A twenty-two-year-old Music (Production) student at Cheshire College – South & West has been invited to participate in a documentary which aims to change the public’s perceptions of disability and encourage the music industry to make itself more accessible to disabled people.
Jake Smith, who has Cerebral Palsy and uses a wheelchair, is one of three disabled young people who will be featured in the documentary. The project’s message of inclusivity resonated with Jake, a talented DJ and producer who has performed his own music in front of thousands of people at the Creamfields and Ibiza Rocks music festivals, even going back-to-back with famed actor and rapper Idris Elba.
Despite Jake’s impressive achievements and ambitions, he remains mindful of the barriers which many disabled people can face when trying to access big events and careers within the music industry: “We’re just asking people to have more forethought when it comes to the disabled community. There’s so much more which industry professionals could be doing to make sure they’re really accommodating everyone.”
When asked how he felt to be appearing in the documentary, Jake commented: “Amazing! I hope I can inspire people; I want to share my story with other people with disabilities and let them know that they can achieve anything.”
This is a philosophy which Jake has also brought to his studies at Cheshire College. He is frequently involved with Crewe Campus’s theatrical productions behind-the-scenes, and he credits the College with helping him to develop as a musician and producer.
Jake is set to commence filming with the documentary crew soon, with the final release date yet to be announced.
Performing Arts, Music and Technical Theatre students have access to a fully equipped theatre with control desks, lighting, and staging equipment for the duration of their studies. Students can also make use of TV and Radio studios with specialist equipment.
Cheshire College are now accepting applications for September 2024 for those interested in studying a diverse range of subjects, designed to provide students with combined skills and knowledge that will fully prepare them for the next exciting stage of their life.
www.ccsw.ac.uk