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Jaz Inner circle NJ, U.S. 6111 Posts |
I'd just like to suggest that such a topic might also include performing for audiences with disabilities.
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Hearttau Elite user New Jersey: Exit 15 E 423 Posts |
Hi Jaz,
A good idea that was suggested in the other thread as well. I just want to officially offer my assistance in this area to members of the Magic Café. Not only have I been disabled my whole life, I been an activist as well. I’ve worked for an organization call Open Congregation in NYC, which advises houses of worship on issues of accessibility. And by accessibility I mean not just putting in a ramp or elevator or providing material in Braille or an interpreter for the deaf its all about perception and attitude toward the disabled individual. In other words, see the person first and the disability second of course. Opps, I’ll get off my soapbox now. Sorry old habits die-hard. I will make a few a basic suggestions to start if I may. Just try to be as relaxed as you are with any audience. Never underestimate the intelligence of a disabled person who may have great difficulty communicating. It sound obvious, but I’ve seen it happen hundreds of times. Think of Steven Hawking for example. On the other hand if you know that your audience is severely developmentally disabled you might want to do more visual illusions and limit the patter for those with shorter attention spans. Other examples; Tactical illusions for the blind. (Let a blind person hold the dove cage as you vanish it.) Be prepared to work with a sign language interpreter. (You may need to slow down your patter if you tend to talk fast.) Terminology; Handicapped, disabled, physically challenged, its all a matter of preference. Some people take offence at certain words, most do not. Don’t worry about it. The politically correct term right now is physically challenged. You could listen for which terms your contact or audience members use or ask which term they prefer. I’ll give one last example of a term I’ve seen use in these forums. “Wheelchair Bound.” Most people prefer Wheelchair User”, simple because they obviously are not literally bound to the chair and see the old term as silly. Well, I hope this post helps someone, I’m here if you need me.
Lentidigitator: “A magic artist who performs slow motion magic”... Rene Lavand
"Peace and all good"... St. Francis "Hold on to your joy!"... Me http://mysite.verizon.net/hearttau/ |
MagiClyde Special user Columbus, Ohio 871 Posts |
Steve, we know you're busy, so when do you think you might be able to put up the forum for disabled/handicapped magicians? I know that you've said that you've been thinking about it for some time now.
The Magic magazine article Therapeutic Thaumaturgy sounds like it would also be a good name for the forum, if they'll let you use it. Another possibility might be Medicinal Magic. Just my two cents worth!
Magic! The quicker picker-upper!
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Steve Brooks Founder / Manager Northern California - United States 3780 Posts |
In the works...I promise.
"Always be you because nobody else can" - Steve Brooks
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