Suggestions
Graham Johnson
Wellbeing consultant, producer and illustrator
Graham Johnson is the Open City Research Manager at We The Curious, a Bristol-based organization focused on promoting science engagement and public participation in research. He specializes in wellbeing, access, and talent development, and is currently concentrating on his consultancy work in Radical Wellbeing.1
In his role, Johnson likely oversees initiatives that enhance community engagement and foster inclusive practices within the organization, aligning with We The Curious's mission to make science accessible to everyone. His background suggests a strong commitment to improving wellbeing and supporting diverse talent in the field.
Highlights
For a long time, Tuesday evenings for me were BLUEPRINT day at Tobacco Factory Theatres - training up the next generation of producers in Bristol to start them on their journeys to make change in the theatre sector.
It's a joy to be able to share Sam Whelan-Curtin's film celebrating BLUEPRINT and SPARK 2024 and look back at the achievements of the last cohort of producers and artists. Watch it here: https://lnkd.in/eFn-zZsA
Photos: Craig Fuller Photography
I get asked to run access rider workshops a lot. Every time, I ask if they've considered a wellbeing workshop instead.
That's because 9 times out of 10, I run them as almost the same workshop.
Internalised ableism is a tricky beast. We're shown by society from a very young age that disability is something undesirable, and it takes a lot of learning to change that perspective. So when someone falls under the legal definition of disability, there's a good chance they may not be ready to embrace the word.
By addressing the ideas of individual needs and addressing those in their own unique way under the banner of wellbeing, we can support people who are earlier on in a journey of self acceptance.
There are other perks too - people can have support needs that aren't tied to disability, yet when we use the word 'access' people assume the conversation starts and ends with disability. Access can relate to financial situation, travel arrangements, social and belonging needs and more.
Access must be intersectional to be meaningful, so let's start the conversation with everyone. Not just the people who know they need it.
