Vivo’s Makaton Choir takes to the streets to celebrate Disability Pride

More than 80 Vivo Care Choices staff and people accessing services took to the streets of Chester in a colourful parade celebrating neurodiversity and the incredible talents of people living with a disability.

Part of Storyhouse’s week-long Kaleidoscope Festival, Vivo’s Makaton Choir performed eight songs to the crowds. Makaton is a unique language programme that uses symbols, signs and speech to help people communicate. 

Vivo is the Council’s support service for people with learning disabilities and autism and older people and the choir now has 16 regular members, with five staff offering support.

Nicola, who uses Vivo’s services and was also celebrating her birthday, loved the whole day, saying: “It was the best birthday ever!”. Nicola wore a birthday sash to the event and enjoyed music by Back Chat Brass.

Councillor Sheila Little, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care, said:

“It’s the second time we’ve taken part in the Kaleidoscope Festival, which is an amazing opportunity to celebrate neurodiversity and disability. The audience’s reaction to our fabulous and talented Makaton Choir was incredible. They copied the signs and sang with us, it was a magical moment.

“Vivo staff and people using services have been taking part in a range of events across the week, performing drama, running a market stall for our popular Diverse Designs shop and showcasing their skills with the Bread-making Co-operative. It has been a fantastic week, full of celebrations and good memories have been made.”

Pictured - Vivo’s Makaton Choir enjoying the Kaleidoscope Festival.