In the academic year 2025-26, PROJECT ELEVATE created an excting opportunity for d/Disabled young people (16-20) to explore the remarkable history of aviation in England, boost their education in English and media, and for the Civil Aviation industry to pitch exciting career opportunities to diverse workforce. In partnership, we fostered inclusivity, social mobility and equity.
The latest collaboration with ELATT college, in partnership with the Civil Aviation Authority, embedded theatre and film in the curriculum of English and media technology of 25 students and received funding support through Arts Council England.
Students took part in research trips to civil, military, and local historical sites, including Walthamstow Marshes, a site local to their college, to the blue plaque of aviation pioneer Alliot Verdon Roe.
Inspired by the local legacy of A.V. Roe, they worked with Odd Eyes Theatre’s artists and with an experienced access coordinator to develop an original play. The story revolved around Mo and Dylan, two ELATT’s students with ADS, playing themselves and their own real-life friendship. After a fall out during a school trip at the historical aviation site, the two best friends get lost in time and end up making history.
The immersive performance played to local schools and residents. It was also filmed by students and professional crew members. The resulting short, 900 Feet Up, is currently touring schools as part of creative engagement programmes and it has been shortlisted at youth film festivals around the world, including the glamorous Into Film Awards which will screen it at Odeon Cinema Leicester Square, London. ELATT’s young people and students from UK schools will attend the ceremony in person. This and other screening events create a long-lasting legacy for the project, continuing to boost young people’s confidence in their achievements.
PROJECT ELEVATE is an example of how creativity and education can champion inclusion and representation of d/Disabled young people.Through the project each participant developed their skills, build confidence and center their voices in both the arts, education and the aviation sector.
