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| | VOLUME 30, NUMBER 12 | WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 1, 1999 | ISSN 1199-5246 | | |
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York Access fundraiser a swinging success
By Kyle Byron
Karen Swartz (ACCESS York) Wendy Murphy and Angelo Tocco - a job well done.
The lights went out, the music blared and the coloured images on the stage dazzled the audience at the Famous People Players theatre. It was all part of ACCESS York's (Advisory Committee for Persons with Special Needs) first fund raising gala on Nov. 11. Over 150 guests gathered at the dinner theatre in support of the cause.
The evening's mission was twofold: firstly, to "create awareness of disability issues, especially issues that students with disabilities face at university and to start a bursary fund for students with disabilities at York," said organizer, emcee and York alumnus Angelo Tocco.
Although the University provides services such as sign language interpreters, computerized note taking and attendant care, additional costs arise because students with disabilities have to put extra effort into their studies, and there is not always time for work. "Making education accessible for students with disabilities means producing materials in alternate formats and taking steps in creating a more inclusive environment," said Tocco. He advised the audience to not be misled by the terminology of disabilities. Awareness and inclusion in the community are progressive steps that must be taken.
These topics were addressed and highlighted by guest speaker, City TV journalist Wendy Murphy. Murphy acquired a physical disability in a car accident in 1984. In her speech she described the initial hardships she encountered after the accident. Being a competitive dancer, losing the use of her legs was devastating. Murphy described social anxieties that she had before her accident and how they were increased by her disability. Her success is a testament to her perseverance, and her encouraging oration personified the theme of the evening; it is up to society to make the world a better place, but it is the individual who must rise above hardships and focus on ability not disability.
After dinner the crowd adjourned to the Phil Collins theatre, named after the man who donated thousands to the company where the Famous People Players gave their truly unique puppetry performance. The company uses ultraviolet light (black light) cast on fluorescent characters, to create a psychedelic neon effect. The Players dress in black so they cannot be seen when they manipulate their characters and props. The standard puppets take between one and four people to run.
The play for the evening was "Memories - a tribute to Elvis," a series of humorous sketches to the music of "The King".
Diane Dupuy founded the award-winning Famous People Players in 1974. Through her tenacious fund raising efforts, the company has evolved from playing in a portable puppet theatre to the elegant hall that stands today. They have toured all over the world and twice played on Broadway.
Dupuy's family is also involved with the company. Her daughter, Joanne, managed the show that night, and her mother, Mary, is an integral part of the team. At 83 years of age, Mary designs, builds and paints all the puppets and props - she even drives the van when they tour.
Mary's is one of the many inspirational stories that one encounters at the Famous People Players theatre and shared that night, thanks to the ACCESS York event planning committee. ACCESS York would like to thank everyone who supported the event: the York University executive, staff, faculty, students, alumni and the local businesses.
Recreation York
Centro Bar and Grill
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