DJ Oliver Brown coming to the Alley Theatre
From 1pm – 3pm these discos create a fabulous Energy of Light and bring awareness of the benefits and importance of social activities for families and Individuals experiencing disabilities.
Oliver, who has a physical disability that includes poor eyesight and balance, says the discos – which are tailored for young people and adults aged 15+ – are ‘so special’ for people with limited physical, learning and sensory ability.
The Energy of Light disco is funded by the Public Health Agency and forms part of a wider programme of inclusion being rolled out by Derry City and Strabane District Council.
Oliver has been involved with the ‘Access and Inclusion’ project for two years now and has been a great asset to the success of the discos.
Just this week Oliver’s work has been recognised by JCI (Junior Chamber International) by being nominated in this year’s awards in the ‘Ten Outstanding Young People” community category.
Kevin Harley President JCI Derry commented ‘We reward the efforts of 20 young people in the community and voluntary sector and are delighted that Oliver is one of these 20 people.
JCI Derry’s main areas of focus are personal growth, business development, international networking and these awards represent our community element, which aims to promote inspiring local projects and raise the profile of young people doing some great work in our area.
Oliver’s work through the Energy of Light Discos taking place all over the North West are a true inspiration and deserves to be recognised for such a worthwhile project.
The awards will take place on 6th September in Magee College.
JCI is a worldwide organisation of over 200,000 members and winners and runners of the awards may have the opportunity to attend the World Congress. We are delighted to nominate Oliver for these awards and continue to wish him success in the Energy of Light Discos.
Oliver commented: “ I am delighted to be involved in the Energy of Light Discos. I passed all my DJ courses but I never really thought I would get any opportunities because there were a lot of DJs doing the same thing.
“I then completed an event management course through the Access and Inclusion programme and started to work on the discos for adults experiencing physical, sensory, and or learning disabilities.
“These discos are perfect for me to get involved in because I’m physically disabled myself and I know first-hand how difficult it was for other physically and sensory disabled people to access activities and events.
“I had a brain tumour when I was 8 and it was removed but it reoccurred when I was 13, leaving me with a physical disability – poor eyesight and balance.
“I have always liked making people happy with music and these discos are so special. The more people I make happy, the more it makes me happy too.”
Derry City and Strabane District Council Access and Inclusion project manager, Louise Boyce added: “The Energy of Light discos are very powerful events – and as an observer I clearly see the benefits that they bring, not only to the participants, but also to their families and carers.
“The Alley Theatre provides a safe, friendly and accessible venue with disability aware staff – and Oliver provides some great music to suit all tastes.
“It is clearly evident to see that the discos are a great social outlet – a place to meet friends and for carers to talk to one another and have some fun too.”
Tickets are £3 and careers and parents go free.
There will also be a complimentary snack included.
Tickets can be purchased through the Alley Theatre Box Office on 028 71 384444 or online www.alley-theatre.com
Further information on Derry City and Strabane District Council’s programme on Access and Inclusion for Arts and Culture, is available by e mailing [email protected], calling 02871 253253 extn:4349, text phone: 02871 376 646 or visiting www.derrystrabane.com/inclusion
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