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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.

BSO Resound: World's first professional ensemble of disabled musicians

https://bsolive.wordpress.com/bso-resound/

It's a unique ensemble made up of cello, flute, clarinet, Linnstrument, violin/viola and percussion. But what makes it even more unique is the fact that  this is the first professional ensemble in the U.K. made up of musicians with disabilities.  Meet BSO Resound, an ensemble born of the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra with funding from Arts Council England as part of the Change Maker's Initiative, and led by disabled conductor James Rose.

Rose who has cerebral palsy and is in a wheelchair says he had a passion for music from a young age and he is determined to achieve his dream of conducting.  That dream came true on August 27, 2018 when the 32-year-old conducted BSO Resound at the BBC Promswith a custom designed baton that is attached to his glasses.  Read the full story.

Credit https://bsolive.wordpress.com/bso-resound/

Members of BSO Resound say it's not about the disability.  It's about the quality of the music making. 

Lisa Tregale, head of BSO Participate says

...launching the ensemble has been a revolution for the orchestra and there is no going back now. By challenging our perceptions and making us do things differently, it has changed us culturally and shown us how to be truly inclusive.

Meet the musicians and hear from them personally.

Learn more about the beginnings of this ensemble and the man with the baton.