Support T21 ALCHEMY: Raising Consciousness Around Disability

T21 Alchemy: Raising Awareness and Expanding Consciousness Around Disability and Neurodiversity

EVERY person comes to this world with a special and unique purpose that they must be supported to fulfil. And this belief is the heartbeat of T21 ALCHEMY

My name is Oneness Sankara. I’m a mother of 2 with my youngest child being born with a little something extra. Some say special needs and I say special indeed. You may know that little something extra as Trisomy 21, Down Syndrome T21. I received my son’s diagnosis shortly after his birth.

Those early months were especially difficult as my son needed 2 eye operations and we were all learning about what this diagnosis meant for his future. I recall lying in a hospital bed combing through the internet in search of a family that resembled mine to little avail. The information on T21 was mainly archaic and there was barely any non white representation. It felt isolating even though I had the invaluable support of loved ones and this beautiful baby boy.

This baby boy is now 6 years old and brings so much joy into our lives. He’s wise, funny, talented, intelligent, cheeky, brave and kind. None of these qualities were shown as possABILITIES in his early months. It was only through my son and being part of the SEN and disability communities that I learnt of the diffABILITIES and possABILITIES.

As welcoming as these communities are, there is still a loooongway to go for children like my son to be fully recognised, supported and respected in the wider society. I have an opportunity to be part of that change and I really hope that you’ll be too through supporting the success of T21 Alchemy.

What is T21 ALCHEMY?

T21 ALCHEMY is a dynamic project that aims to:

- Raise Awareness: Through engaging performances and interactive sessions, to educate and inspire the community about the challenges and triumphs of living with disability.

- Expand Consciousness: By addressing intersectional themes of race, neuro-diversity and disability, the hope is to broaden perspectives and foster inclusivity.

- Support the Community: T21 ALCHEMY will provide workshops and support sessions that offer valuable resources and connections for those directly and indirectly touched by disability, particularly parents and caregivers of children with Down Syndrome (T21).

Your support

The nucleus of this project is a holistically inclusive theatre production which is centred around a mother and her journey raising a Black son with Down syndrome T21. I’m seeking funds to support the research, development, and completion of the play. Your contribution will directly impact:

- Research: Gathering accurate and heartfelt stories from the community to ensure the play is authentic and impactful.

- Writing and Development: Completing the script, refining the narrative, and securing rehearsal spaces for initial performances.

- Pulling together a strong team to deliver the first phase. This includes, creative team, producer and makaton and sign language interpreters.

My Background

I am a multi-passionate creative with a strong background in education, wellness, cultural diversity and purpose mentoring. Through my work as a writer, performer, award winning spoken word artist and theatre practitioner I’ve witnessed the amazing power of performance art and diverse thinking to change realities and improve the world. The progression of human consciousness to a more just and balanced world has always been at the crux of my work. Now armed with the pleasure of raising my son and being connected to Disability, Neuro-diverse and SEN communities I’ve been exposed to stories and experiences that I think it’s important for our society to know and learn from.

Why Support This Project?

By supporting T21 ALCHEMY, you are investing in a movement that champions diversity, inclusivity, and understanding. Your generosity will help bring important narratives to life, creating a ripple effect of awareness and support that will benefit society as a whole. If you can't contribute financially, you can still make a difference by sharing our story and connecting us with potential supporters and partners.

Join Us This Journey

Let's make Project T21 Alchemy a reality together. Your support, whether through donations or connections, will help us build a more understanding and inclusive world. Thank you for believing in the power of art to change lives.