Tell us about yourself and why you applied for the job?
I’m Joseph and I’m the accessibility coach for Gig Buddies with Thera Trust.
I discovered Gig Buddies through a friend back in 2019 and I’ve now been a member for 5 years. I joined the project to make new friends after struggling to meet people.
Because I’ve been part of Gig Buddies for so long, I already knew a lot about how it works, and I wanted to get more involved with what Gig Buddies is doing. I applied for the job because I wanted to gain new skills and to try new things.
Tell us more about the role?
I go to venues and train their staff in disability access and awareness. Doing the slideshows and talking to people is so important because people need to be aware of neurodivergent and learning disabled audiences.
During the training I talk about my own personal experience as a Gig Buddies member and getting out to so many events. I think it’s important for people to hear these experiences so they know that different kinds of support can look very different. Someone might have paid support, but support can also be friends like my gig buddy, Heather, and it can also be friendly venue staff.
Why is raising disability awareness important?
I think our training is really important. Many people who are neurodivergent or have a learning disability will be going to events and if the staff can help them better, then people can have a better time.
It’s important for people to know and understand about learning disabilities and autism, so that people can be supported better. It doesn’t matter what disability you have or who you are, you have a right to have a good time in a club. People shouldn’t be in bed by 8pm, they should be out dancing, or having a drink.
I’ve now been in the role for 3 months and this job means so much to me. I love it.