Alan Martin's Blog

Christmas Greetings

2011-12-15T15:57:00.001Z

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

Isle of Man Holiday Home

2011-09-08T11:17:00.003+01:00

Just home from a super week on the beautiful Isle of Man, for Manx Grand Prix. Stayed at a fab new facility, totally accessible self catering holiday accommodation for people/families with a member with access needs. I'd recommend it to anyone wanting a break in lovely surroundings. Great for motorbike fans like me, during racing periods, as its overlooking race route from balcony! www.joeydunlopfoundation.com PASS THIS ON!

Light Fantasy

2011-09-05T15:11:00.009+01:00

A briliant short video produced by Andy Taylor Smith of some of the light graffiti work that we did as part of the Knotty Ash Project

I would like to acknowledge the part played by Arts Council England in funding this project.

Knotty Ash Performance Project Update

2011-08-05T16:15:00.005+01:00

The Light Graffiti project at Knotty Ash Youth and Community Centre culminated in a very successful performance evening at the centre on 16th July. Below is a short clip of the final dance act:

Update

2011-06-30T09:38:00.003+01:00

I can't believe that it is two months since I last posted! It has been such a busy time for me, with work in Bury, Manchester (twice), Preston, Ealing, Liverpool, Rotherham, Barnsley, Scarborough and Kirkham! Phew!
I'd like to take this opportunity to thank Dr Chris Newell from Hull University for giving me the opportunity to participate in the Research Generator Symposium at Scarborough Campus. It was a very interesting event and I am very hopeful that some positive results will emerge from our discussions that will benefit users of communication aids in the future.
I'm now in the final stages of planning for the Showing of Work at Knotty Ash Youth and Community Centre on 16th July, plus further work in Warrington and Manchester so still very busy!

Knotty Ash Project

2011-04-28T10:00:00.002+01:00

We have already begun to create some amazing images using light graffiti (light painting). To see some of the images, visit my Flickr Page.

CALLING ALL YOUNG PEOPLE, 11 - 25, IN THE LIVERPOOL AREA

2011-03-24T08:59:00.004Z

Aged 11 - 25? Live in Liverpool? Want to get involved in an exciting new MULTIMEDIA PROJECT starting soon at Knotty Ash Youth and Community Centre? Interested in learning about camera work, music creation, dance and light graffiti? Further details and how to get apply for a place can be found on my What's New Page. There are still a few places available so apply now!

EXCITING NEW DANCE/MUSIC/LIGHT GRAFFITI PROJECT!

2011-03-02T10:07:00.004Z

Thanks to Arts Council England funding and the generous offer of using Knotty Ash Youth and Community Centre, I am now able to announce an exciting new inclusive project which I will be running over the next few months. The project will incorporate Dance, Accessible Music Creation (using Soundbeam and Skoogs), Light Graffiti and much more! There will be an opportunity for participants to learn a whole new range of skills, including Photography work, Production, Lighting etc. The project is open to young people between the ages of 11 and 25. Participants must be Liverpool residents. Dates are yet to be finalised.

For further details and to apply to attend this exciting project, please email me or phone (0151) 677 7631.

TES North Exhibition

2011-02-02T10:24:00.002Z

I have taken a stand (E8) at the TES Teaching Exhibition at Manchester Central on 8th and 9th April to demonstrate my NEW Accessible Music Creation Workshops, using Soundbeam and the new Skoogs. If you are planning to visit the exhibition, please do come on over and say "Hello". If you would like some further information, I have a Music Workshops page on my website here .
Look forward to meeting you if you can make it.

Christmas Dance

2010-12-29T09:30:00.005Z

Just to keep up traditions, I have created a new Christmas Dance. Sorry, you missed it!! Better luck next year!
Happy New Year!

Scenes in a Mirror - new clip

2010-11-12T21:05:00.002Z

I have now uploaded a longer version of "Scenes in a Mirror" to YouTube. View it at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rEOIgddKl3E

Laura Haughey wins Award at Wirral International Film Festival

2010-10-18T08:33:00.002+01:00

I am delighted to announce that Laura Haughey, my co-star in "Scenes in a Mirror", won the award for "Best Actress in a Short Film" at the recent Wirral International Film Festival. Congratulations, Laura - a well-deserved recognition of your talent!

Scenes in a Mirror at WIFF

2010-10-01T15:57:00.003+01:00

Wednesday night at the Wirral International Film Festival was a fabulous night, with the screening of some amazing short films. It was very encouraging to see the quality of films that are being produced in this area, in spite of all the funding issues which exist. I am very grateful to Phil and Alan for giving me the opportunity to show "Scenes in a Mirror", which was very well received.

Communication Matters Symposium 2010

2010-09-22T09:48:00.002+01:00

I am now busy getting ready to go to the 2010 Communication Matters Symposium. I am looking forward to renewing many old acquaintances and to presenting a joint paper with my friend, Dr. Janice Murray, describing the research we have undertaken over the last twelve months. We shall be looking at how I use communication strategies and the broader implications for adult learners with communication difficulties.

"Scenes in a Mirror" at Wirral International Film Festival

2010-09-22T09:26:00.003+01:00

Following a successful showing at the Latina Film Festival in Sezze, Italy, my film, "Scenes in a Mirror", is to be shown as part of the Wirral International Film Festival on Wednesday, 29th September 2010 at the T.A. Centre in Birkenhead. Doors open at 6.30 pm for a 7.00 pm start. The full address can be found at the WIFF site here.
Get along to see it if you can.

This Chair Is Not Me - Sheffield DocFest

2010-09-08T18:20:00.001+01:00

"This Chair Is Not Me" has been accepted for the Sheffield Doc Fest - screening dates can be found here.

NEW! Music Workshops

2010-08-18T12:50:00.002+01:00

For some years, I have been able to incorporate music into my Dance Workshops, using Soundbeam®. I have now purchased two Skoogs™ (a brand new electronic music-creation device) and am able to offer Music Workshops, either as standalone sessions or in conjunction with a Dance Workshop, where the dance creates the music. For more information, please visit my Music Workshops Page.

"This Chair Is Not Me" - Breaking News

2010-07-26T16:01:00.001+01:00

'This Chair Is Not Me' has received an 'Honourable Mention' at the 2010, Los Angeles, International Film Festival. Possible screening dates to follow.

"Scenes in a Mirror" Clip (2)

2010-07-26T10:22:00.003+01:00

Here is a short clip from my film:

Valence and Lydgate

2010-07-07T09:26:00.002+01:00

The last two weeks have been exhausting but very exciting!

First off, I visited Valence School in Westerham, Kent and ran three days of Dance Workshops there, culminating in a performance on the Friday. Huge thanks to David Coster for all his organisation, Barbara Simmons and her daughters, Alice and Ella for all their help, all the staff who assisted me in the workshops in such a positive way and especially all the wonderful students who participated.

Then it was on to Lydgate School in Holmfirth, Yorkshire. Three more days of Dance in conjunction with Colourscape, working with David Stevens, producing music from movement. Again massive thanks to Martin Ord and Nicola Rogers, the joint heads, who facilitated the sessions, to all the teaching staff who assisted me so ably and the brilliant pupils who joined in so well. Special mention must go to Nadine, a former pupil at the school, who worked with me throughout my time there and was so willing to assist in any way I asked her to. On the Friday, Nadine and I performed a Dance duet which was just sheer magic. Thanks, Nadine and Good Luck in the future. Keep dancing!

"This Chair Is Not Me" Film July Update

2010-07-07T09:09:00.006+01:00

Even More Fantastic News!!
"This Chair is not Me" has gone on to win a major award at the Silverdocs Festival. The quote below is from their website:

The Sterling Award for Best Short Film was given to THIS CHAIR IS NOT ME directed by Andy Taylor Smith, which documents Alan Martin, whose cerebral palsy confines him to a wheelchair and inhibits his speech, but he refuses to limit himself. When he gains access to technology that enables him to find a voice, his life is transformed. Utilizing stunning visual vocabulary and subtle re-enactment, the film presents a cinematic experience as unique as the subject himself.

The jury noted: “The film we are honoring strikes a perfect balance of substance and style. By mimicking the subject's refusal to limit himself, the filmmaker pushes the boundaries of traditional storytelling techniques. Using an innovative visual language and complex narrative structure, it allows viewers an opportunity to experience the world through the subject's unique point of view.”

Huge congratulations to Andy and all the team involved in the making of the film. What next? A full-length feature film??

Busy Times Ahead

2010-06-16T09:04:00.003+01:00

Things are getting busy again!

Next week I am off to Valence School in Kent to run three days of dance workshops there and then, after a few short days' break, I shall be off again, this time to the Rotherham area with a further three days of dance.

I'm looking forward to renewing some old acquaintances and making lots of new friends.

"This Chair Is Not Me" Film - LATEST!

2010-05-26T08:39:00.003+01:00

Fantastic news!

"This Chair Is Not Me" will be receiving it's world premiere at the AFI-Discovery Channel Silverdocs Festival in Washington, USA as part of their "Official Selection".

Silverdocs has been hailed as the "pre-eminent documentary festival in the US", and runs June 21-27.

Congratulations to Andy Taylor Smith and all of the production team for an amazing achievement.

You can see the Title Page for the film on IMDb here.

Scenes in a Mirror - Latest

2010-05-21T18:02:00.002+01:00

A clip of my film, "Scenes in a Mirror", can now be seen on my IMDb Title Page at the following:
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1656740/

Go there and watch.

Scenes in a Mirror - Update

2010-05-11T12:04:00.002+01:00

I am now in the process of submitting the film to as many film festivals as possible, as I am keen that it should be seen by a good number of people. The process of submitting films to festivals is an arduous one and very time consuming and I am just hoping that I will be successful with at least some of them.

TES Exhibition Manchester

2010-04-28T12:10:00.003+01:00

On Saturday, I went to the TES Education North Exhibition at Manchester Central. The trip turned out to be well worthwhile with lots of educational resources to see and new technology to experience. It was also great to meet up with some old friends.

I had particularly gone to see the Skoog, a new electronic musical instrument. This is a brilliant invention and I am now working out how I can best incorporate the device in my dance and music workshops. You can find out more information at: http://www.skoogmusic.com/ .

Exhibitions

2010-04-21T12:12:00.002+01:00

It's a week of exhibitions!

On Tuesday I went to Naidex at the NEC, mainly to check out the latest in wheelchairs, as I begin to consider replacing my dance wheelchair, but also to meet up with many friends.

And on Saturday I am off to Manchester to the TES North Exhibition, to check out a new "musical instrument", the SKOOG, and to find out the latest in education.

Do say hello if you see me there!

Scenes in a Mirror

2010-04-14T09:17:00.002+01:00

My new dance/drama film, "Scenes in a Mirror", premiered at FACT in Liverpool City Centre on Monday evening, 12th April. The event was a great success and, as a direct result, I have been offered the opportunity to submit the film for inclusion in the Wirral International Film Festival and "Documenta Film Fest" in Sezza, Italy later in the year.

Huge thanks go to the Arts Council for funding this project, to Bill Hopkinson for directing the whole project, to Laura Haughey, my wonderful co-star, to Matt Gray for a marvellous editing job, to Rob Julian for the original score and to FACT for giving me the opportunity to screen the film. Also to Edge Hill University who supported the project and provided the venue, equipment and Bill's time without charge.

My Film

2010-03-10T11:28:00.001Z

I am getting very excited as the Dance/Drama film that I have made with Laura Haughey nears completion and I am busy with making plans for its premiere. Later on, I plan to show at Film Festivals around the country and I will post up details when they become available as to where the film can be seen.

"This Chair Is Not Me" Film - Update

2010-02-22T12:36:00.001Z

14th February saw me travel to Leicester for a Cast and Crew screening of "This Chair Is Not Me". Andy has done a brilliant job with the movie and has already received much critical acclaim for it. Next stop - a full-length feature film?

Bring Back I'm With Stupid

2010-02-01T10:47:00.002Z

I have set up a facebook group and an online petition to the BBC to campaign to bring back "I'm With Stupid". If you would like to support this, please click on the link below to visit the petition and sign up.

"This Chair Is Not Me" Film

2010-01-20T12:33:00.005Z

Andy Taylor Smith has nearly finished the film he is making about a part of my life and has created a poster to go with it. I hope you like it! To see a larger version of the poster, click on the image below.

FORUM

2010-01-13T13:05:00.002Z

Just a reminder that my Dance Forum and my Communication Forum are open to new members. Why not come on over and join in the discussion or start a new thread of your own?

I look forward to chatting with you there.

Happy New Year

2009-12-29T09:07:00.005Z

Can I take this opportunity to wish all of my friends a very

Happy New Year!

Happy Christmas!

2009-12-11T10:57:00.010Z

I would like to take this opportunity to wish all my friends and readers a

Very Happy Christmas!

from
Santa Alan

Ho! Ho! Ho!

1Voice Weekend (Update)

2009-11-18T12:17:00.002Z

The 1Voice weekend was, once again, a huge success and it was so good to meet up with many old friends and to get to know some of the new families and children coming through.
My thanks to all who were involved in the organisation and running of the weekend for making this such an enjoyable and valuable event.

1Voice Weekend

2009-11-11T09:38:00.002Z

This weekend (Friday 13th - Sunday 15th November) sees me join 1Voice in Blackpool. I am looking forward to renewing a lot of old friendships and making some new ones.
It's hard to believe that this is the TENTH anniversary of the Blackpool weekends! Congratulations to Katie, Tamsin and all those committee members and volunteers who have worked so hard over the years to enable this event to happen and to be such a valuable success.

Cosmic Celebrations Part 2

2009-10-10T17:26:00.002+01:00

As promised, Part 2 of Cosmic Celebrations is now available for viewing.

Cosmic Celebrations

2009-10-07T08:57:00.003+01:00

In 2000/2001, with funding from a Millennium Award, I put together a full stage production of a dance performance called "Cosmic Celebrations". Working with a group of friends, I choreographed the whole performance, wrote the music, booked the theatre, even planned the lighting scheme. The performance took place at Pacific Road Theatre, Birkenhead on 20th April 2001.
Below are parts 1 and 3 of the show. Part 2 will follow shortly.

Films

2009-09-30T12:37:00.007+01:00

Two posts in one day!
As mentioned in my previous post, I am involved in the making of no less than three short films at the moment.

I have been working with the Callup Group in Liverpool to produce a promotional DVD, showing the sterling work which they do as a mutual support group.
A filmmaker called Andy Taylor Smith is making a cinema "short" about a pivotal moment in my life. This is nearing completion now.
Thanks to an Arts Council award, I have been working on a short dance film based on two dancers. I am dancing with Laura Haughey and have been very fortunate to have Bill Hopkinson as dramaturg. I plan to show the film at film festivals next year and, eventually, to put it up on YouTube.

Colourscape Merton and Clapham Common

2009-09-30T12:03:00.006+01:00

August and September have been absolutely manic - so much so that I haven't had chance to post anything on here!
I am involved in the making of three short films but will talk about those in a separate post. This post is about my latest work with Colourscape/Eye Music.
16/17/18th September I was again working with David Stevens, this time at St Ann's School in Morden, South London, creating music and movement with some of the lovely children there and culminating in a fabulous performance on the Friday.
On the Saturday, the weather was absolutely brilliant and I again danced with Michèle Lainé in Colourscape on Clapham Common, both in my chair and also some floor work. We were joined for one dance by Mr Silver and a number of people commented on how terrific that was.
Photos will follow shortly.

Colourscape, Sutton (Cont.)

2009-07-31T16:52:00.012+01:00

I have now put together a slide show of some of the photos of me dancing with Michèle (Be sure to turn up your speakers!) :

Colourscape, Sutton

2009-07-15T14:57:00.003+01:00

June and July were absolutely manic, with trips to Ulverston, Preston, Barnsley, Wakefield, Rotherham, Devon and Sutton! I guess the greatest thrill for me was dancing in Colourscape at Sutton with Michèle Lainé, a brilliant acrobat and performer. You can view a slideshow of our work by visiting my website at Mouse on the Move - What's New. .

Relaunch of Forum

2009-04-15T11:34:00.002+01:00

First of all, an apology! I have been so busy this year that it has been difficult to make time to update this blog. I will try harder - honest!

Now to the reason for this post. Sadly, earlier this year, the Forum I was hosting on Dance and Communication issues was invaded by a bunch of idiots ( I could use another word, but I won't!), leaving inappropriate postings, pictures and website links. This left me with no option other than to delete all posts and purge the membership list.

I have now put into place a number of security measures. All memberships now have to be approved by me. Registration only takes a couple of minutes.

If you have any interest in starting or joining in discussions on Dance or Communication issues, do come on over and join me - it will be lonely without you! The link is Alan's Forum .

ISAAC Story Writing Competition (Continued)

2008-11-03T13:51:00.001Z

It was a tremendous thrill to attend the Story Reading Reception at Downing Street recently and to receive my certificate as the UK adult winner. It was brilliant, too, to renew many old acquaintances.
Huge thanks to Liz Moulam and Patrick Poon from Communication Matters, who had worked so hard to make sure the evening was such a huge success.

Communication Matters

2008-09-16T13:54:00.003+01:00

I can't believe that we have already come around to the annual Communication Matters Symposium but I'm off to Leicester on Sunday! I'm looking forward to renewing many acquaintances, learning all the latest news and developments in AAC and having a lot of fun, too. This year I am giving a presentation entitled "What Dance Means To Me"which I am hoping to make the basis of the book that I am planning to write on the same subject.

ISAAC Story Writing Competition

2008-08-29T09:14:00.003+01:00

I was delighted to learn that I was one of the UK winners in the recent ISAAC "Many Stories, One Voice" Story writing Competition. The competition was open to all communication aid users throughout the world and the brief was to write a short story (500 words or less) suitable for children. In October, I will be attending a reception in London, where I shall be reading my story. If you would like to read the story, just follow this link.

Huge congratulations go to the other winners in the UK - to Sean Lucas and Beth Moulam. WELL DONE!

Summer School '08 Sheffield

2008-07-30T12:47:00.003+01:00

I've not long returned from a fantastic week in Sheffield where I ran five days of dance workshops as part of the Summer School organised by IBK Initiatives. The event was held at the stunning Centre in the Park, Norfolk Heritage Park and was designed to help the young people involved to think about their futures.

A huge thanks to all the people (IBK staff, support workers, volunteers and artists) involved in making the week happen (I won't start naming them - I'm bound to forget someone!) and a special thanks to Dr Pippa Murray for inviting me to participate. Everyone worked tremendously well together as a team to make the week such a success. Thanks also to all the young people - they were a joy to work with.

It was also fantastic to meet up again with Laura and Andy and to work with them. And, to cap it all, I also got the opportunity to visit Kevin Davies, who I worked with on "I'm with Stupid", and his lovely wife Andrea.

We Make Manchester - 3

2008-07-16T12:59:00.003+01:00

Well, it's all over bar the shouting and I can relax a little before shooting off to Sheffield next week!

DanceForce were absolutely brilliant on Sunday - as far as I'm concerned the stars of the show! My thanks to Victoria, Kelly, Laura, Susan, Marcus and Raza for all their hard work, creativity and just being so much fun to work with. I hope that I will have a chance to work with them again. I'll be putting up some video here of their performance as soon as I get a chance.

Thanks too to Clair, an amazing powerhouse of energy (!) and to Maureen and Phil at GMCDP.

Ah well, back to preparing for next week.

We Make Manchester - 2

2008-06-20T20:03:00.003+01:00

The work on the We Make Manchester Project is developing well and really exciting. The group decided to call themselves "DanceForce" and have been working hard over the past few weeks to create their dance piece, "United City", and also to prepare themselves to lead dance workshops for the young visitors to Urbis on 13th July.

We Make Manchester

2008-06-05T11:19:00.003+01:00

At the moment, I am busy with a really exciting piece of work as part of the "We Make Manchester" Project. I am working with a group of young disabled people to create a dance piece on the theme "United - City" which they will perform in Urbis, Manchester, on Sunday 13th July 2008. The group will also be leading dance workshops for young visitors to Urbis. If you are between 13 and 18, come along on the day and see DanceForce perform, join in one of their workshops and also take part in the other exciting events happening to celebrate the things that make Manchester special.

My thanks go to Chris Abbott and Clair Heaviside who are facilitating this event.

Naidex 2008

2008-04-29T09:22:00.003+01:00

I'm very much looking forward to my visit to Naidex at the NEC tomorrow. I'm hoping to bump into many old friends (I always do!) and, this year, I'm especially on the look out for a battery-powered speaker setup that will enable me to make myself heard in busy places (like Naidex or the pub!) by boosting the output from my communication aid. I need something that will clip onto my wheelchair mounting system next to my Tellus.
If anyone knows of such a system, do please let me know.

Communication Aids (An update)

2008-04-23T12:35:00.004+01:00

I've been so busy this year with work and with having my bathroom refitted (and that's a story all of it's own - more like a nightmare!) that I haven't had a chance to post on here for some time.
However, I felt it was high time that I made some comment on where I'm up to with communication aids. In December I took delivery of a shiny new Tellus 3+ (In red, of course!).

Following a massive amount of research, last year, including spending most of my time at Communication Matters testing all the machines on offer, I had come to the conclusion that this device would best suit my needs. I had also experimented with a trial version of Grid2 software on my PC, which I found to be really easy for me to programme independently. Techcess were happy to supply the Tellus with Grid2 (from Sensory Software) installed.

I'm delighted to report that both the device and the software have fully met (and, in some areas, exceeded!) my hopes and expectations. So much so that I have been able to switch over almost completely from my previous device in record time. While I realise that no two communication aid users needs are the same, I feel that this combination is well worth a look for anyone seeking a new aid.

Pyramids Arts Centre , Warrington October 2007

2008-02-24T22:12:00.004Z

This is a video of me dancing to "This Chair" at Pyramids, Warrington in collaboration with Drake Music Project .

NEW WEBSITE!

2008-01-24T13:24:00.000Z

I am pleased to announce the launch of my brand-spanking new, shiny and sparkly website, mouseonthemove.com!
The site is still in development but it is my plan to expand on the opportunities and advantages that my dance workshops offer to schools. I'm also going to have a section for communication aid users/their families, friends and supporters. And a Forum has been added which I am sure will soon take on a life of it's own!
Go visit.

Christmas Dance Update

2008-01-09T12:28:00.000Z

Unfortunately, if you missed going to view my Christmas Dance, you're too late! OfficeMax, who hosted this bit of fun have now closed the site.
Better luck next time!

Christmas Dance

2007-12-28T09:37:00.001Z

I have created a special Christmas dance for my readers. If you could use a good, hearty laugh after Christmas, go take a look - please be patient as it sometimes takes a while to load. The dance can be viewed - Sorry, no longer available!

I hope you all had a very happy Christmas and would like to wish everyone a
"Very Happy New Year!"

WIRRAL DANCE4ALL (Part 4)

2007-11-30T10:19:00.001Z

The fantastic drawings that Ben Small produced from the Dance4All club have now gone on display at St John's Precinct in Liverpool city centre. They are located on the Upper Mall, near the lifts and the Centre Manager's office. If you are in Liverpool, go and visit them - you'll be impressed!
If you would like to see more of Ben's work or commission him, his website is http://www.benjaminsmall.com/ .

Oxfordshire

2007-10-17T10:46:00.000+01:00

The excitement continued between 1st and 11th October, with visits to six primary schools in the Oxfordshire area to run a series of dance workshops. This was a really enjoyable, if tiring, experience for me and I'd like to thank the Head Teachers, Staff and pupils at all of them for such a warm welcome and for working so hard. A special thanks to Claire Robinson at St Thomas More, Kidlington, who made my trip possible by encouraging the other schools to invite me. Claire is an amazing lady, with such energy! A copy of an article which the Oxford Mail published following my day at Kidlington can be viewed here (Opens with Microsoft Word).

1Voice Video

2007-09-26T08:43:00.000+01:00

IVoice - Communicating Together is a charity supporting young users of communication aids and their families. Over the years, their work has been extended from just working with younger children to including teenagers. Recently, they ran a Teenage Project using Role Models, a Workshop Leader and a Musician. The project was video'd and a superb DVD is now available from 1Voice. Below is a short clip from the video, explaining why 1Voice need your help and support to enable them to continue and develop their work even further.
Further information and the DVD can be obtained from http://www.1voice.info .

Latest News

2007-09-21T10:35:00.000+01:00

While most of the work I undertake is really good and exciting, the last two jobs have been exceptional.
Last Friday, 14th September, saw me travel over to York for a conference on Transitions for teenagers with a disability. I spoke there and facilitated a workshop, then, in the afternoon, I ran a dance workshop. The participation from the delegates was brilliant and, all in all, an excellent day (apart from the journey home, but that's another story!). My thanks to Dr Pippa Murray for inviting me and for running the conference in such a relaxed way.
Wednesday 19th took me up to Levens CE School in Cumbria to run four dance workshops. What a fantastic day! The children were wonderful, so bright, so responsive and so creative and the staff participated fully and could not have been more helpful. A lovely school and a lovely day. I wish the new headteacher, Matt Foxwell, every success for the future.
It's jobs like this that make my business so enjoyable and worthwhile.

Communication Aids

2007-09-11T09:08:00.000+01:00

My Communication Aid is vital to me in all aspects of my life. I can't imagine now what it would be like to go back to the time before I had a communication aid. I certainly could not have achieved all I have if it hadn't been for the kindness of the group of friends who worked so hard to get me my first machine.

And yet, even after all these years of development, I still find it incredibly difficult to find an aid that will do all the things that I want to do. At the moment, I am researching devices with a view to buying a new one shortly.

I need to be able to programme the device myself, to easily link from page to page, concept to concept. I need to be able to deliver large sections of speech for my presentations and the training I give. The device must mount on a wheelchair (and still allow me to see where I am driving!) and also have a stand for desktop use. I need a machine that is reliable and will not constantly freeze or crash when I am programming or delivering a talk. And I need to be able to do this in a good, clear precise U.K. English voice. Added advantages would be the ability to make mobile phone calls from the device and an extra powerful amplifier.

Surely, in this day and age, this should not be too much to expect when you look at what is available in the mainstream entertainment and communication fields? And yet, so far, I have been unable to find a device that satisfies all these requirements.

Some manufacturers have tried to imply that I am too demanding or picky. However, as I have already said, my communication aid is the thing that enables me to lead a valuable, busy and demanding life. Without it, I would not have been able to give up many of my state benefits and set up my business. It is not only my prime means of communication - it is my identity to the people I meet.

As more youngsters become proficient with communication aids and move into adulthood, many of them will grow up with much higher expectations from their devices. I feel now is the time for us to put pressure on manufacturers to provide devices which will satisfy our more demanding needs in the future. If anyone else feels the same way, I would be delighted to hear from you.

I would also be very interested to hear of your experiences with your communication aid, good or bad. With your permission, I would be very happy to post them up on this blog.

I'm With Stupid - an update

2007-09-04T16:09:00.000+01:00

Following on from the success of Series 1 of "I'm With Stupid", it is now to be released on DVD and can be pre-ordered from Amazon. Just go to the link on the top left of this page to buy it!

HAPPY VIEWING!

Holland

2007-08-09T10:09:00.000+01:00

I am considering going to Holland shortly. I haven't decided yet whether to fly from the North West (probably Manchester) or to take my van across.
Does anyone have any experience of undertaking this journey with an electric wheelchair? I'd be very pleased to hear from you if you have any advice to offer.

WIRRAL DANCE4ALL (PART 3)

2007-07-20T14:44:00.001+01:00

It is with a great deal of sadness that I have come to the end of the after-school dance club. The children have been fabulous and a real pleasure to work with. There were a few tears shed on our last session on Wednesday (not least by me!) but unfortunately, without further Arts Council, I can see no way at present of continuing the club. However, I have not given up totally and will continue to explore other avenues of funding.

The drawing above is one of a number created by Ben Small, a Liverpool-based artist, that I commissioned to capture the scenes at the club. Ben came to several club nights and completed a couple of dozen amazing drawings. I have put these up on my web site and they can be seen here.

COMMUNICATION AIDS 3

2007-06-07T09:10:00.000+01:00

Last Friday I was asked to perform two dances at a celebration of 25 years of the OFV (Opportunities For Volunteering) Scheme at which Health Minister Ivan Lewis, MP, was the guest speaker.

Afterwards, I had a chance to speak to the Minister and tell him about the difference having a communication aid has made to my life. I spoke about the difficulties that many people still have in obtaining the right communication aid for their needs.

I can only hope that the things I said have made him more aware of the problems that exist in this area and more concerned to improve the situation.

Tor View School

2007-05-23T09:57:00.000+01:00

Monday and Tuesday of this week saw me leading dance workshops at Tor View School, Haslingden, finishing with a performance for the rest of the school. I'd like to publicly thank the Head, staff and pupils at this outstanding school for giving me such a warm welcome and so much help. The children were fantastic! I wish the school every success in their bid for Specialist Arts Status - they deserve it!

WIRRAL DANCE4ALL (PART 2)

2007-04-19T10:55:00.000+01:00

Those of you who have been following the progress of my plans for an after-school dance club on Wirral, will have realised that my first session was last night.
I'm pleased to report that it went very well and those who attended seemed to really enjoy themselves.
There are still a few places left so if anyone would like to join us on Wednesday evenings at the Lauries Centre in Birkenhead, please email me.

BEAUMONT COLLEGE - LANCASTER

2007-04-19T09:34:00.001+01:00

I have just returned from a couple of lovely days at Beaumont Specialist College in Lancaster where I have presented on the difference that having a communication aid has made to my life to 8 different groups in two days!
My huge thanks to Kate McCallum, who organised the event, her husband, Jamie, and the staff who supported my sessions so brilliantly during my visit. Beaumont is an exciting place to visit, with some really good developmental work going and I hope to be back there in the not too distant future to deliver a similar message to the students.

WIRRAL EGG RUN

2007-04-02T09:48:00.000+01:00

The brilliant annual Wirral Egg Run took place on Sunday 1st April 2007. The Run, which this year was raising funds for the Jelly Bean Kids' Appeal, usually attracts around 5000 motor cyclists! You can find out a lot more information on the Wirral Egg Run's web site.

This year, the parade took over an hour to pass me by! It was great to renew old aquantainces.

A big "Congratulations and Well Done!" to all who took part in this year's event.

WIRRAL DANCE4ALL

2007-03-14T10:18:00.000Z

Thanks to the Arts Council grant that I mentioned in my last post, I am pleased to announce that I have now sorted out venues for the new Inclusive Dance Club on Wirral. While primarily designed to fill the gap that exists for out-of-school dance provision for children with disabilities,I am hopeful that siblings and friends will also be interested.

The club, which is for children from 11 to 19 years of age, will be introduced with two FREE taster sessions, to be held at the Callister Club, 19 Argyle Street, Birkenhead on Tuesday 3^rd April and Thursday 5^th April from 10.15am till 12.00 noon. For those interested in continuing, twelve sessions are planned at The Lauries Centre, Whetstone Lane, Birkenhead on Wednesday evenings at 6.15 pm, commencing 18^th April (there will be a small charge for these sessions). Both venues are fully accessible and have excellent facilities.

If the club is successful and the young people want to continue in the winter term, I am hopeful of finding further funding.

As numbers are limited by available space, it is essential to pre-book places. Booking by phone on (0151) 677 7631 (leave a message if no reply) or by email to mouse_on_the_move@btinternet.com .

HOORAY (2)!!

2007-03-07T07:47:00.000Z

The other fantastic piece of news that I have received recently is that the Arts Council England have approved my application for a grant. This funding will enable me to set up an after-school dance club on Wirral.

Whilst my primary aim is to fill the gap that exists in dance provision for secondary school age children with disabilities, it is my desire to make this totally inclusive and I am hopeful of being able to attract siblings and friends too.

I am now in the process of negotiating a suitable venue for the club and hope to be able to announce a start date very soon.

WATCH THIS SPACE!

HOORAY!!

2007-03-06T19:32:00.000Z

At last, after what seems like an age, my new van arrived yesterday! And it is absolutely fabulous!

Because I had such a good experience with my last Renault Master, I have stuck with the make. But this one is longer, taller and lovely shiny silver (picture to follow soon). And it's got a bigger engine, a CD player and a rear heater to keep my toes nice and cosy, even on the coldest of winter mornings!

Because converted vans are sooooo expensive to buy these days, I decided to get this one on the Motability scheme and, so far, it seems to be working out really well. If anyone needs any advice on this scheme, please let me know.

Can't wait to go for a really long drive in it - just been local so far.

Happy motoring!

COMMUNICATION AIDS (Cont)

2007-02-01T18:45:00.000Z

It occurs to me that many people reading yesterday's post would not know how to contact their MP. If you go to the following web site and enter your postcode, you will get full contact details for them: http://www.upmystreet.com/commons/l/

COMMUNICATION AIDS

2007-01-31T15:01:00.000Z

Anyone who knows me personally or who has visited my web site will be aware that, until I was 31 years of age, I had no effective means of communication. You will understand, therefore, why I am so passionate that everyone who needs a communication aid should be provided with one as of right. It is a basic human need to be be able to communicate and is enshrined in the Human Rights Act.

Unfortunately, it is not that straightforward in the UK. Whether you get the right aid and support is still very much a postcode lottery. Dependent upon where you live, you may or may not have the support of a Speech and Language Therapist who is conversant with electronic aids and too little training is given on most Speech and Language Therapy courses.

I would encourage anyone who has any interest in seeing that everyone who needs an aid, automatically receives one, to lobby their MP.

DANCE WORKSHOPS

2007-01-26T11:19:00.000Z

I am now busy with a series of Dance Workshops at Meadowside School on Wirral and having a great time with the wonderful children there. One of the sessions I am working on is a first for me and for Wirral, I think! That is to choreograph a group of children dancing in the swimming pool!. Great fun!

One thing I would like to be able to do is to light up the water in the pool with coloured lights. If anyone knows how I can do this safely and without too much expense, I would be really pleased to hear from them.

DANCE WORKSHOPS ETC.

2007-01-05T08:55:00.000Z

I still have some slots available for booking Dance Workshops and Disability Awareness Courses. I can travel anywhere in the UK. If you are interested in finding out more, please fill out a Booking Enquiry at my web site.

Here's to 2007

2006-12-29T10:40:00.000Z

I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas and I'd now like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a

HAPPY

NEW YEAR!

My greatest hope for the forthcoming year is that the Government will finally take positive action to ensure that everyone who needs a communication aid will be provided with one as of right.

While writing, I'd just like to mention that, if you are very quick, you might just catch me in the BBC3 Outtakes from "I'm With Stupid"!

Seasons Greetings

2006-12-22T10:01:00.000Z

May I take this opportunity to wish all of my Readers, Friends, Family and Associates a very

HAPPY

CHRISTMAS!

I will try to post more regularly next year -HONEST!

SPECIAL KIDS IN THE UK

2006-11-11T12:16:00.000Z

I have just come across an excellent charity which offers support for families who have a child of any age with special needs. The information and advice on their web site is first class. Go visit them - the link is in the title of this post and in the links section on the right of this page.

BANSTEAD COLLEGE - CONTINUED

2006-10-23T20:53:00.000+01:00

I have been digging in the archives and have found a few old photos of my time at Banstead. Do these jog anybody's memory? Of course, I am the handsome one with the wonderful head of hair! I would really love to hear from anyone who remembers those days.

NEWSFLASH!!

2006-10-20T11:08:00.000+01:00

I understand that the Broadband viewings of "I'm With Stupid" will only be available online for three more days! If you have missed any episodes and would like to catch up, go HERE quickly!

BANSTEAD COLLEGE

2006-10-19T20:49:00.000+01:00

I'm trying to contact old friends from Banstead College Surrey , where I was a student from 1982 to 85. Anyone from those days remember me?? I had more hair then! Sometimes dyed yellow!!

I'M WITH STUPID - UPDATE

2006-10-19T18:53:00.000+01:00

The latest news from the BBC is that the concept for the pilot of "I'm With Stupid" has been sold to the US! A fantastic compliment to Peter Keeley and everyone involved with the making of the programme in the UK.

BOOKINGS

2006-10-17T15:09:00.000+01:00

A number of people who have visited this blog have asked me how they would go about arranging a Dance Workshop or a Disability Training Awareness course with me. On my main web site, I have an enquiry form especially for this purpose. Just visit this page for further information and to initiate a no-obligation enquiry.

I'M WITH STUPID - PART 3

2006-10-14T18:52:00.000+01:00

Episode 6 - the last one and, in my opinion, the funniest of them all - is due to go out tomorrow night at 10.00 p.m. I really can't believe how quickly those weeks have gone by, after such a long wait for it to be screened. If you have missed any of the episodes and want to catch up, they are all stacked on the BBC3 web site. Just follow the link in the Title above. I understand that they will be available for the next two weeks.

I have said it before but, having watched them again, it still holds true - I am very proud of what has been achieved with "I'm With Stupid". I think it is revolutionary and groundbreaking and got better and better as the team gelled. The writing is superb. I have seen some very exciting viewing figures and some excellent reviews from the critics, so I really hope that we are given the chance to do it all again. I feel it is well deserving of a second series.

Enjoy watching!

DISABILITY AWARENESS

2006-10-02T22:19:00.001+01:00

I am preparing to deliver Disability Awareness Training to a group of Year 9 pupils at a local school in a few days and this started me thinking about what promotes "disability awareness". Where obvious injustice and discrimination exist, there is a place for drawing public attention to this through non-violent protest.In the main though, I think that long-term attitudes and ignorance are changed for the better when disabled people make themselves highly visible in society and show non-disabled people that they are just the same as them - that we have the same wants, needs, fears, hopes etc as they do. I look forward to the time when it will be no surprise to see people with disabilities presenting TV shows, reading the news, acting roles which are not disability specific. To a time when disabled people will be fairly represented in government, in business, in medicine and in all walks of life. That time will surely come.

I am always delighted to be able to address young people on these issues, both in mainstream schools and in special schools because they are much less set in their ways and still open to developing better attitudes. With non-disabled children, I can encourage them to "see the person not the disability" - both through the things I say and through the person that I am. When working with children with disabilities, I can encourage them to realise that anything is possible for them in the future, if they are determined and focussed enough. After all, if I can achieve what I have achieved with a poor education and no adult (disabled) role models to look up to, how much more can they achieve!

Society is changing for the better. Granted that change is slow and I sometimes get frustrated that things are not moving faster. But I guess all major shifts in attitude in society have taken time.

In the meantime, I will continue to try to do my bit to chip away at ignorance about disabled people, in the knowledge that the children I work with today are the people who will shape society's attitudes in the future.

COMMUNICATION MATTERS

2006-09-27T11:41:00.000+01:00

Well, I am now back from Leicester and another excellent and informative Communication Matters Symposium and trying to get back to the real world! My thanks to Janet and all of the CM team who work so hard to make this such a succesful event each year. As ever, there was a really wide range of presentations to choose from and sometimes it is difficult to decide which one to attend! But a nice problem to have.

One theme which came up from a number of speakers was about the general public's attitudes and perceptions regarding people with communication difficulties. I can only encourage proficient users of AAC to push themselves into high-profile situations and life in general. It is only by familiarity that people will gain a better understanding of the need to give us more time and of the fact that we are not "stupid".

There was good news about some of the latest devices now available and also about visons for future developments to help us to be better communicators.

There were also some concerns - mainly on the financial front (nothing new there!). Manufacturers have had to make cutbacks, following on from the ending of the CAP/BECTA initiative. CM itself is having to look at ways it can maintain its current level of activity. I am hopeful that these issues can and will be resolved. It is so important to those of us who rely on AAC for our voice, that development should continue and that there should be an umbrella body to look out for our interests.

On a personal note, I took part in a number of sessions in different roles. It was very encouraging to receive so many positive comments from delegates about the high quality and "listenability" of the output from my Dynavox DV4. We heard a recording of an early voice synthesiser which was virtually unintelligible and I know, from feedback, that some of my previous devices were difficult to listen to, particularly for anybody who was not used to VOCAs (Voice Output Communication Aid).

So, overall, a very valuable and rewarding few days in Leicester. Now back to earning my living!

APOLOGIES

2006-09-18T21:51:00.000+01:00

Apologies for the lack of postings for a few days. I have been busily preparing a 30 minute plus speech for the forthcoming Communication Matters Symposium and, as anyone who uses a communication aid will know, it takes a helluva long time to write a speech and programme it in! And it doesn't help when the device mis-pronounces a word. For example, I want to say "winding" (as in "The Long and Winding Road") but the machine insists on saying it as "win-ding"!

To Emma of emma.prettyposies.com, I want to say how impressed I am with how many readers you have! Have we met personally or did you just pick up the link by chance?

Well, back to programming ..............

I'M WITH STUPID - PART2

2006-09-15T14:08:00.000+01:00

To Katie, who left some lovely comments here and to all the people who have taken the trouble to email or write to me with positive comments regarding "I'm With Stupid", a huge "Thank You"! It has been a tremendous encouragement to me.
"I'm With Stupid" is experimental and groundbreaking and it is great to hear that people are enjoying it. The press reviews have been good, too. The BBC did take a gamble with this programme, in spite of what some people seem to think. I had no real experience of acting before this and some of the other cast members had had only limited opportunities in film and TV work. It was a huge learning curve for all of us. I say "Massive Respect!" to the Beeb and particularly to the team, headed by Jon Mountague, at BBC Comedy North. I don't think any of us would try to claim it is perfect but then, what is? But it has given the cast, Daniel Peak and Peter Keeley and the Production Team an opportunity to find out what is possible, what works well and what could be improved on in the future. I have my fingers (and everything else!) crossed that the BBC will be sufficiently impressed with the outcome that they commission a second series. This would really give us a chance to open it out and develop the characters, based on what we have all learned.
And, Katie, if you read this, you are very welcome to download and print a copy of my poem, "This Chair..." here as is anyone else, provided it is not used for commercial gain. The poem means a lot to me and many people have said how helpful they have found it.

THIS CHAIR

2006-09-14T13:48:00.000+01:00

This is a video of me dancing to the poem "This Chair Is Not Me", which I wrote soon after getting my first communication aid. It was filmed at a 1Voice weekend some time ago.

Mouse On The Move

2006-09-14T12:31:00.000+01:00

Over the years, many people have asked me why I chose the name "Mouse On The Move" for my dance workshops and, subsequently, for my business. The reason is quite simple - before I had my communication aid, I used to use CB radio to keep in touch with my friends. My call sign, then, was "scousemouse" ("scouse" because I am from Liverpool and "mouse " because it rhymes!). When I started to dance, I adopted the mouse part and found that I was constantly on the move - both in dancing and in travelling around the UK.
Simple!

I'M WITH STUPID

2006-09-13T16:48:00.000+01:00

There has been quite a bit of contoversy about the new series
of "I'm With Stupid", much of it on the BBC Ouch site, and
that is a good and healthy thing. I felt that the time was right
for me to give my own take on the programme and the
principles behind it.

First of all, I must say that if I had felt that the concept or the
scripts were in any way condescending towards disabled people
or that there was any whiff of the BBC "filling their disabled
quotas", then I wouldn't have taken on the role of Graham.
This is not my main or only source of income and if you have
read my "Welcome", you will know that I mainly earn my
living from dance workshops and in running disability
awareness courses. To be honest, the pay as an actor was
pretty crap!

However, I have found the original creator, Peter Keeley, and
Daniel Peak to be completely honest about trying to create a
genuinely funny and original comedy series. Jon Mountague's
sole aim was to produce a funny sitcom, not a sermon or a
means of employing some disabled people just for the sake of it.
The crew and the rest of the cast were just brilliant and I felt
that everyone fully believed in what we were doing.

I am very proud of the finished product and I think that the
majority of people will find that it gets funnier as the series
progresses. Episode 1 was mainly about setting the scene and
developing the role of the characters. The story (and there is
a continuing story line) unfolds as we get further into the series.

"I'm With Stupid" does not set out to preach to the disabled
activists - most of them are so deeply entrenched and have
such a chip on their shoulders that they can't look around
them and see the real world. I don't think that it is even
designed to appeal to the vast majority of disabled people -
they don't need it as they live the reality of the disabling
society we live in each and every day. What my hope for this
progamme is that it will say to non-disabled people "It's OK to
laugh with us and at the crazy scrapes we get into. We are
ordinary (or should that be extra-ordinary?) people, just like
you".

Some of the moaners seem to have expected some kind of
reality TV! But sitcoms have always been based on larger-
than-life situations and characters. "Why is it in a care home?"
they say in one breath but then want to know where all the care
assistants are! Wouldn't that have suggested to the general public
that we needed constant care? I can't recall people
complaining that there appeared to be only two warders in
"Porridge" and that they were totally inept! Does anyone believe
that there is any street in Britain that has had as many psycopaths,
murderers, affairs, cheats etc as "Corrie"? People understand that
these situations are just a device to bring the characters together.

Yes, there are still care homes. Yes, there are still people who get
shunted into them when their needs could be better met in an
independent or semi-independent setting. Yes, there are manipulative
managers who will try to impose stupid rules. Yes, sadly, there are still
disabled people who will allow themselves to be constrained by
society's rules. But, yes, there are plenty of disabled people who will
defy the rules like the residents of Bramble Lodge.

I would dearly love to see "I'm With Stupid" go to a second series,
particularly as all involved now know what the cast are capable of.
And who knows what the future might bring - a spin-off where some
of the residents go independent? But this might never happen if too
many people grouch about detail.

So my plea to all who watch the programme is - give it a chance to
develop, give the actors a chance to grow their skills (up to now
there have been too few opportunities), relax your chuckle muscles
and view it as a bit of fun, not something meant to be too deep and
meaningful!
And I'm sure that, seen in this light, attitudes in society will change.

Here endeth the Sermon!

P.S. To watch episodes 1 & 2 on Broadband (UK only, sorry!) just go here

P.P.S. If anyone thinks they can write a better comedy, write a character for me and count me in!

WELCOME

2006-09-12T11:49:00.000+01:00

Welcome to my new weblog. I have started this blog to give me
a platform where I can freely express my thoughts and
opinions on a whole range of issues which concern and interest
me.

I guess I should start by telling you a little about myself and the
circumstances that have brought me to where I am today.

My name is Alan Martin. I was born in Liverpool, lived in
Ellesmere Port for a while and eventually moved to Hoylake
on Wirral. Because of the effects of cerebral palsy, which
affected me after an illness when I was a baby, I have no
natural speech and, in my younger days, had great difficulty
in communicating the things that were going on in my head.
As I matured, I had a burning desire to become independent
and have my own place. It was really hard to tell people this.

However, when I was 31, a group of really good friends, who
knew that I hard much more to say than I could get across,
undertook a massive fund raising exercise to get the £10000
needed to buy me an electronic communication aid.

At last, I was enabled to express my wishes and desires! The
device, called a Liberator, really did liberate me and I have
never looked back from that day.

I have my own house, my own adapted transport and my own
staff, who assist me with those things which would consume
all of my time, if I tried to do them myself. And, since March
2004, I have had my own business, which consists of offering
Creative Contemporary Dance Workshops and training in
Disability Awareness. I am also a dance performer and write
my own computer-generated music for fun and to accompany
my dance.

My latest venture has been to become a TV actor! In early 2005
I was approached by a casting director looking for wheelchair
users to take part in a BBC3 pilot sitcom called "I'm With
Stupid". I explained about using an electronic communication
aid (by now I had got an updated machine called a "Dynavox")
but they invited me to audition for the part of Syd. I didn't get
that part (just as well, because Kevin Davids plays it much
better than I ever could!) but were so impressed with my delivery
that they wrote in an extra part especially for me called Graham.
The pilot was so well received that BBC3 commissioned a six part
series which was filmed earlier this year and has just started to air
on TV.

That's enough background for now! If you want to know any more
about me, please visit my web site which is listed on the right of this
page.