The group are learning new skills through the project

A group of disabled film makers on Anglesey are producing a video to teach the wider community about the barriers they face in the workplace.

Filming is underway for the Stars Above project, run by Taran Disability Forum based in Llangefni.

The group of 10 have been meeting regularly to develop the script and story boards and re-enact some of the situations they have come across in real life.

The 20-minute film is written, filmed and produced by the disabled people involved, most of whom are unemployed.

They include wheelchair users, epilepsy sufferers and people with impaired sight and hearing.

It will draw attention to the barriers faced by disabled people which prevent them from taking their full part in society June Roberts, Taran Disability Forum

When production is complete, they hope to have gained valuable skills and open the eyes of local organisations to the difficulties they face in society.

Funding of �10,000 has been earmarked for the project from the European Year of the Disabled initiative administered by the Department for Work and Pensions.

The aim was to raise awareness of the lack of opportunities available to young people with disabilities, said Taran training manager June Roberts.

"The film will help to develop new skills for young people, many of whom have disabilities, which can be used towards gaining employment as well as raising awareness about disability matters in the general public.

"It will draw attention to the barriers faced by disabled people which prevent them from taking their full part in society."

The project had two overall objectives, she said.

"First of all, ten people will have been fully trained in video production and the skills involved in making a short film.

"But we also have funding in place to duplicate the finished product, then send it out to organisations as a resource."

Skills development

Taran was set up 10 years ago by Mrs Roberts and her husband Ken to give disabled people training and work opportunities.

Both feel strongly that more employment opportunities should be made available for disabled people, for their own quality of life and for the economic benefit of society.

"One in six people in Wales are disabled," said Mrs Roberts.

"But we did a survey of 120-odd local businesses and found that they employed only four disabled people.

"We set out to build confidence and enable skills development for disadvantaged or disabled people."

Filming is due to be completed by August and the video launched in October.

The group then hopes it will be used in training courses in the community in anticipation of new government legislation for disabled access which comes into force next year.