Andy’s story

Andy has always loved music.

Heavy metal, fast-paced dance music, in particular Frenchcore, the louder and faster the better. The moment he hears something he likes, everyone around him knows it. His reactions are instant, full of energy and personality.

Andy is registered blind and uses a wheelchair, and he doesn’t have full use of his hands or legs. But what he does have is determination, a brilliant sense of humour, and a clear way of showing when something matters to him.

Dave (Andy’s key worker) says:

That’s where The Music Works team began thinking differently.

When Andy first came into our Gloucester hub, one of the simplest but most important starting points was volume. Letting him experience his music as loudly and as fully as possible, and watching how he responded to it. From there, the team began building an approach around what he enjoyed, using his reactions as a guide.

Very quickly, it became clear that music wasn’t just something Andy liked, it was something he could actively shape.

The team noticed how he showed enjoyment through small physical movements and responses, and began developing ways for him to control music through those moments. As Lee (Disability Lead) explains:

Over time, Andy was introduced to assistive DJ technology, including a system that uses eye-tracking through an infrared camera. With a reflective marker and an iPad-based setup, Andy is able to control music through where he looks — making real-time choices while DJing.  

For Andy, this isn’t just about technology, it’s about independence.

Andy joined the DJ Collective, where he began working alongside other adults with learning difficulties who were also exploring DJing and music creation. Through these sessions, he found community, routine, and something to look forward to.

Eventually, he was given the opportunity to perform as part of a lineup for Happy Fest, a festival designed for people with additional needs.

For his family, seeing Andy in that space was something they never expected. His mum reflects:

The impact hasn’t just been about music. It’s been about belonging, confidence, and a way for Andy to engage with the world on his own terms.

As Dave puts it:

“He has a purpose. I have a purpose. It’s had such a big impact.”

Andy’s story is a powerful reminder of what can happen when creativity, technology and care come together, and when someone is given the right support to experience music in their own way. From having no way to engage with music to performing on stage as a DJ, his journey shows the importance of inclusive spaces where every young person can access creativity in a way that works for them.