From adaptive adventurers to building businesses: highlights from the Naidex agenda
The flagship event of the disability community announced its agenda this week, with theatres showcasing a range of sessions on lifestyle. Here are some of the highlights…
Starting off on the Main Stage, a Q & A with adaptive adventurer, Kate Appleby, detailing her battle with incurable illnesses alongside her pursuit of adventure. After overcoming childhood abuse and an early diagnosis of Lupus, Kate turned her back on depression, in exchange for a life outside. Kate will offer an insight into her struggles to climb, swim, hike and push her body to the extreme and give a guide for how to thrive outside your comfort zone.
Heading on over to the Lifestyle Theatre, some great sessions including ‘Worn out where’s the Gin?’ a parent’s perspective and honest open account of parenting a special needs child from Clare Worton, as well as ‘My life and me, what can I achieve?’, this session is designed to look inward at what your capabilities are from Tessa Wenn. Additionally, and back by popular demand, award winning sex toys and technology provider Hot Octopuss are turning on at 13.15 on Day One in the lifestyle theatre (Over 18s only!).
On the topic of chronic illness, disabled dancer, teacher, and activist Kate Stanforth will be talking about how she built a business around her chronic illness, the question that most appears in her inbox! Kate will also be offering an inclusive dance workshop and performance on the brand new Naidex Village Green, an activities and performance space that will host some fantastic and interactive sessions. As well as Kate Stanforth, the Village Green will feature the likes of Mr Cookfulness himself, Ian Taverner, who will be giving cooking demonstrations and tips on how to navigate the kitchen with chronic pain.
Of course AccessAble will be taking part in Naidex again this year, come and visit us on stand H21 and head over to the Accessibility Summit on Day 2 for our session!
As well as these informative sessions, Naidex are also bringing the showbiz to the NEC this year with performances from Sign Along With Us (Britain’s Got Talent Golden Buzzer winners!) and the amazing Music Man Project, an international music education service for children and adults with learning disabilities, will be showcasing a very special new song. This alongside the all-new adaptive climbing wall is sure to bring the fun this summer, and the organisers can’t wait for you to return!
Naidex takes place this summer on 6th-7th July at the NEC Birmingham, tickets are free and can be collected here. Naidex is better shared, so feel free to bring your friends, family, and carers along! For more information on accessibility, check out the AccessAble Accessibility Guide here.