International Day of People with Disability (IDPwD)
Introduction International Day of People with Disability (IDPwD) is a United Nations sanctioned day that aims to increase public awareness, understanding and acceptance of people with disability, and celebrate the achievements and contributions of people with disability.
A Human Library differs only from any other library in that the books to be borrowed are people.
The Human Library aims to break down barriers and provide an opportunity to share knowledge and celebrate the diversity and achievements of people with disability in our community. The Human Library is set up as a comfortable space for dialogue and interaction where members of the public are given the opportunity to speak informally with a 'human book' who tells a story about their experience. A 'reader' can enter the story by asking questions or sharing their own experiences. It's up to the reader and human book how they will use their time together.
Event Dates Where: The Human Library will be held at the City Library, Rundle Mall, Adelaide.
When: Thursday 3 December (10am-6pm) and Friday 4 December (1pm-5pm) 2015
How to book:
Bookings are free. Spaces are limited and bookings are essential. They can be made in person at any Adelaide library location, online at adelaidecitycouncil.com/access-inclusion or via phone on 8203 7990. Booking times for each human book will be listed on the City Library website.
Each booking time is for 30 minutes.
You can either book in as an individual or group of up to four people.
Access The City Library is wheelchair accessible and access requirements such as Auslan interpretation can be supported. Please indicate your access requirements at the time of booking.
Human Books
Name
Biography
Anthony Clarke
Anthony was blinded instantly after a car accident in 1978 at the age of 17. With very little education, no money and a bleak future, Anthony has: re-educated himself, been awarded The Order of Australia Medal in 1997; is a Paralympic and Duel World Vision Impaired Judo Champion; is the 1999/98, 2003/5, Australian Judo Champion (against sighted opponents); is a 4th Degree Black Belt and Accredited Level 1 Judo Coach; wrote and published his autobiography and motivational book “Achieving the Impossible”; hitch hiked around Australia and New Zealand; and has “Thrown” Bob Hawke and John Howard. He’s also a musician and cabaret performer.
Growing up in Central Australia, Bridgett never met another person with Spina Bifida until she was ten years old. This childhood gave a unique understanding of her individual capabilities, and the isolation of Alice Springs presented opportunities, resourcefulness and independence that only a small town lifestyle could. Moving to Adelaide in 2010 (to find out what regular rain felt like, she says), she is now a happily-settled city-slicker, but escapes to the bush often. Bridgett is working toward a career as an editor, and gets a kick out of helping others realise their potential. She has a pet hate of negativity, bad spelling and tomatoes.
Daryl Gray
Daryl has been living in the South East corner of the City of Adelaide for the last 15 years. During that time he’s studied at two local universities, taught at a local High School, and undertaken volunteer work. He’s now
retired, but previously was: a Fire Fighter, a Rigger, an Opal miner, handyman and gardener, painter, draftsman, deckhand, performer, teacher, public policy writer, activist, skydiving instructor, urban planner, and a multitude of other occupations. He loves photography
and architecture, and has exhibited during SALA 2013. He’s happy to talk about anything.
Glenda Lee
My life is fifty shades of grey. But not particularly sexy. Grey is an uncertain colour. As a disabled woman living in South Australia, the world often tells me that there is no black or white. Signs say open for business, but lack of access often says that I’m not welcome as a customer or employee. I’ve spent a lifetime fighting for support – to live an ordinary life, like other people. My life has been anything but ordinary. Like the Fifty Shades book, it has been defined by themes of power and control. Activist, leader, crip – I am Glenda Lee.
Jody Holdback
Jody is a sole parent of 2 teenage boys. She works in the arts, has studied law and competed in para athletics. She’s bubbly and bright and has a zest for life. She’s learned ballroom dancing, loves to knit and sew, grows vegetables, cooks a mean chilli chicken and enjoys travel. She loves to laugh and you can hear her a mile away when she does. A born organiser – she can coordinate travel arrangements, events and functions like a pro. Oh…and she’s blind. Jody lost her sight while in her mid-teens, due to developing tumours on the optic nerves (both eyes).
Julian Jaensch
Julian began being involved with theatre and arts when he was 14. He danced for seven years then attended The Centre of Performing Arts where he did a three year acting course. He has worked on and off as an actor and dancer (and still does). Julian became Artistic Director of Triple A in 2007 which became Company @ in 2009. In 2011, Julian was one of the first recipients of Arts Access Australia's Cultivate grants, a professional development grant program for artists with disability. His most recent theatre production ‘History of Autism’ was presented by the Adelaide Festival Centre.
Katharine Annear
Katharine is an artist, writer, activist, empath, visionary and student of many things. She is Autistic. Activism is an addiction and she’ll pursue justice until she tires. Sometimes she thinks she’s akin to a mutant justice warrior but also loathes superhero stereotypes. She believes in serendipity and beautiful coincidence but also in hard work and a little bit of selflessness. Things that light up her life are art, children, cats and good conversation. Her partner's name is 42 - that's always a good place to start a conversation…
Kirsty Martinsen
Kirsty is a painter with a BA in Visual Art from Uni SA and a Diploma of Painting and Drawing from the New York Studio School of Drawing, Painting and Sculpture, where she studied on a scholarship from Arts SA (2000-2003). She has a studio at The Mill and has been painting people asleep as well as teaching drawing. Kirsty likes watching movies, spending time with friends and with Schmookie, her fluffy little cat with attitude. Currently she’s working with No Strings Attached Theatre of Disability on a play about disability and sexuality.
Neil Lillecrap
Direct from the wrong tent at Adelaide’s Writers Week the Human Library is pleased to present Neil Lillecrapp’s memoir “Do you need any help? You should get a motor mate!”. Poetry - ‘A cold wind blew and I was born anew’. Is 42 the meaning of life, the centre of the universe, a sign post to no-where or just a number?
Reviewers say:
It’s like stepping into the Magic Faraway Tree
Beats Biggles hands down!
A creative and amusing plot, gripping to the end.
How did a mere country lad create such a great yarn?
Book a spot with Neil.
Simon Wong
Simon migrated to Adelaide in 1979 from Vietnam at age thirteen without a word of English. Simon and his family are grateful for the kindness and generosity of his late father’s business associates and the Australian Government for a second chance in life.
Simon approaches everyday life with zest and a sense of adventure. He has two university degrees and works as case manager at Guide Dogs SA/NT. He is also blind. He is happily married to Lily, and enjoys reading, music, yoga, travel and tandem cycling.
