Entertainment
Rich Davenport: Creativity and Performing With ME
Rich Davenport is diagnosed with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME), otherwise known as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, a condition causing extreme tiredness and pain.
Rich Davenport has many talents, all of which can be linked to a love of words. As a comedian, this involves finding the right words to make people laugh, while his poetry consists of creating words that stand up on the page but also make great performance poems. While performing in bands, he’s used to writing and singing lyrics. Davenport has made some great achievements, which most people could only imagine, and much of this was following his ME diagnosis.
Looking back, Davenport sees there were signs of his condition back in his late teens and early twenties. Fatigue was the first symptom he noticed, but he was diagnosed much later on. He now lists his regular symptoms as low energy levels, speech problems (slurring, getting words mixed up, stuttering), problems with memory, muscle pain and spasms, intolerance to alcohol, joint pain and stiffness and noise intolerance.
While ME is more widely talked about and accepted these days, Richard faced more challenges when he was originally diagnosed. He compares sharing his condition in 2001 to anyone admitting to having an STD, with the level of stigma revealing it involved. He was told having ME on his medical records would affect his chances of getting life insurance.
Performing with ME
Richard says, “I’m thankful to be able to still do as much as I can. I’m classed as having mild ME. I know people with ME who are bed bound and use wheelchairs. Some people have died from it too because in severe cases, it can cause organ failure.”
He makes the most of his better days by performing his comedy, poetry or music whenever he is physically able to, knowing that on bad days he may struggle with simple tasks such as getting to the bathroom or ensuring he eats enough, which many of us take for granted.
Talking about his gigs, he states, “The fatigue usually kicks in afterwards, so it’s a case of clearing my gear off stage as quickly as possible then finding somewhere to rest as soon as possible.”
Rich Davenport © ME Association
Award-Winning
The wordsmith remains humble even in success. For example, he won the Best Local Comedy Show at the 2020 Morecambe Fringe. When I asked how it felt to win, he told me, “I was shocked, because I didn’t realise they were giving out prizes! I was also very humbled because there were some amazing shows from very talented performers. It was a huge boost for my confidence after having had to take a break due to the ME and then coming back to it.”
The Progression From Comedian to Writing and Publishing
After sharing a video of himself performing a poem during lockdown. Rich was stunned by the response he received. This spurred him on to follow up on his idea to publish a book. He approached Chinbeard Books, which led to the publication of Gormless, then later followed this up with Horsetrousers. Both books are full of amusing poetic looks at life, whether real or imagined, and are accompanied by illustrations which only add to their comedic nature. He also ventured into fiction in his second collection. Rich felt it was important to donate a percentage of each sale to the ME Association.
What’s Next?
Richard looks forward to seeing what 2023 has in store for him. He hopes to get more gigs, continue working on a third book and would love to see his work produced as audiobooks. He also hopes to start gigging with his current band, Vicious Bishop, who take their inspiration from The Clash, Stiff Little Fingers and Rancid, among others.
The world often celebrates success, but true inspiration often lies in overcoming adversity. These five individuals, all prominent figures in their respective fields, have defied limitations imposed by disability, proving that the human spirit can soar regardless of any challenges they confront in life.
Their stories not only amplify the achievements of disabled artists, but also highlight the unique talents of disabled artists and their profound impact across the human race.
Sudha Chandran
Although a devastating car accident at 16 claimed Sudha’s leg, yet she refused to let it define her. With unwavering determination, Sudha relearned to dance, this time with a prosthetic limb. Her portrayal of her own life in the film “Mayuri” earned her national recognition, and her career blossomed. Today, Sudha is a celebrated actress, dancer, and reality TV star, inspiring millions with her grace and perseverance. Her journey, a part of the school curriculum in India, serves as a beacon of hope, not just in her home country, but across the globe, solidifying her place among famous disabled artists worldwide.
Aaron Fotheringham
Forget conventional skate parks. Aaron Fotheringham, better known as “Wheelz,” rewrites the rules on a specially designed wheelchair. Born with Spina Bifida, Aaron never let his disability clip his wings. From a young age, he embraced challenges, mastering walkers and crutches before conquering skate ramps at eight. Fearless and innovative, Aaron became a pioneer in Wheelchair Motocross (WCMX), pushing the boundaries of the sport with groundbreaking tricks like backflips and one-wheeled spins. His dedication has earned him not just recognition, but a place among the most influential figures in extreme sports.
Daniel Radcliffe
While the world met him as the bespectacled wizard, Harry Potter, Daniel Radcliffe’s journey is more complex. Diagnosed with dyspraxia, a learning disability affecting coordination, Daniel faced challenges in everyday tasks. Yet, acting proved to be his saving grace. Encouraged by his mother at the age of nine, he landed the iconic role that propelled him to global stardom.
Despite the demands of fame, Daniel excelled in his studies and transitioned seamlessly into a diverse acting career, tackling challenging roles on stage and screen. Openly discussing his dyspraxia, he raises awareness for neurological conditions and inspires others to embrace their differences. Now a father, Daniel thrives on a new chapter, demonstrating that success extends far beyond the world of make-believe.
Nick Vujicic
Nick Vujicic’s story is one of overcoming seemingly insurmountable odds. Born with tetra-amelia syndrome, an extremely rare condition that results in the absence of limbs, Nick endured a childhood filled with hardship and isolation. However, his spirit remained unbroken. Nick discovered his passion for motivational speaking, sharing his story of resilience and self-acceptance with audiences worldwide. As the founder of “Life Without Limbs,” he empowers people with disabilities and inspires them to lead fulfilling lives.
Frida Kahlo
Frida Kahlo, the iconic Mexican painter, battled health issues throughout her life. Diagnosed with Polio as a child left her with lasting physical limitations, and a horrific bus accident in her youth caused severe injuries, including a broken spine. It was during her recovery that Frida turned to art, channeling her pain and experiences into self-portraits that became her signature style.
However, Frida’s work explored themes of identity, suffering, and the female experience. Though she died young, her artwork continues to resonate with audiences today, securing her place among celebrated disabled artists. Beyond her artistic genius, Frida’s defiance of societal norms has made her a celebrated figure within the LGBT community.
These five individuals stand as powerful examples of human potential. They have redefined success, proving that disability is not a barrier to achievement. Their stories inspire us to embrace challenges, celebrate differences, and pursue our dreams with unwavering determination.
These inspiring stories highlight the need for greater global recognition of disabled artists, breaking down barriers and ensuring a more inclusive art industry where disability in the art industry is not a hindrance, but a source of immense creative power.
By Yahuza Bawage
Two prestigious New York-based film festivals, the Marvels of Media and ReelAbilities, recently showcased the transformative power of cinema through narratives crafted by and about neurodiverse individuals. These events not only highlighted diverse films but also marked a significant shift in the film industry’s approach to neurodiversity.
Marvels of Media Festival: Celebrating Autistic Mediamakers The Marvels of Media Festival, held at the Museum of the Moving Image (MoMI) in Queens, became a pioneering platform for mediamakers with autism. Screenwriter Tony Spiridakis, initially unfamiliar with the festival, became an avid supporter after penning his film Ezra, which explores parenting a child on the spectrum. MoMI’s festival offered an unfiltered glimpse into the unique perspectives of autistic creators, challenging the industry to embrace and learn from their authenticity.
ReelAbilities Film Festival: A Stage for Diverse Narratives Simultaneously, the ReelAbilities Film Festival, which ran in early April, featured the New York premiere of Ezra on its opening night. This festival has been a cornerstone for disabled filmmakers and narratives, spotlighting how diverse storytelling can enrich cinema. ReelAbilities co-founder Isaac Zablocki highlighted that films focusing on disabilities are not only marketable because they’re different but also because they bring essential perspectives to the forefront of cinematic discourse.
Impact and Insights from Industry Leaders Both festivals demonstrated their commitment to changing narratives around neurodivergence and disability. Dani Bowman, CEO of Danimation Entertainment and a star in Netflix’s Love on the Spectrum, shared her experiences at MoMI’s “Unique Romances” program. Her journey in animation and television has been pivotal in challenging stereotypes and promoting inclusivity.
Cultural Shifts and Community Building The festivals also fostered community and collaboration among filmmakers and artists. MoMI’s executive director Aziz Isham expressed that the festival was more than just a showcase of films; it was a celebration and a gathering place for neurodiverse makers and their allies to share ideas and build networks.
Looking Forward The Marvels of Media and ReelAbilities film festivals have already made significant strides in elevating neurodiverse voices within the mainstream media landscape. Their past editions have not only featured compelling films but also facilitated discussions and workshops that empowered participants and viewers alike. These festivals are pivotal in shaping a more inclusive and empathetic film industry, promising a future where diverse perspectives are not just recognized but are integral to storytelling.
New York Film Festivals Celebrate Neurodiverse Filmmakers, Showcasing Diverse Narratives and Empowering Voices
The impact of the Marvels of Media and ReelAbilities film festivals extends beyond their screenings. They are pivotal in challenging the norms of Hollywood and the broader film industry, advocating for a cinematic world where neurodiversity is not an exception but a vital part of the narrative landscape. As these festivals continue to inspire and innovate, they ensure that the voices of neurodiverse filmmakers and characters resonate louder and reach farther than ever before.
In her home state of Minnesota, the dream of college seemed out of reach for Jean Hauff, a young woman with Down syndrome. She wanted to pursue a career in mass media, but no Minnesota school offered the intellectual disabilities college programs or specific support services she craved.
Jean faced this troubling reality because Minnesota lacked a system that embraced students with disabilities (ID) within mainstream higher education. Existing programs were limited, offering neither the desired fields of study nor the promise of a fulfilling college experience. This situation caused worry for Mary Hauff, Jean’s mother, who since Jean’s birth has been a champion of inclusive education.
This frustration fueled the creation of the Minnesota Inclusive Higher Education Consortium in 2019. This powerful coalition, composed of parents and disabilities advocates, embarked on a mission to transform the higher education landscape for students like Jean.
The efforts of this coalition made a significant turning point in 2023 as the Minnesota Legislature began to recognize the potential and the right of intellectually disabled students. A significant $2 million was allocated for a period of two years to promote inclusive higher education in the region. This brought smiles to parents whose children struggle with ID, highlighting the importance of parental aid degrees.
The vision is clear: students with ID deserve the same opportunities as their peers – the same range of study options, enriching campus experiences, and the chance to earn meaningful credentials. Experts believe that a substantial portion of the allocated funds will directly empower colleges to develop innovative methods to attract and support students with ID, providing much-needed college degrees assistance.
Another crucial aspect of this initiative is the creation of a technical assistance center, funded with $500,000 and housed at the University of Minnesota. This center serves as a central hub for expertise, offering best practices on providing inclusive postsecondary education. Students with ID themselves have a significant voice in shaping this center’s direction, with half the members of its advisory committee coming from this very community.
A past attempt at attending a technical college left Dupree Edwards, a Minnesotan with ID, feeling unsupported and ultimately led him to abandon his pursuit. However, Edwards thrives when given accessible learning materials and a structured environment that caters to his learning pace. The news of the legislation was met with immense joy by Edwards, who aspires to pursue formal studies in performing arts – a dream that now seems achievable thanks to increased disabilities support college.
The Higher Education Opportunity Act of 2008 also laid the groundwork for increased college access for students with ID nationwide. Today, Minnesota joins states like Kentucky, which established a similar technical assistance center in 2020, witnessing a subsequent doubling of college opportunities and disabilities within the state.
Also, institutions can apply for grants of up to $200,000 per year for four years, empowering them to develop or strengthen their capacity to support students with ID. This highlights the importance of inclusive education.
For Jean Hauff, whose college journey took her outside Minnesota due to a lack of suitable options, this initiative holds immense significance. Despite a positive experience at Duquesne University’s pilot program for students with ID, she eventually had to transfer due to program changes.
Now, with this renewed hope, Jean aspires to pursue her education and career goals within her home state.
While this groundbreaking investment serves as a beacon of hope for students with ID in Minnesota, many students like Jean feel that with the help of parents and disabilities advocates, it’s possible to go to college and become whatever they dreamed to be.
Written by Yahuza Bawage
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