Composer, pianist, and founder of the Gabriela Lena Frank Creative Academy of Music, Gabriela Lena Frank was born with a neurosensory high-moderate/near-profound hearing loss. In December 2020, as we celebrated Beethoven's 250th birth anniversary, she discussed how Beethoven's deafness informed his composing. The conversation was published in the New York Times and in her blog. Ms. Frank graciously sent it to us for our Dialogue on Disability.
Since 2003 WXXI and the Al Sigl Community of Agencies have worked together with the Herman and Margaret Schwartz Community to help break the ingrained stereotypes about individuals with intellectual and physical disabilities. The year-round project called MOVE TO INCLUDE, is designed to motivate individuals to take action and include more people with disabilities in the workplace, in schools, neighborhoods and in all aspects of society. Dialogue on Disability, a week-long spotlight initiative takes place every January, and is supported by the Fred L. Emerson Foundation with additional support from The Golisano Foundation.
Dialogue on Disability: Gabriela Lena Frank and Beethoven
Gabriela Frank Photo by Sabina Frank
