The band "The Dripping Honeys" rehearsing for the show. (Listen to Dis/Facebook)

By Angela Brown

Increasing inclusivity

‘Listen to Dis’ group plans event focusing on living with disabilities

Apr 26, 2024 | 2:00 PM

A non-profit arts group based in Regina is touring the province to give a free show focusing on living with disabilities.

Community Arts Organization “Listen to Dis” will be in the Battlefords on May 6 and 7 to raise awareness about the challenges people face living with disabilities, as part of their “Bits and Pieces of Dis & Dat” tour.

The event is open to the community on May 6 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., at North Battleford Comprehensive High School (NBCHS), followed by presentations for students on May 7 at NBCHS (10 a.m.) and John Paul II Collegiate (2:30 p.m.).

The event will also take place in Humbolt, Melfort, La Ronge, Stanley Mission, Saskatoon, Moose Jaw and Swift Current.

“Rivers West received grant money to put towards this initiative,” said Antje Rongve, community development coordinator with Rivers West District for Sport, Culture and Recreation, based in North Battleford. “We cover a [large area] of Saskatchewan in the North West [region]. We chose North Battleford to be the community [to host the event].”

Hilltops football commits

Vikings trio reflect on Hilltops camp, joining national champs

15h ago

Golden in Finland

Ritchie, Canada beats United States 6-4 to win under-18 men's world hockey championship

May 05, 2024

Red Dress Day

P.A. comes together to mark Red Dress Day

May 05, 2024

Rongve believes the event will be both informative and educational for people attending, and is excited to bring it to the Battlefords.

“It’s a great initiative,” she said.

Listen to Dis helps people with disabilities as well as raises awareness for people who are not disabled to learn about “disability culture.” The event also aims to increase inclusivity in the community.

Traci Foster, Listen to Dis founder and executive artistic director, said she hopes the event helps people learn more about disability in society.

“[It’s] to build knowledge around disability culture and intimate access, and to build inclusivity with equity,” she said.

The event will include a show of music and monologues by The Dripping Honeys, as well as an opportunity for discussion.

“It will make you laugh, cry and think about what it is like to be disabled in today’s world,” the group said. “Through artful entertainment, education and advocacy, we aim to create a world that belongs to all.”

—

Angela.Brown@pattisonmedia.com

On X: @battlefordsnow