RAMPD’s Post

Here is a throwback to a groundbreaking move, where the Recording Academy, in collaboration with Recording Artists and Music Professionals With Disabilities (RAMPD), significantly enhanced accessibility and disability inclusion at the Grammys. This transformative initiative, building on last year's strides in Las Vegas, spotlights a major shift in one of the music industry's premier events. 🎤 The inclusion of American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters on the red carpet, a rarity in major awards shows, drew attention even before the televised ceremony began. This year marked a more deliberate and comprehensive effort, with RAMPD transitioning from an informal consultant to an official advisor, setting new standards for equitable access in major awards shows. From the revamped Arena venue to the Grammys' Premiere Ceremony and the red carpet, the Recording Academy and RAMPD have not only increased awareness but have taken tangible steps to make the event more accessible. In fact, the collaborations with accessibility experts, ASL interpreters, and audio-description advocates reflect a commitment to inclusivity. Despite notable progress, stakeholders acknowledge there's more to achieve, emphasizing the importance of ongoing efforts in self-description, visibility of disabled presenters, and hiring individuals with disabilities. The shift towards inclusion is not just a legal necessity but a cultural imperative, and events like the Grammys are instrumental in leading this change. As we applaud these remarkable strides toward accessibility, let's recognize that such initiatives resonate beyond Hollywood. They serve as a beacon, inspiring industries worldwide to embrace accessibility, ensuring everyone can fully participate and enjoy the magic of live events. #AccessibilityMatters #InclusiveEvents #GrammysInclusion #PREP #ContinualEngine #Hollywood #Grammys #Accessibility

Recently, I wrote an op-ed for OutJamZ about the importance of live music for LGBTQ-disabled individuals. Please take time to read this. Furthermore, I would love to talk to venue staff, tour managers, and artists about this ongoing issue. I believe that everyone who works in the music industry should care about this, whether you are a creator, artist, producer, usher, or lighting tech. Staff who work at venues need to be better educated on disability rights and accommodations. There is enough discrimination in the LGBTQ and disabled communities as it is. Concerts should not create stress and discouragement, they should be places for fans to be free and happy. I hope to work at a venue or on a tour one day to improve accessibility. "Advocating for a more inclusive live music experience for disabled and LGBTQ fans encompasses diverse strategies. Among the challenges faced by fans, obstructed views stand out as one of the most frustrating experiences. Hence, it is recommended to explore options such as relocating the ADA section or rethinking seating arrangements for disabled individuals. While it may not be feasible to eliminate all accessibility and discrimination issues, the most constructive approach is to educate oneself on the subject." https://lnkd.in/e_GaAmBC

How can we ensure digital inclusion for disabled people? During COVID-19, the arts suffered immensely, significantly impacting disabled artists and highlighting the increased challenges of inclusion they face. This crisis brought attention to the access and inclusivity of individuals with disabilities in the arts. Prof Ruth Rentschler OAM MAICD and Boram Lee responded by initiating connections in disability arts, creating a collaboration between Australia and South Korea. Their goal was to establish inclusive online arts practices that would develop skills and create career opportunities for disabled artists. Rentschler and Lee fostered partnerships with artists, industry groups, and government departments. Collaborations included projects with Restless Dance Theatre, 29 Dong Dance Theatre, and the Korean Music Project. A documentary series, "Dancing Against the Odds," recording the Counterpoise dance theatre collaboration, became a centrepiece of this effort. This project, encompassing 3 performances, will be showcased globally at film and arts festivals, supported by key sponsors such as the DFAT, the Australia-Korea Foundation, and the Arts Council Korea. Connect2Abilities, operates as an internet platform fostering cross-cultural engagement and collaboration for artists from both countries, disregarding boundaries of discipline and ability. This platform hosts artists, musicians, and dancers, both disabled and non-disabled, promoting diversity, self-expression, and individuality. Join us in exploring the incredible journey of inclusive online art practices, the union of diverse talents, and the story of artists breaking barriers. Read more about this groundbreaking initiative here: https://lnkd.in/guMJUvi4 Discover how our collaborative project between Australia and South Korea fosters a global artistic exchange that transcends boundaries. https://lnkd.in/gbgD9wgH Let's embrace a world where art knows no boundaries!  #Inclusiveart #Connect2Abilities #CulturalExchange #ArtisticDiversity #unisa #unisaresearch #cedge #inclusiveworkplace #disabilityinclusion #crossculturalteams #artists #onlineart #artcommunity #Connect2Abilities #artisticinnovation #musicindustry #culturalawareness

Love what Lachi talks and sings about during this Ted Talk!

Challenged by how to make your services more inclusive for diverse clients? Here’s a great example of ‘out of the box’ thinking. Discover how hearing impaired people can wear a vest that allows them to “feel” the music for a whole new inclusive concert-going experience. Link in the comments. #service #inclusivity #diversity #innovativethinking #outofthebox #inclusivepractice #inclusivecoaching #accessibilitymatters

We at #iVoted are SO excited & proud to be a part of #MusicVotes! A new coalition that provides a 3 step turnkey solution to solve #voting & integrate crucial non-partisan causes for all that #music touches. #Artists & the #musicindustry can choose the steps that work for their busy lives & careers via a low-lift, high-impact program that’s customizable and seamlessly integrated for maximum impact. The 3-steps are #voterreg, ensuring potential #voters have an accepted form of ID to cast a ballot where necessary, & turning OUT to actually #vote! For those looking to engage with specific causes, Music Votes provides direct resources to issue-area expertise in such topics as #ClimateChange, #DisabilityCulture, #LGBTQIA rights, #Racial as well as #ReproductiveJustice & more. Head to music-votes.org & choose the step(s) that work for you thanks to the incredible orgs that have come together to make this happen: #BlackVotersMatter, Environmental Voter Project, Grounded.org HeadCount Org, Hip Hop Caucus, Music Declares Emergency, Music Sustainability Alliance, NOISE FOR NOW, Pizza to the Polls, Propeller, RAMPD, REVERB, Rock the Vote, ShowUp, Support Feed, The Ally Coalition, TradesForce, VoteRiders & Well Dunn Foundation. We also offer optimized data from SNF Agora Institute at Johns Hopkins University to show which & where artists have the largest civic impact to enhance each step of the process. #LFGOOOOOOO!!!! ❤️🎶🗳️

🎉 Big News: #TransParents is Now Streaming on Spotify! 🎉 We’re thrilled to announce that our LinkedIn Live show, #TransParents, has found a new home on Spotify! As two moms with adult trans sons, Jenni Holder and I have dedicated our platform to educating and advocating for transgender understanding and acceptance. 🏳️⚧️ 🚀 Our Mission Elevates: With this exciting expansion to Spotify, we’re elevating our mission to ensure that all kids—especially those in the trans community—are loved, accepted, and included. This move marks another significant step in protecting and uplifting targeted communities. 🔊 What to Expect: Expect the same heartfelt discussions, educational content, and personal stories that have defined our LinkedIn Live shows. We’re bringing our full library of episodes to Spotify, so you can listen, learn, and join the conversation anytime, anywhere. 🌈 Why It’s Important: Our journey is more than a show; it’s a movement. By reaching out through Spotify, we aim to touch more hearts and open more minds. We believe in a world where every child’s identity is celebrated, and every voice is heard. 📢 Spread the Word: Help us amplify our message by sharing the news with your network. Let’s make waves together and build a tsunami of love and understanding.🌊❤️ 💬 Join the Conversation: Your voice is crucial. Engage with us on Spotify, share your insights, and be part of a community that stands for knowledge, acceptance, and unconditional love. You can follow us here 👉: https://lnkd.in/e4TCprwc 👈 👩👩👦 We Are #TransParents: Together, we are #MamaBears on a mission. Join us on Spotify and be part of our journey towards inclusivity and respect for all. #TransParents #Spotify #LoveWithoutLimits #Trangender #DigitalInclusion #MentalHealth #Empowerment #Storytelling Tiny Ripples➡Waves➡Tsunami of Love🌊❤️

Celebrating Queerness: Top LGBTQ Musicians You Need on Your Playlist Now https://buff.ly/3xgiPJb Celebrating the diversity of LGBTQ musicians is essential for showcasing the talent and creativity within the community. From iconic artists like Elton John and Freddie Mercury to newer talents such as Hayley Kiyoko and Troye Sivan, the music industry is filled with incredible queer voices that deserve recognition. These musicians bring unique perspectives to their art, often sharing personal experiences of love, identity, and resilience through their lyrics and melodies. By including LGBTQ musicians in your playlist, you not only support their work but also contribute to a more inclusive music landscape. In fact, studies have shown that representation matters in music, with listeners of all backgrounds seeking out artists who reflect their own identities and experiences. By actively seeking out and listening to LGBTQ musicians, you are not only expanding your musical horizons but also supporting a more diverse and equitable music industry. So, whether you're into pop, rock, hip-hop, or any other genre, there's a wealth of LGBTQ musicians out there waiting to be discovered. Take the time to explore their work, add them to your playlist, and celebrate the incredible artistry and talent of queer musicians. #LGBTQ Musicians #QueerAnthems #LatinxQueerSounds #Pride2024 #PlaylistNow #ResilienceAndLove #InnovativeSounds #TrailblazingBeats #DiverseVoices #CelebratingQueerness

Neal Carter will be a speaker at upcoming event: Charting the Way Forward on February 24, 2024, link to more information about event: http://bit.ly/49R4bGx Quote from Neal: "You want to create space so there are several disabled people in elected office at the federal level, state level and local level. You want to create space so there are several neurodivergent folks at all levels of government. You want to create space so there are multiple blind or low vision, multiple deaf or hard of hearing folks. You want to create all of these spaces, so it’s not just one and it’s many." [Image Description: Top Left: QR code with text beside it saying "Scan QR Code to left for Event Details." Top right: Charting the Way Forward Logo has white background: Top line King's Dream in blue text. Underneath is a bright orange outline surrounding two lines of black text. Topline word Disability Bottom line JUSTICE (ALL CAPS) Center: Quote: "You want to create space so there are several disabled people in elected office at the federal level, state level and local level. You want to create space so there are several neurodivergent folks at all levels of government. You want to create space so there are multiple blind or low vision, multiple deaf or hard of hearing folks. You want to create all of these spaces, so it’s not just one and it’s many." Below the quote: Circular photo of Neal, a Black man wearing a suit jacket with a collar shirt and tie seated with an American flag in the background. To the Right of Neal’s photo: Text "Speaker., Neal Carter, Principal of Nu View Consulting."] #Representation #AfricanAmerican #Disability #Disabilities #Intersectionality #Diversity #Equity #DEI #Accessibility #NYCEvents #DCEvents #VirtualEvents #OnlineEvents #Inclusion #BlackDisability #InclusiveImpactBranding #TheResourceKey #SafmanConsulting #BillionStrong #Community #ChartingTheWayForward #DisabilityPride #InclusionMatters #DiversityandInclusion #AccessibilityForAll #EmpowerCommunities #DisabilityRights #InclusiveFuture