Disability Breakthrough

From the collection of

The Box

Established in 1992, the South West Film & Television Archive collection spans from 1893 to the present day containing more than 250,000 items. Formed from a variety of depositors, including broadcast news and programmes material from the Westward and TSW archive. In 2018 the archive collection transferred to The Box in Plymouth.

Disability Breakthrough

Disability Breakthrough sets high targets

Disability Breakthrough is a project for eighteen people to come together whether they are disabled or able bodied to enjoy outdoor pursuits such as rock climbing, kayaking and abseiling. Angela Carhill joins two able bodied men for a training session at Kit Hill Quarry in Callington which is about 20 meters square and enclosed, as they plan to tackle the Hvíta River in Iceland in a few weeks time. The Hvítá River is a glacial river in Arnessysla in South Iceland. It is popular in Iceland for rafting, kayaking, salmon fishing with a famous 32 meter tall waterfall. Angela has a mild form of Spina bifida which restricts her upper body movement, she is not letting her condition get in the way of her goals.

Spina bifida is a medical condition which happens in the womb it is where a baby's spine and spinal cord does not fully develop, causing a gap in the spine. It is a condition that is usually apparent at birth and is lifelong that has no cure. There are three types of Spina bifida, Myelomeningocele which is the most severe, Meningocele which is slightly less serious as surgery can take place to help correct the membranes and spinal cord which have been pushed out through the gap formed during infancy, and Spina bifida occulta which is the most common and least severe this is where the vertebrae do not form properly but the gap which occurs is very small, some people do not even know they have this condition.

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From the collection

Reframing Perspectives on Disability

Victories and setbacks on the road to a more accessible and inclusive society.

As we explore the region's archival footage on disability, it's important to acknowledge that disabled people still face challenges today. By examining how the South West has adapted over time, we can reframe our perspectives and work towards a more inclusive future. From the establishment of disabled sport teams to discussing hidden and visible disabilities on regional TV, the region has made strides towards creating a more accessible and inclusive society. These archival videos can open our eyes to the experiences and perspectives of disabled people in the 1980s and 90s. There's still much work to be done, but by looking back at our history, we can learn from our successes and failures and strive towards a more equitable future.

33 videos in this collection

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Disability Breakthrough

  • Callington
  • 1986
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Manadon Karate Club raise money

  • Plymouth
  • 1986
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Signed News for the Deaf

  • Plymouth
  • 1992
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Disabled Farmers

  • Modbury
  • 1987
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Blind Guitarist

  • St Austell
  • 1989
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Santa's Wish

  • Goonhavern
  • 1989
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Handicapped Telephonist

  • Plymouth
  • 1986
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Lip Reading

  • Newquay
  • 1991
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Lip Reading Classes

  • Camborne
  • 1992
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Packaging, Dyslexia, Stress and Double Glazing

  • Exeter
  • 1990
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Dietary Requirements

  • Exeter
  • 1986
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Lord Nelson

  • Plymouth
  • 1988
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Playgroup

  • Plymouth
  • 1991
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Cystic Fibrosis

  • Torbay
  • 1989
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Fit for Work Award

  • Truro
  • 1991
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Youth Group

  • Penryn
  • 1991
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Art Studio for the disabled

  • Quantock Hills
  • 1986
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Farm Helpline

  • Durweston
  • 1992
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Penny Farthings against Cancer

  • St Ives
  • 1986
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Gardening For The Handicapped

  • Rattery
  • 1986
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Simon Weston

  • Devonport
  • 1989
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Sleeping Pill Addiction

  • Totnes
  • 1990
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Meningitis

  • Exeter
  • 1991
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Handicapped Farm

  • Woodbury
  • 1989
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Dyslexia

  • Plymouth
  • 1990
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Uniquely Abled

  • Totnes
  • 1991
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Blind Golfer

  • Devon
  • 1987
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Sign Language

  • Plymouth
  • 1992
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Multiple Sclerosis Referee

  • Plymouth
  • 1992
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Transplant Games

  • Exeter
  • 1987
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RNID Bus

  • Westminster
  • 1991
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Leukaemia

  • Hinkley Point Power Stations
  • 1988
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Muscular Dystrophy

  • Plymouth
  • 1988
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