Shabang 2014 calendar OUT NOW!
Shabang! Inclusive Learning is thrilled to launch its new calendar for 2014 with a difference. Shabang! is an arts charity working in Slaithwaite near Huddersfield in West Yorkshire, specialising in designing and delivering creative projects for children with additional needs and their families.
This colourful 2014 calendar features children and young adults from their projects and its theme this year is “Passion for Fashion’. Each page is a mini fashion shoot showing fashion trends through the years and is accompanied by the appropriate Makaton symbols and signs courtesy of The Makaton Charity. Makaton is a language programme designed specifically for children with communication and learning disabilities and so the calendar will be a perfect educational tool for both schools and families.
More importantly Shabang! see the children featured in the calendar as much more than models – they are role models. Images of people with learning needs are few and far between in the media or in educational resources. “Raising positive awareness and celebrating our children is definitely the name of the game“ says Kim Reuter from Shabang! ” we aim to challenge perceptions and celebrate difference”
The calendar is also raising money this year for a cause very dear to Shabang!’s heart – “Team Rowan” and The SMA Trust (Spinal Muscular Atrophy). Rowan Poole was only 18 months old when she died from the condition. She regularly attended activities run by Shabang! and each calendar sold will raise money for the Trust.
Working alongside photographer Mike Barratt from Frogs Design, Shabang! has created richly designed backdrops for each month featuring a range of fashion trends –including a Mary Quant black and white sixties inspired page; a gothic tableau; and a rock ‘n’ roll pin up.
The calendar celebrates a range of models from 8 months to adults and all have additional needs including Down syndrome, autism and complex needs.
Local Huddersfield print firm Brooke and Learoyd are printing the calendar again and managing directors and brothers Tim and Dan are taking part in a marathon to raise money for Shabang!
SHABANG receive funding from The BIG Lottery Fund and Kirklees Council.
Contact Kim on 01484 848073 / shabang.info@gmail.com or visit their website to order your copy now!
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