Following the success of their first Anti-Ableist cohort, Ramps on the Moon is gearing up for a second group to join the Change Programme from June 2025.
Funded by the Esmée Fairbairn Foundation, a cohort of leadership teams from more than twenty organisations including large and mid-scale theatres, touring companies, opera, music and dance companies have been able to come together to engage in anti-ableism.
An associate of Sheffield Theatres, Ramps on the Moon partners with People Make It Work, taking organisations on an evolving journey through four developing phases, from disability awareness and access to disability equality and finally anti-ableism. Whilst some of the cohort are well on their way through these phases, others are just beginning the process, which makes for a dynamic and supportive group with shared learning and experience. Over a year of immersive and intensive learning, including workshops, bespoke mentoring and resources, the cohort is now able to reshape their own company’s futures embedding anti-ableism throughout.
“If we are to survive and thrive as a rich and diverse cultural sector, leaders need spaces where they can be curious and explore without fearing the day-to-day reality of anti-ableist practice. The participants in Ramps on the Moon’s first cohort have grasped the opportunities we’ve offered them and taken the conversation, and their work on anti-ableism, to the next level.”
– Michele Taylor MBE, Managing Director of Ramps on the Moon and leading UK Anti-Ableist activist
Tom Bird, Chief Executive of Sheffield Theatres said:
“Ramps on the Moon provides a powerful tool to open up conversations and remove obstacles to reach disability equality within our sector. The success of Ramps can be seen in every past cohort member, and I am thrilled on behalf of the upcoming leadership teams who will step up to drive forward the next iteration of the shift towards anti-ableism.”
Further comments from the first cohort highlight the tangible impact and lasting changes following their time with Ramps on the Moon include:
Sarah Crabtree – Royal Ballet and Opera said: “The most enriching experience I’ve had for a long time.”
Penelope Saward – The Production Exchange said: “Holding space for accountability and to build capacity can be challenging at times, but there is definitely more of an awareness at company and board level.”
Participants from Cohort one said, “I think this (the anti-ableist programme) will be a huge help in enabling us to plan our next steps and to deliver our ambitions following the deep immersion within the Ramps cohort.”
“We are finding that keeping anti-ableism at the fore of all meetings/conversations and discussions is creating organic change”
Joining the Ramps on the Moon journey:
If you would like more information, interested in anti-ableism change, or wish your organisation to join the second cohort in June, please visit our Change Programme page or contact info@rampsonthemoon.co.uk.
