2009 saw the fourth and final year of Propel’s pilot project through the Disability and the Arts Inclusive Initiative (DAII).

Stage One

The first stage of the DAII project evaluated the accessibility and inclusiveness of Propel’s communication strategies when delivering programs and services to young people with a disability. The process identified the need for improvement in Propel’s key communication methods; website and fortnightly ezine, to ensure all young people with a disability can access, engage and participate in the arts.

In mid 2008 Propel’s website was redesigned according to W3C standards. In June 2009 our new fully accessible website was launched. In late 2009 the website was further enhanced with an Accessibility page offering information and resources to better engage young people with a disability with Propel’s programs and services. The Accessibility page also offered practical checklists and information sheets for arts companies and service providers wanting to improve their accessibility and develop their audiences.

Following the re-branding of Propelarts to Propel Youth Arts WA in late 2008, 2009 saw the redesign of Propel’s online communication, with the launch of a new E-zine developed according to W3C standards. 2009 also saw the creation of Propel’s Accessibility and Inclusion Strategy detailing inclusive marketing and policy initiatives to be carried out in 2010.

Stage Two

The second stage of DAII involved producing a series of inclusive and accessible arts workshops as an entry point to the arts for a group of young people in the City of Swan area. The objectives of the workshops were twofold. The first objective was to promote Propel Youth Arts WA as an organisation that can provide assistance and support in the arts through membership, and the second was to pilot the concept of inclusive arts training. The DAII workshops were held from May – August 2009 at the Altone Leisure Park in Beechboro. The workshops included young people from the City of Swan including young members of the Swan Friendship Club (SFC). The SFC endeavours to enhance the wellbeing, quality of life and potential of young people with disabilities through recreational activities.

Propel employed the expertise of the Junkadelic Funk Band to facilitate the workshop series. A few members of the band had worked previously with young people from the Swan Friendship Club so this partnership worked extremely well. The band brought energy and creativity, which the young participants clearly loved. The participants worked over the workshop series to devise both a roving performance and play. After much brainstorming the band was named “The Frog Rockin’ Band”. Two workshop outcomes were presented to WA audiences in December. The first performance was at the Count Us In Awards – the state’s premier awards for the Disability Services sector. The second public performance was at the RAC Channel Seven Christmas Pageant. The “Frog Rockin’ Band” opened the main performance stage at the conclusion of the parade.

Overall the Disability and the Arts Inclusion Initiative has shed new light to many of Propel’s outdated policies. Propel has certainly become a more aware and inclusive organisation as a result. We hope that our involvement with this pilot project has lasting benefits to the programs and services we offer to all young people and members.