There is one thing that Susan Nussbaum thinks is very important for you to understand: “This is not about outsider art,” says the Access Living spokesperson. “This is about people with disabilities who are artists and are concerned about disability oppression and disability rights.” Founded in 1980, Access Living is a cross-disability organization that fosters dignity and self-esteem among those with disabilities enabling them to maintain satisfying, individualized lifestyles. “Contagious: A Disability Cabaret” will mark the official launch of the organization’s “Arts and Culture” project, December 7 at 115 West Chicago. In an effort to “raise visibility around Chicago’s disability culture and give voice to artists with disabilities,” the cabaret will feature a slide-talk by accomplished multimedia artists Brooke Lanier and Marcos Raya and painter Katie Miller. Excerpts of poems and plays written by artists with disabilities will also be performed. “This is just a fun, relaxing way to check out what people with disabilities can do,” says Nussbaum.
