Disabled People’s History Finds A Home In Manchester
Wednesday 19 June will see the launch in Manchester of the GMCDP Archive (Greater Manchester Coalition of Disabled People).
The Archive consists of hundreds of documents and other artefacts which evidence the struggle for equality and recognition undertaken by disabled people’s organisations in the 20th and 21st Centuries.
The archive has been deposited with Manchester’s Archives+, who are providing a substantial level of support with cataloguing and preservation as well as housing the collection.
The event will take place on Wednesday 19 June, 2:00-7:00pm (drop-in for as long or short a time as you can spare)
It is in the Performance Space at Manchester Central Library.
The launch is open to everyone, free of charge. There will be a chance to view postcards, posters, magazines, books and lots more from the Archive.
Guest Speakers are:
- Actor and activist Ali Briggs (aka Freda from ITV’s Coronation Street).
- Judy Hunt, the wife of the late Paul Hunt, and author of a book, shortly to be published, on the history of UPIAS and the disabled Peoples movement.
- Founding member of GMCDP / former Co-Deputy Leader of Manchester City Council, Martin Pagel.
- Councillor Tracey Rawlins, Lead on Disabled People.
Commenting about the event Linda Marsh (GMCDP Archive Worker) said: Disabled people’s self-organisation and activism are key elements of history in both the 20th and 21st centuries. Our History is very rarely documented so it’s quite exciting that the projects, protests and achievements of disabled people’s organisations are being both celebrated and preserved for future generations.”
There will be British Sign Language Interpreters and Lipspeakers on the day, plus audio describers to make the event and the exhibits accessible.
Personal Assistants will be available to help with drinks and cake, which will be provided free of charge.
Please let us know of any other access requirements.
Programme and timings of the launch are as follows.
The exhibition is open to view from 2:00-7:00pm.
2:30-3:00 speeches.
3:30-4:30 tour of Archives+.
5:00-5:30 tour of the Strong Room (vault).
5:30-5:45 explanation of the exhibition and archive.
For more information contact Linda Marsh on 0161 636 7534 or email linda@gmcdp.com
