Irked Audio

Filed under: Themes, Auties & Aspies, Blind Visionaries, Deaf Jam, Irked Videos, Irked Audio

The swiftly-gaining-speed rock band Rudely Interrupted was originally formed by Rohan Brooks, a professional musician who was also working as a music therapist/instructor at St. John of God’s Churinga Day Service in Victoria, Australia—teaching the popular School of Rock class to people with disabilities. “Don’t Break My Heart,” Rudely Interrupted’s first single and first music video, took Australia by storm. Since their debut live performance in 2007, “the Rudies,” as they are now known to their loyal (and ballooning) fan base, have captured the hearts and minds of thousands upon thousands of people across the globe, leaving all who see the band perform speechless, amazed and ultimately inspired.

Yeah, but here’s the cool part…

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Filed under: Themes, Blind Visionaries, Irked Audio, Irked Videos

Irked recently received a fun tip-off via email, sent in from a reader who’s based in the UK (to whom we are grateful):

Hiya,

 

I hope all is well with you and Irked.

 

I don’t suppose you heard Peter White (our Radio 4 presenter/journalist), who I think has quite a lot to do with the Ouch! site, on the radio in his Comic Relief attempt at stand-up comedy (Sunday 1pm)? I know it may be a long shot, and I’m not sure Canada gets Radio 4, but he actually used the word ‘irked’ when describing some people’s attitude to his blindness…it was almost like he was doing product placement…!! It gave me a giggle anyway.

 

Many thanks and have a lovely week.

To hear Peter White say the word “Irked,” click here and fast-forward the audio clip to 23:25.

Or click the video below to watch an abridged (Irked-less) version of Peter White’s routine:

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Filed under: Themes, Blind Visionaries, Irked Audio

A few weeks ago, IrkedMagazine.com published a series of features about Metro Transit’s decision to stop offering free bus passes to Nova Scotians who are blind or have minimum sight. To be deliberately cheeky and hyperbolic (but also to express our bona fide outrage) we dubbed the debacle “Halifaxgate.”

After reading our coverage, Canadian icon Terry Kelly has agreed to weigh in. For those of you who don’t know Terry, please allow us to introduce just a few of his many accomplishments:

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Filed under: Themes, Auties & Aspies, Books & Book Reviews, Irked Videos, Irked Audio

Look Me in the Eye: My Life with Asperger’s

by John Elder Robison

Also available as a Random House AudioBook and eBook

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Filed under: Irked Audio, Irked Videos, Themes, The Skinny on Fat

Julia Barry is the creator, musician, and director of the experimental advocacy program, “In Her Image:  Producing Womanhood in America.” She works with high schools, colleges, organizations, community centers, and conferences to promote widespread, public media literacy. A “REALLY Hot” awardee in the 2006 REAL Hot 100 list, Barry has been a featured guest at events such as the National Organization for Women’s Love Your Body Day, the Girl Scout National Leadership Institute, and the Alliance for a Media Literate America’s National Media Education Conference. She was also the 2003 recipient of the Andrea Klein Willison Prize for Poetry/Women’s Advocacy.

If you like Tori Amos, if you like Sarah McLachlan, if you like Joni Mitchell or Enya or Beth Gibbons or Diana Krall…then you will LOVE Julia Barry.

Her lyrics are substantive. She sings from her soul. She can make a piano shiver-and-then-wail. Her vocals have been described as “simultaneously melancholy and sweet.” Sometimes she’s provocative. Always she’s on key.

Her 2002 debut album, Arrivals, is a “storehouse of good songs,” as they say. It’s a magnificent work of art and a glorious work of heart. In addition to her hectic schedule performing live, Julia has also returned to the studio to begin recording her next CD.

FACT: If Julia Barry’s not on your radar yet, she will be soon.

Listen to the track Song For Us Trying, off Arrivals: Click to continue »

Filed under: Themes, Wheelchairman of the Board, Irked Videos, Irked Audio, Interviews

Why do I care so much about AXIS?

by Tom Metz

Why do I care so much about AXIS?

I started taking classes with AXIS Dance Company after attending a performance with my good friend Michael Perreault at the Berkeley Art Museum in 1994. It was one of the most beautiful and physically charismatic works I had ever seen. It was also terrifying for me, as I was confronted by my own feelings around disability. Click to continue »

Filed under: Regular Contributors, Lewis Schofield, Themes, Auties & Aspies, QuIrked Kids, Irked Audio, Interviews

Elyse Bruce (Founder, midnightinchicago.com):

We interviewed Douglas Giesel who has Multiple Sclerosis and Lewis, who talks about Asperger Syndrome and Myasthenia Gravis. Both interviews are very enlightening as they discuss the obstacles of invisible disabilities and how the outside world reacts to those with invisible disabilities.

Douglas talks about his MS and about the stereotypes he used to have about Autism. He even uses the phrase “… something that IRKS me to no end …” Hahaha!

And then there’s the ever delightful Lewis and he has a lot to say about Autism, about his new school situation, about his latest diagnosis and more.”

Listen to this episode (30 min):  

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Filed under: Themes, Cerebral Ballsy, Irked Audio

Josh Blue is a breath of fresh air, and a rapidly up-and-coming star in the vast world of stand-up comedy. Born with Cerebral Palsy, he uses a rare combination of comedic timing and stage presence to help crowds laugh at their own stereotypes and misconceptions about people with disabilities. Since winning Season 4 of NBC’s Last Comic Standing, Josh has emerged as one of the hottest comedians in North America, performing to wildly appreciative sold-out crowds on a non-stop coast-to-coast tour.

He is unbelievably hilarious. And extremely talented. And we’re HUGE fans of his work.

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Filed under: Irked Audio, Irked Videos

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Filed under: Themes, Tumour Humour, Irked Audio 

In Derek’s own words: “[This song] was written and recorded for anyone challenged by Cancer in any form. I sincerely hope that it helps in the insidious challenge we all face in our brain boxes as we battle the disease.”

Click on the play button to listen to the song:

As a leukemia patient I have found two ways to help my ailing immune system fight the challenges of leukemia. The first is music, and playing the blues harmonica lifts me into another level of healing that only music can bring. The second has been fundraising to help fellow leukemia patients here in Nova Scotia. I am establishing a fund Click to continue »