On 1st October 2024, we officially launched the “Take My Hand” disability network at De Montfort University. At the event, we shared our experiences building the network and our plans for its future, including contributions from Dr Stephen Connolly (Autism Centre, Sheffield Hallam), Liesje and Angel Dusauzay (Sparkle Sheffield) and Jack Marshall (Learning Disability England).
We showed extracts from the documentary film “Miradas Inclusivas”, made by filmmaker Daniel Casanova in collaboration with Granma’s Disabled People’s organisations (ACLIFIM, ANSOC, ANCI and ACPDI) and enjoyed interactive musical contributions from Kathryn Sturman (Made with Music). A highlight was being able to share a collaborative performance of “A Life That’s Good” recorded by Kathryn with young Cuban musician José Miguel Verdecia García as part of our artist exchange programme
We began with words of welcome from DMU Vice Chancellor Prof. Katie Normington and closed with a speech from the Cuban Ambassador to the UK, Her Excellency Ismara Mercedes Vargas Walter . Also attending were the Cuban First Secretary for Academic and Cultural Affairs Michel Rodríguez Alonso, students and staff from DMU and representatives of local schools and disabled people’s organisations.
