In association with Open Arts The film that we are making is all about growing up and how difficult it is, when you have a disability, to meet people without having your parents tagging along. We are going to interview former pupils from our school and find out from them how they have managed to maintain relationships and friendships without the day to day support, which we all get from school. We would also like to explore issues of isolation, which is intensified if you have a disability. How can we overcome this, if at all? We are also looking at leisure activities, the ones that we would like to participate in but are barred from because there is no physical access or other barriers. Open Arts Open Arts is an arts and disability organization which aims to enable disabled people to take a full part in arts activities.  It works in all art forms with people with different abilities throughout Northern Ireland and sometimes over the border. The organization works with all age groups but has previously concentrated on adults rather than children and young people.  A recent focus on young people by the organization has led to them choosing to become involved in accessible and exciting arts participation through the medium of film.  Some issues based work with 14 to 18 years old has shown that one of the key areas for concern in their lives is the building and maintaining of social relationships. Related to this is the whole area of attaining adulthood, particularly difficult for adolescents with a disability, and the need to make social connections without parental involvement. It includes notions of leaving home and living independently, as well as the vexed question of sexuality. Funded by the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, Belfast City Council and various local authorities as well as by the Rank Foundation and the Esmee Fairbairn Charitable Trust, Open Arts has now been running for nine years. Practical Considerations & Skills It is envisaged that the film making itself will provide an exciting and stimulating social opportunity for all of the participants, even those being interviewed. The age range of the group making the film is 14 to 18 years. Northern Visions has experience of working with young people with disabilities and has adapted equipment  (industry standard), to enable young people to have the best possible access and opportunity.