Daniel Kay (DK) is a 33-year-old life documentarian and artist with cerebral palsy from the West Midlands. He co-founded AccessAbility Arts with his sister to promote accessibility to the arts for everyone, no matter their ability or background.
In this interview, DK shares his experiences of living with cerebral palsy, his advocacy work, his love of writing and creating music and his exceptional work bringing disabled artists together at AccessAbility Arts.
Life with cerebral palsy: a journey of strength and positivity
DK grew up in West Bromwich and currently resides in Tamworth with his family of six, which includes “four humans and two dogs”. DK enjoys spending time with his family and pets, exploring new places, listening to music and podcasts, and creating special memories together.
DK shared what it was like growing up with cerebral palsy and how his disability affects him on a daily basis: “Growing up with cerebral palsy was actually pretty great for me. My family fought tooth and nail for everything to make sure I had what I needed.
“I was the youngest person in the county to rock an electric wheelchair, which made me feel like a superstar. I was also the first kid in a wheelchair to attend the primary school I went to. I remember feeling a mix of nerves and excitement when I was about to start at my primary school. I was unsure about how my classmates would react to me being the first kid in a wheelchair to attend the school.
“But deep down, I was also excited for the new adventure and the chance to make new friends. Even when I faced physical challenges, I always tried to keep a positive attitude. It wasn’t always easy, but looking back, I wouldn’t have had it any other way. It was an incredible journey filled with laughter, learning, and unforgettable memories.”
He added: “Living with cerebral palsy is honestly amazing for me! It has shaped me into the person I am today, and I wouldn’t change a thing. Some people might see my disability as a limitation, but for me, it’s a total liberation.
“I get to experience life in such a unique way that brings so much depth and perspective. It’s like having a superpower that allows me to see the world from a different angle. I truly believe that my cerebral palsy has enriched my life in ways I never could have imagined.”
Finding purpose through creativity: DK’s journey into poetry and music
DK is a disabled artist who mixes freestyle poetry and music production to captivate audiences all over the country. He admitted he began writing as a way of dealing with his alcoholism: “I’ve always been really interested in writing, especially how songwriters come up with their lyrics. But a few years ago, I realised I needed to make a change in my life and decided to stop drinking. It was a tough journey, but I knew it was the right decision for me.
“To keep my mind and hands busy, I started writing on my iPad. It’s been a great outlet for me to express myself creatively and stay focused on something positive. Writing has become a kind of therapy for me, and I’m so glad I found this new passion.”
DK continued to explain why he got into poetry and music and shared what kind of content he likes to create: “Diving into the world of poetry in 2020 has been such a game-changer for me! It’s incredible how something as simple as performing can lead to meeting some of the loveliest folks out there. Poetry really does have this magical way of bringing people together, doesn’t it?
“I love writing about important topics like equality, disability rights, and feminism. It’s incredible to shine a light on these issues and spark meaningful conversations that can lead to positive change.
“I’m always digging into research, sharing personal stories, and advocating for a more inclusive and diverse society. It’s all about making sure everyone’s voice is heard and respected, right?”
He added: “One of my favourite pieces is called “Steps In My Way”. It’s about being in a wheelchair. I go through my days dealing with all sorts of challenges, especially when it comes to getting around. It’s frustrating when people treat me with way too much pity or talk down to me because of it.”
From powerchair football to advocacy: DK’s ongoing passion for change
DK used to play powerchair football and coach for Villa Rockets. He told us more about his incredible sporting career: “I played powerchair football for a good 17 years, and let me tell you, it was an absolute blast, especially at the beginning. Representing England in the sport was a dream come true, but after all those years of giving it my all, I eventually felt content with retiring.
“Nowadays, I’ve moved on to new adventures and don’t really have much to do with powerchair football anymore. It was an incredible journey filled with unforgettable memories, but I’m excited for what the future holds!”
DK is also a strong advocate for social justice causes. He mentioned the importance and positive impact advocacy can have on society: “I truly believe that advocacy work for social justice causes is exactly what we need to be doing as humans.
“Whether it’s fighting for asexual rights, advocating for veganism, pushing for cannabis reform, speaking up for animal rights, or striving for equality in all aspects of life, these are the issues that truly matter.
“It’s about standing up for what’s right and making a positive impact on the world around us. Each one of us has the power to make a difference, no matter how big or small. By being passionate and vocal about the causes we believe in, we can inspire others to join us in creating a more just and compassionate society. Because at the end of the day, it’s our actions that define who we are and the kind of world we want to live in.”
AccessAbility Arts: Building an Inclusive Community for Creative Expression
AccessAbility Arts has created a warm and inclusive community that celebrates diverse talents from all walks of life. Its mission is to provide a space where everyone can express themselves freely through art.
DK explained more about how AcccessAbility Arts launched and what is involved: “I started AccessAbility Arts to try and make art accessible for all because I really wanted to make art accessible for everyone.
“I believe that art has the power to connect and inspire us all, regardless of any barriers or challenges we may face. So, I’m on a mission to create a welcoming and inclusive space where everyone feels comfortable exploring their creativity and enjoying the beauty of art.”
DK also spoke about some of the other members of the AccessAbility Arts community: “We come from all corners of the globe, with such a diverse range of lived experiences that are truly inspiring.
“I have to give a special shoutout to our valued members, Charlotte Faulconbridge, Freddie Barker, Emma Davidson and Rob Punton. These amazing individuals bring so much creativity, passion and talent to our community, and I am constantly in awe of everybody’s contributions. We are a tight-knit family and we’re always looking for new members!”
DK concluded with some valuable advice to other aspiring disabled artists and creatives: “I’d say to anybody thinking about diving into the world of writing and art, I would highly encourage you to go for it! Seriously, just do it!
“Take your time, explore different styles, experiment with different mediums – trust me, the more you immerse yourself in it, the more you’ll fall in love with it. It’s like unlocking a whole new universe of creativity and self-expression. So, don’t hold back, let your imagination run wild, and enjoy every moment of the journey. You never know how far your passion for writing and art can take you!”
You can find out more about DK by visiting his website DK4Poetry and following him on Instagram.
You can also check out the AccessAbility Arts’ Facebook and Instagram pages, join the Facebook group community or sign up for the newsletter.