The online feature which originally provided encouragement and information during the pandemic is now relaunched with a new look
As part of transforming Plus Value Awareness online, Unity Forward is altered with updated information with appropriate information and short messages beyond the pandemic
The online feature will continue to include the elements Morale & Accomplishment Consideration & Sense of Belonging Mindset and Allowances Well-being and stability
The Unity Forward feature will also provide links to the information and helplines for those who might need it. This particular information is presented on the page “In-touch”
As part of the changes, the overall look is completely redesigned with new style visual designs. This is presented with the removal of colour coding to distinguish each element.
The information presented on this feature is to be updated and modified over a period of time. A new updated version of the “Unity Forward” insight document is to be developed and will be available to download after the new updated documents are complete.
A new permanent mini-online feature on Neurodiversity is now available for the first time.
As part of the transformation of Plus Value Awareness, the new focus neurodiversity index is part of the rolling out revamping of the online feature “Awareness Focus”
Previously, all neurodiversity content to the support page of the celebration week in the spring months. For the first time, all neurodiversity content and information is now available all year round online.
The new mini-features will include Neurodiversity related blog articles and focused projects along with direct links to special developments by the project director.
As Plus Value Awareness covers selected areas of Neurodiversity it is important to remind the bigger picture of all types of neurodivergent regardless of difficulties.
This feature will expand further with the information and statistics.
A quick summary of some of the developments which have occurred in January 2024 or progress beyond the month
RECAP Beyond understanding documents online
Five years since it was published the dancing inclusivity suggestions documents “Beyond Understanding” have been updated and are now openly available for everyone to view and download for the first time. These documents written by the project director provided understanding and suggestions for dancers with hidden differences become more inclusive and not a disadvantage. Originally the documents were exclusively for the dancing organisations Latinmotion and Mambo City and autistic awareness audiences online via Anna Kennedy Online
Dancing inclusivity projects featured My two dancing inclusivity developments including the Inclusive Differences project “Inclusive to Dance” and the publications “Beyond Understanding” were featured in January on the official Latinmotion social media
Online developments has started to transform two online awareness features into one integrated feature. This affects the existing features Awareness Focus & Understanding Series. The changes incorporate a redesign and a new family of visual language designs (mentioned earlier in this article) Watch out for extracts on the new changes soon
Since 2019 the project director Keith Mckenzie developed a family of publications which include awareness and understanding by providing suggestions to make sure that dancers with hidden differences are not disadvantaged when attending classes workshops events and conventions.
The documents titled “Beyond Understanding”, were originally limited to the leaders and key crew members of the Birmingham base salsa dancing organisation Latinmotion.
Then in 2022, these documents were updated to include volunteering suggestions for participating in dancing conventions living with hidden differences. This was initially shared with Birmingham’s Latinmotion and London’s Manbo City linked with the NEC summer convention MotionCity. Then in the same year, these were featured online for the autism awareness audiences on the website of one of the UK’s most respected awareness campaigns with Anna Kennedy OBE.
Now being openly available for everyone for the first time the documents have been rewritten and updated. This was developed to make sure more people involved in dancing are aware of factors which every needs to consider to enable inclusivity. In addition, the updated documents are a response to the concerns of experiencing unpleasant amounts of discrimination and ableism.
You can access these documents by visiting the online special Embrace Dancing on the Plus Value website and on the Project Director’s personal website
The specially written publication provides insight into the challenges of an independent person with hidden differences in specific partner dancing environments like Salsa Bachata, Kizomba, Cuban Salsa and many more. The documents also provide a variety of solutions and suggestions to make sure a person with hidden can able to maintain a positive experience without compromising situations which can affect their presence
Why this was created Despite the dancing environments having a variety of people with different backgrounds, the project director have observed and experienced many situations when some people with hidden differences can be at a disadvantage and in some cases become discouraged. Especially if there’s little or no ground-level understanding provided. These documents are designed to enable and improve inclusive environments regardless of the specific difficulties, strengths and any ability and capacity limitations.
The History The Beyond Understanding publication focused on salsa dance classes and social events for dancing environments was originally written in 2019 then was recreated in 2022 it was originally for the salsa dancing organisations linked with the NEC based Salsa dancing convention “MotionCity” including Birmingham’s Latinmotion and London’s Mambo city. This was after the project director involved in MotionCity as a volunteer and participant.
Since the first document was created further issues occurred which the project director felt through observations and has listening to different viewpoints. So updated suggestions of conventions and documents were published during Summer 2022 with additional information and greater insight which can support event management and crew members.
Later in 2022, these publications were updated with two additional versions for Dancing Conventions with a guidance document for volunteers living with hidden differences during dancing conventions featured on the website of the award-winning awareness campaigner Anna Kennedy OBE.
In 2023 a dance related awareness dancing project “Inclusive to Dance” was created including a dancing pledge. However after the project director experienced ablest discrimination at a dance class during the NYE Fest on New Year’s Eve into 2024, he decided turn his negative experiences into a positive by updating the suggestions publications are updated again and are now available online directly via the Websites of Plus Value Awareness and my website available to everyone.
Discover more To anyone involved in dancing if you need to benefit from this document and would like additional aspects to spread the word and could benefit your dancing community, organisation, convention & events, get in touch the project director’s LinkedIn profile
A family of dancing pledges is developed to encourage and improve inclusivity related to dancers of neurodiversity, Invisible disabilities and those who have experienced Anxiety
The content of the pledges was based on the project director (Keith McKenzie) experiences as a dancing participate and his dancing activity in different environments.
The examples focus on passionate & related partner & group dancing environments. This includes salsa, bachata, Kizomba, Ballroom, La Rueda, Choreography, Professional Dancers, Street dancing, Ballet, Contemporary, Tap dance and Jazz Dance, swing dance, Hip-Hop, Break Dancing & Street Dancing. Also cultural dancing, ceremonial Dancing and many more.
This was developed for the Plus Value awareness project Inclusive Differences which are displayed within the element pages “inclusive to dance” focusing on encouraging inclusivity in dancing environments regardless of abilities.
Several five versions of the Inclusive to Dance pledge were developed with the information displayed online and as a download. The version includes pledges for the following * Teachers & leaders * Professional Dancers & Musicians * Experiences dancers and attendees * leaders and managers * Organisers of events, festivals and conventions.
Each pledge contains a family of short and encouraging messages of guidance and advice to make sure people with specific difficulties are not at a disadvantage in inclusive dancing environments. This applies to classes, workshops, events, festivals, parties and conventions.
The aim is to spread the word to encourage inclusive and supportive practices at dancing organisations, events & conventions along with experienced and professional dancers of all areas.
Further examples are to be developed for music-related environments.
The “inclusive to dance” pledge pledges are available to view online and download pledge documents for desktop, mobile and tablet devices via the Plus Value Awareness website.
Explore the “Inclusive to dance” project on the Plus Value Awareness website to discover a variety of information to improve inclusivity at dancing envionment. Not only with passionate and partner dancing but also related to music related events
Explore the “Inclusive to dance” project on the Plus Value Awareness website to discover a variety of information to improve inclusivity at dancing environment. Not only with passionate and partner dancing but also related to music related events
Inclusive Differences Inclusive to dance is part of Inclusive Differences, a project that encourages inclusivity regardless of ability. Although the inclusive Differences project is mainly for those with Hidden Differences many points apply to dances throughout Neurodiversity, Invisible Disabilities and those who have experienced Anxiety.
Plus Value Awareness The Plus Value awareness initiative is a family of projects, information & campaigns about challenges understanding and awareness for people with invisible difficulties, to see more human rather than medical aspects and to promote and educatehigher Aspirations. Eventually develop this awareness initiative to provide future potential services, products and social mission activities as part of the umbrella identity Aware+Vision
Hidden differences are used to describe independent people who live with specific neurological difficulties or Anxiety that is not noticed. This is associated with moderate or mild psychological and learning-related conditions (including Autism, Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, ADHD and social Anxiety).
Keith Mckenzie With a background in Art and design (including Graphic Design & Digital art) and a participant in the music-related film documentaries, events & record label project King Of the Beats including filming and behind the scene preparation has been involved with providing awareness projects, campaigns & information for 20 years with the Awareness brand Plus Value Awareness along with Differences Originals. Also are involved with salsa classes and events including participating in two major salsa dancing conventions at Birmingham NEC
During September the project director of Plus Value Awareness, Keith Mckenzie took part in the biggest participation ever involved with. This is related to planned changes to how his abilities access benefits towards employment.
Keith has attended a consultation meeting and has developed two publications providing guidance and suggestions.
This is due to the proposed government bill by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) which could not only affect the benefit they receive but also access more people with disabilities into employment.
The project director’s role is to make sure considerations are made towards neurodivergent (including Hidden Differences) and not face a generalised approach and procedures. This is made with an objective approach related to access disabilities into employment.
Also to represent neurodiversity including those with hidden differences.
Consultation meeting Keith has attended a consultation meeting in Birmingham arranged by the Department for Work & Pensions. The proposal document was used to develop a group of discussion tables. The project director’s input was addressing the bigger picture including the challenges that boundaries and important points to consider without making this all variety of disabilities are not a disadvantage.
Response publications From the proposal documents by the Department for Work and Pensions, Keith has developed a series of publications with analysis. The initial version which included personal experiences and shared with the DWP team at the consultation meeting. Two versions were made including a general analysis from the easy read person of the proposal documents with the second document providing a direct response linked to the proposal document questions.
After suggestions from the DWP staff, a general public version of the two analysis and response documents was made. (The public version does not include my personal experiences).
Some of the suggestions include embracing disability and neurodiversity in the same way that other diverse members of society are approached. A suggestion of stronger joined-up thinking to make sure all disabilities including neurodiverse are not a disadvantage when visible in Society. Embracing ambitious people who are talented and have many positive qualities. Also to widen the overall approach including supporting disabilities to start businesses and to access education and training based on their talent.
Please note the personal version of the consultation response documents is not available to the general public and is restricted to staff policies and leaders related to the government and the Department for Work and Pensions.
Notice to editors Keith Mckenzie Keith is an awareness campaigner, a creative designer (Graphic design and digital art) and a salsa dancing participant
With a background in Art & Design (including Graphic Design & Digital art) and a participant in music-related film documentaries, events & record label project King Of the Beats including filming and behind the scene preparations.
Keith was educated at Hereford College of the Arts, the University of Northampton, Birmingham City University and Google’s Digital Garage. Since 2000, he has developed over twenty years in providing awareness projects, campaigns and activities with the Awareness brand Plus Value Awareness along with Differences Originals. Also are involved with salsa classes in the local community as an assistant. Also have participated in major dancing conventions at Birmingham’s NEC for Birmingham Latinmotion and London’s ManboCity.
In 2022, Keith became a featured community participant for Birmingham who became part of special projects and campaigns to promote a positive legacy beyond hosting the Commonwealth Games
A new brand identity for Plus Value awareness is now starting to appear. This coincides with a change of strategy with some changes and improvements online and social media.
A new change to the brand identity with new colours, a new typeface and a new style presentation style with a new family of visual imagery. The new look will appear on the plus value awareness website, the associated blogs on WordPress and on social media. The rollout of the new look will occur on a gradual basis.
A new awareness presentation is launched to coincide with the new look. It is titled “Higher Aspirations” and presented as a multi-purpose tagline an introductory mini-feature and marketing information. It was designed at the starting point to start changing how we perceived hidden differences to encourage an open mind, a supportive mindset and to value to person to achieve and thrive positively. The new “Higher Aspirations” mini-feature is now available online Click here to explore
Other changes The home page is redesigned and simplified with some changes to some of the links displayed.
Online structure changes which replace the Primary Awareness features (Value all, Valued More and Value Icons) with project categories identified by new style pictorial icons with direct links from the project index and the home page
Further changes are to be made to the existing awareness projects, campaigns and online features.
Also, there will be some changes in the type of social media posts that are made depending on the particular network.
Important changes to how content is displayed on specific networks.
In summary, project extracts from Plus Value Awareness will be now limited to Facebook & Instagram only. The Plus Value Awareness profile on “X” (formally Twitter) the profile will continue online for the time being however, extracts from projects & features will no longer appear. Meanwhile some minor changes to the Differences Originals profile on Facebook
This decision was made due to the changing climate on the network “X” and which could compromise the profile.
“X” formerly Known as Twitter The network is increasingly becoming reactive which allows views which could affect the function of this social media profile. Because of this, the Plus Value Awareness profile will now reduce the quantity of posts limited to updates and image examples of online projects & features
What the changes will mean & why X will no longer display project extracts along with the online features (including higher aspirations & transformation) as the posts could be security and stability risk to the profile. This is due to the recent changes and settings on the network “X”. In summary, the changes are based on maintaining safety, security and stability.
Differences Originals profile on Facebook Some alterations with posts on this profile. The page will exclusively show legacy projects as well as the existing Differences Originals projects. It will also contain some Plus Value Awareness content for supporting Events.
Keep updated here on this blog and via social media.
Some changes have been made to the Plus Value Awareness Website.
New changes to the home pages & the primary awareness featured to improve the simplicity of accessing projects online
Primary Awareness The online awareness features (Value All, Valued More & Value Icons) are now removed and replaced by the existing project category section of the project main index pages. (Understanding & information, positive examples, maintaining stability, topics and topics along with prejudice and hatred). All the projects previously featured in the primary feature will continue online and be accessed by the projects section of the website. This will affect the existing online projects including: Aim Higher Take Responsibility Valuing Hidden Differences (Including focused editions for Autism, ADHD, Dyslexia, Dysplasia and Multicultural with Hidden Differences)
To coincide with the new changes a new family of visual icons is displayed online to identify each category area. This makes it easier to navigate to particular projects and particular awareness topics.
Home page New improvements have been made with a redesigned look. The overall look is simplified including how colour is displayed and the use of images is reduced.
The new changes are aimed at making it easier to navigate and access projects, campaigns, features & other developments The projects section of the home page is now simplified. The primary projects previously featured on the home page have been transferred to a new primary project page with new direct links from the home page. The project categories can now be accessed directly from the home page identified with new pictorial icons. This will appear alongside links to the Projects A-Z index and the main project page.
The online feature section has been simplified with the feature title, description and links. This will now include the recently developed Embrace Dancing Special.
The links to the individual sections linked to the awareness focus feature are now presented equally. After receiving guidance the colour coding to each link is removed
The new improvement is to coincide with the online changes and replace online awareness features with project categories. Also, the improvements are part of a gradual rollout of the appearance already appearing on the different index pages of the website
Introducing Inclusive to Dance, a new awareness information mini project has been developed for Plus Value Awareness focusing on the encouragement of inclusivity for Hidden differences in dancing environments.
This is linked with the information project includes differences embracing hidden differences to be an inclusive member of society. It was supporting two worldwide dancing awareness events in April including autism dance day and international dance day.
The information of this project has some aspects which need to be considered along with the challenges. It includes aspects including encouraging, open mind, examples to discourage comma practices to note along with tips and guidance. The project is divided into two areas that include dancing at music-related events along with passionate and activity dancing. The information featured the courage is minor adjustments and back to consider to make sure that a person with hidden differences is not at a disadvantage not just with dancing but socially too
The aim is to encourage society to be more dancing and music
The strategy is to share the “inclusive to dance” project with professional dancers, organisations that provide workshops, and events along with music-related organisers and venues to consider certain aspects to include inclusivity regardless of ability, disability, or background. To enable more consideration to be accommodating related to learning and at events.
The Inclusive to dance project is availaible via Plus Value Awareness website
Plus Value Awareness Update blog 