While it’s been well documented how people living with learning disabilities can often be left out of important aspects of life, such as active roles in the work force, one of the equally important but less talked-about spheres of life where disabled people find trouble is enjoying recreation.
Even something as simple as going out to see bands or going to a club, part of everyday life for many, is something where those with learning disabilities require support. As many support workers finish at 10pm, lots of people with learning disabilities are forced to leave events at 9pm.
This makes it difficult for people with learning disabilities to lead full and active social lives. But a fantastic new initiative called Gig Buddies is looking to ameliorate the situation. “We believe that people with learning disabilities have the right to stay up late and have some fun,” write the organisers of Gig Buddies.
Gig Buddies is a part of ACL Disability Services, a registered Not For Profit organisation committed to promoting the rights of people with learning disabilities to live the lifestyle of their choosing. The project pairs up people with and without learning disabilities to be friends and attend events together.
“We want people with a learning disability to know they can stay up late, and choose how they live their lives,” reads a statement from the project organisers. “We want support workers to work different hours so that people with a learning disability can Stay Up Late, or do whatever they choose.”
“We know that lots of support workers don’t mind working different hours, as long as they also have enough time to plan,” they add. The project regularly recruits new volunteers to buddy up with a person who has a learning disability and are looking for volunteers all over Sydney.
“The Gig Buddies manager will meet with you and talk to you about the project. You’ll then be paired with somebody who shares your interests to attend gigs and other events with. Your buddy will have a full criminal records check and will be trained and informed about how to support you best,” the Gig Buddies website reads.
Originally founded in Sussex, but now operating in areas throughout the UK, Gig Buddies will be holding a special launch party tonight at the UNSW Roundhouse to celebrate their new Sydney initiative. Punters will get to enjoy performances by Bloods and Seek The Silence and learn more about this great project.
Gig Buddies Sydney Launch Party
Friday, 13th February 2015
UNSW Roundhouse, Sydney
Tickets: Gig Buddies
