Across the globe, millions of people live with various forms of learning disabilities, a group of conditions often misunderstood and mischaracterised in mainstream society. These disabilities, which stem from genetic or neurobiological factors, disrupt the brain’s typical functioning, leading to challenges in one or more cognitive processes critical to learning.
Such difficulties can manifest in basic academic skills—reading, writing, and mathematics—but they extend beyond the classroom. Issues with organisation, time management, memory, and attention often accompany learning disabilities and can affect an individual’s relationships, social interactions, and performance in the workplace.
In a world that usually measures worth by academic achievement and productivity, individuals with learning disabilities frequently find themselves alienated, labelled as “special needs,” and assumed to be forever dependent. This narrative, which limits their potential and defines them by their struggles, perpetuates the belief that they are inherently less capable than others. However, this perception is not only inaccurate but also unfair, as it fails to recognise their abilities.
This damaging mindset is particularly pronounced in educational systems, where accommodations for learning-disabled students are often minimal. In many countries, schools are ill-equipped to provide the support these students need to thrive, and those who do not fit the traditional mould of intelligence or achievement are sidelined.
The assumption that they are incapable of succeeding in a “normal” environment—let alone in a collaborative, community-driven context—is prevalent. It’s a damaging oversimplification that ignores the potential for growth and success in alternative spaces. This is where cultural shifts in perception, such as those championed by the community interest group Cultural Shift, become so significant.
Cultural Shift, based in East Sussex, United Kingdom, set out to challenge this narrative. Their mission was to create an inclusive environment for adults with learning disabilities, offering them opportunities to explore their passions and demonstrate that they, too, have the capacity to contribute to society in meaningful ways. The results were nothing short of transformative.
Through a pilot program designed for learning-disabled adults, a group of seven individuals came together to form Delta 7, a band that would become a symbol of resilience, creativity, and empowerment. The band’s formation was an unexpected yet joyous outcome of the project, and their story underscores the power of music, collaboration, and self-expression in overcoming societal barriers.
What began as a ten-week course quickly blossomed into something far more significant. At the end of the program, these individuals, previously viewed through the lens of their disabilities, discovered a new sense of purpose and a shared passion: music.
For the members of Delta 7, music became an outlet for self-expression, a way to communicate their feelings and experiences without words. “We all like lots of different kinds of music,” says Mikey Reynolds, one of the band members. “For example, I like Johnny Cash, and Elliot (the guitarist) likes heavy metal. We all write our songs, and we try to vary the type of music we play so there is something we all like.”
Their eclectic tastes and diverse influences are reflected in the band’s music, which spans genres and defies easy categorisation. But what makes Delta 7 stand out is not just their musicality—it is the spirit of collaboration and inclusivity that defines their creative process.
The band’s songwriting process is truly a collective effort. “We think of something we want to write about, and then we all join in, chipping in different ideas,” David, another band member, explains. “Someone starts it off, and then we all chip in. We usually think of the chorus first, and we have a guitar to hand, so Tom plays music in the background while we come up with the ideas.”
This approach to songwriting not only reflects the group’s shared commitment to one another but also illustrates the value of collaboration in creating something that transcends the individual. In a world that often marginalises them, Delta 7 offers a fresh and powerful example of how people with learning disabilities can thrive when allowed to express themselves freely and without judgment.
The band’s efforts to make their voices heard have not gone unnoticed. In fact, Delta 7’s music has helped shift perceptions of what people with learning disabilities can achieve. Their performance at the Oxford Human Rights Festival, for example, was a defining moment in their journey.
The band wrote and performed an original song titled “Everybody Needs Human Rights,” a powerful statement that speaks to both their personal struggles and the broader issues of equality and social justice. Through their music, Delta 7 has challenged societal norms, proving that those who are often excluded from mainstream narratives have valuable stories to tell and critical perspectives to share.
Their success reached a new level with the release of their first album, The Jungle, in 2017, an achievement that demonstrated their growth as musicians and their determination to break down barriers. But Delta 7’s journey was not without its challenges. In 2016, the band faced the heartbreaking loss of one of its members, Tom Salway, who tragically passed away.
His death left a deep void felt by the band and their supporters. In the wake of this loss, filmmaker Rosie Baldwin began work on a documentary that would capture the band’s story. The resulting film, a twenty-minute documentary about the band and its members, explores not only their musical journey but also their struggles with grief, identity, and the harsh realities of living with learning disabilities.
Baldwin’s film, which chronicles the band’s experiences and their response to Tom’s death, is a testament to the raw emotion and authenticity of Delta 7. In one particularly poignant moment, a band member breaks down during an interview as they reflect on Tom’s absence, underscoring the deep emotional connection they shared.
Baldwin, initially unsure whether to continue filming in the face of such grief, ultimately decided that documenting their emotional journey would add a layer of truth and integrity to the film. “I found Tom really inspiring and decided it would be good to show someone who was super cool and talented working in community arts, making a difference,” Baldwin said.
This decision to press forward with the film, despite the emotional toll, turned out to be pivotal. The documentary, which would later be nominated for BAFTA awards, won recognition at various film festivals, cementing its place as a powerful exploration of both personal and collective resilience.
What sets the documentary apart is its unflinching honesty. None of the band members had ever sought fame or fortune. They did not enter the music scene with a profit-making mindset or a specific agenda. They simply followed their hearts and pursued something that made them happy.
This genuine passion shines through in the film, creating a connection with viewers that transcends the music itself. The documentary highlights not just the band’s musical talents but also their emotional depth, the strength of their bonds, and their commitment to one another.
Delta 7’s journey is remarkable not only for the music they’ve created but also for the barriers they’ve shattered along the way. They are living proof that people with learning disabilities are not defined by their challenges. They are capable of achieving great things, and their voices deserve to be heard.
By breaking societal barriers and finding strength in their shared creativity, Delta 7 has shown the world that true inclusivity comes from embracing diversity—not just in terms of abilities, but also in the richness of human experience. Through their music and their story, Delta 7 is inspiring others to break free from the limitations that others may place upon them and to chart their own course, no matter the obstacles.
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