Shakira Hussein

Until my fine motor skills were eroded by multiple sclerosis, I often used to supplement my meagre student income by busking. I still get nostalgic every St Patrick’s Day, remembering the rich pickings to be made by playing schmaltzy renditions of Danny Boy outside the nearest Irish pub. However, it’s now been over ten years since I handed my violin on to my daughter, consoling myself by with the thought that music would continue to enrich my life as an audience member, if not a street performer.  However, even the passive consumption of music and other forms of entertainment has turned out to be far more of a challenge than I had anticipated. Sitting on your backside to enjoy the performance might be easy enough, but first you have to get that backside to its allotted place. I use an elbow crutch for balance and have a difficult relationship with stairs, crowds and queues – all of which are common features at performances and exhibitions.  The late, great, writer and comedian Stella Young placed the need for improved disability access firmly on the agenda for the Melbourne arts scene. I witnessed Stella’s advocacy on this issue for myself when we were both invited to participate in an International Women’s Day event at the historic Grace Darling hotel in Collingwood. As Stella pointed out to the organisers, the steep flight of stairs to the bandroom presented an insurmountable obstacle to her. On that particular occasion, I managed to climb the stairs with the help of a frie