HA HA AT SOCIAL FAUX PAS! LOCAL COMEDY TALENT SHAKES UP DISABILITY VIEWS A stellar line-up of entertainers will steal the spotlight on International Day of People with Disability on Wednesday 3 December as part of NSW’s monthlong Don’t DIS my ABILITY campaign. The flagship comedy cabaret event No Offence, But! will feature radio and TV personality, Myf Warhust, alongside talented, bold comedians who are unafraid to say, “Laugh with me – not at me!” Headline act, Stella Young, is a renowned disability activist and journalist, who will captivate and confront with material from her comedy show Tales from the Crip. Myf and Stella will be joined by Bondi Junction community leader and educator Alex Jones, who describes himself as “a comedian in waiting”. “I can’t wait to come out of the closet as a wanna-be comedian at No Offence, But!, he said. In his “other life”, Alex is an Auslan (Australian Sign Language) consultant, working on theatre productions and films including The Little Death, and translating English into Auslan for children’s books, iPad and iPhone apps. Alex is excited about what the Don’t DIS My Ability campaign aims to achieve, and believes comedy is a great way to help break down misconceptions about people with disability through humour. “Laughing is among one of the best medicines,” Alex said. “I’m very excited at the prospect of disabling the discomfort people in society feel around people with disabilities through comedy. “In my interview with Adam Spencer a couple of years ago while I was an ambassador for Don’t DIS my ABILITY, I explained how society is disabled along with us and that this campaign is about teaching people our abilities are more important than anything. It’s about not focusing on what we can’t do, but what we can do. “Comedy or cabaret is one way of reaching out to the community directly on the ‘dos and don’ts’ of disabilities. “Comedy is a nice way to ‘break the ice’ when it’s something uncomfortable or confronting. It prompts discussion, thoughts and reflection.” Alex is particularly looking forward to sharing the stage with Stella Young. “I’m in awe of Stella’s work. She’s among one of the finest comedians I know. “However, disability in the comedy-world isn’t happening as much as I would like it to be. It’s sad to hear or see discrimination in today’s society and how very little we are emerging into the performance arts workforce. “No offence, But! is going to launch comedians with a disability to a new frontier.” Deputy Secretary, Ageing Disability and Home Care, Jim Longley, said the blue carpet event at the Lend Lease Darling Quarter Theatre in Darling Harbour will encourage people to re-evaluate the way they think about and engage with people with disabilities. “This event promises to challenge head on some of the fears and perceptions the community has about people with disability”, Mr Longley said. “Our performers are keen to inform people’s views and make them think about their etiquette around disability. Mr Longley explained that individuals can sometimes feel afraid to engage with people with disability and offer the same social interaction or work opportunities they would to any other Australian. “This is often done with fear of offending by making a faux pas. "We want to build accessible and inclusive communities, schools and workplaces in which everyone is equally supported to pursue their goals. "Comedy goes a long way in achieving this by breaking down barriers and removing stereotypes, while educating the broader community about disability.” No Offence, But! Comedy Cabaret event will feature comedians and performers Myf Warhurst, Marty Bright, Genevieve Fricker, Liesel Badorrek and Darien Brown – a 2014 Don’t DIS my ABILITY ambassador. The 2014 Don’t DIS my ABILITY campaign runs from November until 3 December. For more information visit www.dontdismyability.com.au, follow us on Twitter (@DontDIS) or like us on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/dontdismyability. Media contact: Kathy Tricolas / Ben Flores 02 9716 2804