A Fully Accessible Classical Concert for Disabled Children
The Pitch
Problem statement
Autistic children in Devon are badly underserved. Devon has the 2nd highest number of children with EHCPs not having school placements in the country, no CAMHS psychologist, no NHS Play Therapist, Speech Therapy is frequently assessment-only without any therapy provision. Autistic children have far higher rates of morbidity, all-cause mortality, and suicide, than their neurotypical peers. Concerts, one of the loveliest outlets and community gatherings, are not accessible to disabled children in North Devon. There is no relaxed performances of musical events. There aren't even relaxed performances of cinema concerts in our region.
Solution
PANDA is seeking funds for classical concert especially adapted by an experienced orchestra - The Orchestra of St Johns, a nationally recognised, disability-accessible specialist orchestra thats performs around the UK. We apologise for not producing an application video for this process - it is hard to because of our own Accessibility challenges. Written format is much more workable for us.
Why are we best placed to deliver?
We are 7 volunteers, three from the field of medicine, 2 from education, 1 civil servant, and 1 businessman. 4 of us are neurodivergent, 3 of us are Carers. Thus we live this life, personally and professionally, and have a combined very high level of expertise, relevant direct experience, and passion. We have already established positive contact with the orchestra and had a discussion of need. We have over 3000 followers on Facebook, and have hosted free film screenings for neurodivergent children on several occasions. We are frequently contacted by both carers and autists in the region seeking help, they trust us through their experience with us.
Focus Areas
Delivery plan
Budget breakdown
| Hire of a fully Accessible concert venue that has enough space to allow for involuntary movements, Carers support alongside, mobility aids. | £600 |
| Sensory conductor's baton per attendee to enhance the experience, soothe, & be a meaningful yet useful takeaway support tool | £325 |
| Eventbrite ticketing, and printing of flyers for Special Schools and Paediatric Clinics | £90 |
Beneficiaries
227 people
Who will benefit
Expected impact
Impact for disabled children:This will the first time many have experienced live music, and classical musicA feeling of inclusion, & being part of the communityExperiencing the magic and joy of musicMusic is the sole 'thing' known in science to cross the Corpus Callosum. This is enhancing for all brains; autistic brains have clinically larger corpus callosums, making music even more critical in this disabled group.As no such event has been held for disabled children in the region, this will broaden the scope of their experience & go a tiny way to readdressing their social, educational, and economic disadvantages, for one dayThe sensory baton will be a tool for yrsImpact for Carers:The joy of being includedThe rare magic of seeing their children entirely welcomed & catered forThe ability to enjoy the life-enhancing effects of live music alongside the children that need themThis will be the first time many Carers will have attended a musical event since having a disabled child
Track record
We have provided free cinema screenings to autistic children & their carers, and been a vital point of advice to local families and professionals - we were chosen to deliver training at both North Devon District Hospital and Bideford Medical Centre. We have always achieved very high feedback scores and comments that our training has been ‘practice-changing’. Our free film screenings are always oversubscribed. We receive very sensitive contact from many autists and Carers in distress. They know from experience with us that we are trusted and expert.