Pop/EDM singer Lachi is not only known for her music but also for her advocacy for the disabled community. With an impressive list of accomplishments, Lachi has become a prominent figure in both the music industry and disability rights movement.
Lachi’s involvement in advocacy began with her work as a member of the Grammy Advocacy Committee. Through this committee, she has played a crucial role in making the Grammy Awards more accessible for artists with disabilities. She has also brought in other artists with disabilities to the Recording Academy, further promoting inclusivity in the industry.
In addition to her work with the Grammy Advocacy Committee, Lachi has co-founded RAMPD, or Recording Artists and Music Professionals with Disabilities, with Gaelynn Lea. This global network, funded by the Ford Foundation, has collaborated with major entertainment companies such as Netflix and Sony Pictures Entertainment. RAMPD aims to provide support and opportunities for artists and professionals with disabilities in the music industry.
Inspired by the late disability rights activist Judy Heumann, Lachi wrote a song titled “Lift Me Up” to honor her legacy. Judy Heumann was a mentor to Lachi and guided her in starting RAMPD. The song was co-written with other artists with disabilities, including James Ian and Gaelynn Lea. It also involved the work of Sony deaf sound engineer, Kulick. The music video for “Lift Me Up” features viral sign-language interpreter Amber Galloway, TikTok stars Otis Jones and Nell Russell, and Tony-winning actress Ali Stroker.
Related Post
Lachi’s own journey as an artist with a disability has been shaped by her experiences. Partially blind due to a birth defect called coloboma, Lachi faced challenges in the music industry due to the lack of diversity regarding disabilities. However, she turned her disability into a superpower and embraced her uniqueness. She believes that hiding her disability is not the path to success and has been vocal about promoting authentic representation of people with disabilities in Hollywood.
According to Lachi, there is still a long way to go in representing people with disabilities onscreen and behind the camera. She believes that actors with disabilities should be given the opportunity to play characters with disabilities, emphasizing the importance of authenticity. Lachi also advocates for accessible entrances and representation of disabled leadership in the boardroom.
Despite the serious nature of her advocacy work, Lachi maintains a lighthearted and positive attitude. She is proud to be at the forefront of the disability culture movement and embraces her own style and creativity. Lachi glamorizes her canes with pearls and jewels, always striving to look fly and radiating joy.
In conclusion, Lachi’s dedication to music and disability advocacy is commendable. From her involvement in the Grammy Advocacy Committee to co-founding RAMPD, Lachi has been instrumental in promoting inclusivity and accessibility in the music industry. Her song “Lift Me Up” honors the legacy of Judy Heumann and showcases the talent of artists with disabilities. Lachi’s personal journey as an artist with a disability has made her a strong advocate for authentic representation and accessibility in Hollywood. Through her work, she continues to inspire and empower others in the disabled community.
