Creating An Inclusive, Accessible Festival
One of our enduring WILDHOOD goals is to ensure our annual festival is an inclusive, accessible event.
We work closely with PAMIS (Promoting A More Inclusive Society); the only organisation in Scotland that works solely with people with profound and multiple learning disabilities and their families for a better life.
PAMIS Co-ordinator, Maureen Philip, says their presence at WILDHOOD will ‘bring love, fun and laughter and the opportunity for people with profound and multiple learning disabilities and their families to experience the festival atmosphere and to feel included in the festival experience.’
Maureen also explains why the presence of PAMIS at WILDHOOD is so vital to facilitating a truly inclusive, accessible experience. ‘Having PAMIS at the festival means children and families know there will be a changing places toilet, (the PAMILOO) and that there will be fun and accessible activities too.’
As a society – and specifically as WILDHOOD festival-goers – we can also play a collective role in creating welcoming spaces and experiences for all. ‘People with profound and multiple learning disabilities and their families enjoy being out and about along with everyone else,’ Maureen says. ‘They want to enjoy purposeful and meaningful activities in their communities, just like everyone else. They want to have fun. As a society, we can make this happen for them if we accept them for who they are, and if we create spaces in our communities that consider their physical abilities, and provide opportunities for them to have access to environments that facilitate and support their lifelong learning. People with profound and multiple learning disabilities are our best educators if only we took the time to listen.’
