with First Peoples Disability Network

“Deaf film ‘A Silent Agreement’ is released in 2017”

The Deaf film ‘A Silent Agreement’ was released in 2017 (written and directed by Davo Hardy). This romantic drama features a profoundly Deaf human rights activist and his filmmaker boyfriend with a speech impediment. It is said to be the first Australian film to feature Auslan as the main dialogue. Some scenes are entirely in Auslan. Screen Australia calls it the “first Australian film to feature Auslan.”

“The arts sector is forced to adapt in the face of COVID-19 lockdowns”

Government-enforced lockdowns in response to the COVID-19 pandemic saw arts events cancelled and disability arts organisations temporarily close physical premises as social distancing rules came into play. While Coronavirus 19 restricted social contact, there were some benefits that arose such as increased digital access for social connection, online ordering accessible via screen readers and home delivery, virtual tours of art galleries, online choirs, and telehealth appointments.

"Access2Arts (SA) established in 2009"

Access2Arts (SA) was established in 2009. In their own words, “following on from many years of work by the Community Arts Network SA (CANSA), a project was created within Arts SA called the Disability Arts Transition Team. This led to our establishment as an independent body to represent, advocate and respond to the needs of the arts and disability sectors.” The organisation became incorporated in 2013. They are the body for arts and disability in South Australia.

“Senator Margaret Guilfoyle creates a committee of people with disabilities representing their own interests”

In 1979, Senator Margaret Guilfoyle, the Federal Minister for Social Security created a committee of people with disabilities representing their own interests. This followed a complaint by Richard Llewellyn that he was the only token disability representative. This committee led to the formation of formal advocacy groups such as People with Disability Australia (PWDA) and Disability Resource Centre (DRC). The PWDA celebrated their 30th year anniversary in 2011.

"National Inquiry into the Human Rights of People with Mental Illness Report launched in 1993"

The National Inquiry into the Human Rights of People with Mental Illness Report was launched 20th October, 1993. This led to deinstitutionalisation.

"Alicia - IMDB"

reads, in part "Seven years earlier, an 18 year ALICIA was seriously injured in a car accident. It was her brain rather than her body which suffered. This tells the story of her long journey of recovery. Not content with just regaining a 'normal life', Alicia pursues her original dream of becoming an actress."

"Filming Our Future: Our Choice, Our Voice, Our Way - IMDB"

"Filming Our Future: Our Choice, Our Voice, Our Way' Internet Movie Database (IMDB entry - reads in part "Mark lost his leg in a motorbike accident in between tours with the Navy. Now he works to change how people think about living with physical challenges by running the paracanoe sessions at Ascot Kayak Club."

"Audrey - IMDB"

Audrey' Internet Movie Database (IMDB) entry - reads, in part "Self-appointed Mother of the Year, Ronnie has given her daughter Audrey everything, so when Audrey selfishly falls into a coma, Ronnie has no choice but to keep their dreams alive by assuming her identity."

"Dance Me To My Song - IMDB"

Dance me to my song' Internet Movie Database (IMDB) entry - reads, in part "A woman with cerebral palsy communicates with the world via her computer with a voice box. Her caretaker is a short-tempered woman who begrudges the woman the care she needs"

"Focus on Ability, Short Film Festival winners list 2018"

Focus on Ability Short Film Festival, captured 2025 - webpage listing 2018 award winners - Includes Open Entrant Winners (Sebastian Chan - Bus Trip; Kasimir Burgess – Paul; Nicole Molloy & Matt Watt - He Will Walk; George Holahan-Cantwell - Inclusion Makes the World More Vibrant; Lifeforce Centre For Learning - Whycroft Legacy; Carl Emmerson & Dan Sanguineti – Airlock; Sally Newman - Walk With Kindness; REDinc - Everyone Is Different, School Entrant Winners (Airds High School - Am I Special or "Special?"; Al-Taqwa College - Hear in My Shoes; Kooringal High School - We Can Do It!)

Image of Nova Focus on Ability Short Film Festival Winners 2022 webpage

"Focus on Ability, Short Film Festival winners list 2022"

Focus on Ability Short Film Festival, captured 2025 - webpage listing 2022 award winners - includes AUSTRALIAN & NEW ZEALAND SCHOOL SECTION (Bonnet Bay Public School (NSW) - The Marrakesh Treaty; East Hills Boys High School (NSW) – Resilience; St John Vianney's Primary School (QLD) - About Me; The Fabulous Players of the Mount Ommaney Special School Drama Elective (QLD)), AUSTRALIAN OPEN ENTRANTS (Nikhia Trask (QLD) - Rylan's Story - Autism is not a choice; Peter Renzullo (WA) - Note To Self; Lenny Seberry (QLD) - A Day in the Life of; Satara Uthayakumaran (NSW) - A Heavenly Piece of Art; Jessica Trueman in A Bold Choice; Ashleigh Smart - Not Your Average Joe; The Rogues Den Studios – Filmception; Emma Barry - Wait, What?)

"Focus on Ability, Short Film Festival winners list 2021"

Focus on Ability Short Film Festival, captured 2025 - webpage listing 2021 award winners - Includes AUSTRALIAN & NEW ZEALAND SCHOOL SECTION (St Matthews Catholic School (NSW) - The Monsters of the Mind; Al-Taqwa College (VIC) - Optism: A Tale of Unbreakable Friendship) AUSTRALIAN OPEN ENTRANTS (The Sunshine Troupe (QLD) – Luminosity; Alex Sideratos (NSW) - More to Me; Clay Antonio (VIC) - Life Without Mum; Tina A.Wake (NSW) - I'm Super; Ian Heydon in What's in a Name; Michael Wilkop - The Robot; Nathan Mewett & Chris Taylor - Yulubidyu - Until the End)

"Focus on Ability, Short Film Festival winners list 2020"

Focus on Ability Short Film Festival, captured 2025 - webpage listing 2020 award winners - includes IAUSTRALIAN & NEW ZEALAND SCHOOL SECTION (Yarraville Special Developmental School (VIC) - ' I Am (Also) Robot'; Al-Taqwa College (VIC) - Ammar's Wonderful World of Dyslexia; Anxiety Holds Me Captive - Taylah Bell), AUSTRALIAN OPEN ENTRANTS (Zoe Fraser - A Gift; The Brilliant Production Team – Brilliant; Isaac Doman - I'm Still Me; Sebastian Youssef - My Brother Sam; Vanessa Star - One Size Fits All; Zoe Fraser - A Gift; Jared Hargreaves - The Girl; Sally Newman - Heart Strings)

Image of Crossroad Arts website - Artistic Development, captured 2024

"Crossroad Arts - Artistic Development, captured 2024"

Crossroad Arts - Community Development, captured 2024 - reads, in part "Crossroad Arts is passionate about creating opportunities for people with disability who are serious about developing their skills in contemporary performance."