Who we are

Image: DaDa staff and artists at DaDa Scratch 2020

DaDa is an innovative and cutting edge disability, Deaf and neurodivergent arts organisation based in Liverpool that was established in 1984. Our vision is simple; to inspire, celebrate and showcase Deaf, disabled and neurodivergent artists. We work to provide artists and audiences with opportunities to try, develop and become a part of the arts and of our story. 

We believe that disabled, Deaf and neurodivergent people are socially, economically and culturally disadvantaged and discriminated against. The arts provide a platform that can be used to challenge prevalent negative perceptions, highlight inequalities and promote socially just alternatives. Through art, our work educates, challenges attitudes and removes ableist barriers that restrict life choices for people to live independently and equally in society. 

By stimulating and supporting disability, Deaf and neurodivergent arts from a wide variety of cultural perspectives we promote and improve the social understanding of disability.

What is the ‘social model’ of disability? 

At DaDa we work to the social model of disability. This model identifies that systemic barriers, negative attitudes and exclusion by society (purposely or inadvertently) are the main contributory factors in disabling people.