Louise Dyson set up the VisABLE agency with the sole objective of changing the public mind-set towards disability, to create a world where every member of society is represented in mainstream productions as a matter of course, and where impairment is no disadvantage at all. She has made an extraordinary contribution to the lives of so many people with disabilities. If the VisABLE agency has had an effect on your life and you would like to add a testimonial, please use the contact form.

 

 

Julie Fernandez Julie Fernandez

Louise has been a guiding figure in aiding disabled actors, public speakers, models and artists work over the years. Her dedication, drive and commitment to disability equality in the media is astounding. I don’t know of any other agent who supports disabled artists quite like Louise and I thank her for all her hard work over the years. Long may it continue.

Mark Beer

 

Mark Beer

I have worked every year since I joined Louise at VisABLE in 1994, the work has been wide and varied. It has ranged from lead roles in theatre, television and film, as well as commercials, corporate work and a number of well-known modelling companies. I can honestly say throughout the time I have known Louise she has given constant support and guidance. Her professionalism is second to none. We have work together to challenge and change the media’s attitude towards disability. This would not be happening without the creation of VisABLE and Louise’s strong dedication and commitment. On a personal note I would like to say a huge thank you for her kindness and support throughout the years.

 

Lara Masters

 

Lara Masters

I have been with Louise and VisABLE since the beginning of my career in modelling / TV presenting/acting and have seen things gradually improve for disabled people in the arts. Although there’s a LONG way to go, people in the industry no longer have an excuse to not use disabled people because VisABLE is the One Stop Shop for disabled artists – thanks to Louise!

Gino Fiorellino

 

Gino Fiorellino

This is a recording of a Radio Jackie interview with Gino Fiorellino:

 

Miracle Maduforo

 

Miracle Maduforo

In creating VisABLE People, Louise has provided and nurtured an excellent platform for unique talent and looks to simply say “Yes it is possible, we can also do it too” and such initiative has truly had its positive toll on today’s Society and media sphere. During my first meeting with Louise, I was touched by the high quality of encouragement and advice which she gave me for preparing myself for this industry. One of the things which became immediately obvious to me was that Louise really wants to nurture the best out of me, as well as her warm and caring nature. Louise is always dedicated to putting the strengths of all her artists to good deployment, she is a cool evaluator! Since I have known Louise, a keen interest in representing me has always been embedded in her communications whether it is by email or phone. I get that sense of a hard working Agent who really wants the best for me and that in itself really leaves me feeling good. The VisABLE People agency is of one painted with optimism and possibilities now and in the future, and it is great to be part of it. Louise’s mission clearly demonstrates what can be done in bringing about much needed innovative change when there’s that will to think outside the box. Keep going with the great work Lou, VisABLE People to the future!

 

Anna Cannings

 

Anna Cannings

I have been represented by Louise Dyson at VisABLE People since 2002. During this time, Louise has secured many major contracts for me, with the BBC, ITV, national newspapers and magazines, internationally renowned artists and the audio book publisher, Orion. I have been delighted by the range and quality of work that I have undertaken thanks to VisABLE and feel that the agency has been absolutely pivotal in the development of my career. I joined as a voice artist; I am now also an established actor and model. VisABLE has opened many doors to influential people for me – people I would never have met without representation from a professional agency. When I approached Louise, I had little experience as a model and no experience as an actor, but Louise believed there was “something there”, took me on and has helped me to grow my career, providing plenty of advice, enthusiasm and encouragement along the way. She truly does focus on your abilities, has great respect for where you want your career to be going and is always very aware of access needs – all critical qualities when representing a diverse range of actors and models. I am not surprised that Louise was so influential in progressing inclusion 20 years ago, nor am I surprised that VisABLE has gone on to be such a success with Louise at its helm and as its driving force. Long may it continue!

 

Iddo Gruengard

 

Iddo Gruengard

I am a paraplegic T5-6 confined to a wheelchair from a motorcycle accident in India. I came from Israel to London to study an MA in Performance in Central Saint Martins. I have been an actor in Israel and directed a fashion show which was called “Disabled and sexy”, trying all the time to prove that disability is only one aspect of a human. I could not get any roles because no director is looking for a disabled actor. Only here, meeting Louise, I met an agent and an amazing person who believes and struggles to have disabled actors play any role and not just disabled clichés. That is amazing, because that is also the reality. Each person is different, with totally different paths, challenges and choice; we are not this one stereotype of a person with a disability. We can be athletes, pilots, mailmen, actors, high-tech, porn stars, moms… you name it. When I met Louise, I was amazed by her sincerity, strength and how humble she is. She raised all us actors on her own and is navigating in the big show business world with a cause. Even though I do not have a British accent, she already got me auditions for the BBC and commercials and she keeps on pushing! I believe in Louise and VisABLE People. I am sure she is going to start a change which will conquer the world. After all, disability is the latest trend. Big hugs to you Louise.

 

Emily Howlett

 

Emily Howlett

My first meeting with Louise basically set the standard for everything she has done for me since. She went out of her way to make the meeting easily accessible for me, and was hugely enthusiastic and positive about what we could achieve together. It is obvious how many hours and how hard Louise works, and I don’t think it’s possible to appreciate just how much she does, until you look at how many artists she single-handedly represents and the work that she finds for us. A massive thank you to Louise, and I believe that she has inspired many others to be more open-minded in casting disabled and deaf artists.

 

Norma Pearson

 

Norma Pearson

Meeting Louise changed my life. I had always enjoyed performing but when I lost my sight, I assumed all that kind of thing had to stop. Having Louise as my agent means that I have been able to work for an amazing range of companies including the BBC and be recognised as a capable professional. I am sure that disabled performers would not be making inroads if it hadn’t been for Louise’s tireless work over the years to make the business accessible to disabled people and her support for companies wanting to work with us. Thanks Louise!

 

Athena Stevens

 

Athena Stevens

Louise Dyson has established herself as an international leader in casting talented people who happen to have disabilities. When I was planning my move to the UK nearly a decade ago, it was her name that continuously came up as one of the people I had to connect with. Her ability to recall names, faces, and opportunities from yesterday to years before is astounding. Dyson is a revolutionary force in this industry and continues to be a much needed change in assuring more inclusive casting.

 

Arti Shah

 

Arti Shah

When I started out in this industry, I had contacted Louise who was very keen to sign me to her agency. She had arranged for me to meet with her, the next time she would be in London, which, not all agents do. Louise came across as warm and friendly and still does! I felt that my career would be in safe hands. Louise has always been so honest, which is so important. Her advice has been so helpful, so much so that she helped me to write my CV the best format possible, she continues to advise on roles and encourages me to pursue acting lessons. Louise is so professional and personable. I truly admire her passion to help disabled actors to become ‘VisABLE’ within the media industry. I hope she gets recognition for her passion. Thank you Louise for all you have done to help me.

 

Ian Colquhoun

 

Ian Colquhoun

I was put in touch with Louise at VisABLE after a chance meeting with a stage-show producer at the Edinburgh Festival. I met Louise a few weeks later and she saw something in my character and personality that other agents perhaps hadn’t. VisABLE got me auditions for some of the biggest TV productions in the UK , and though I wasn’t always successful with my auditions, her belief in me as an artist never faltered, and sure enough, in 2011, I got a small part in Downton Abbey, series two, which was the highlight of my acting career and one of the highlights of my life. That part also changed my life. Louise strengthened my confidence and always believed in me even when I didn’t. My disability wasn’t what interested her, unlike some other agents who are only interested in disabled actors for their disability, rather than as a complete package, in other words, to Louise, I was an actor who happened to have a disability, rather than a disabled guy who could be used an actor. Louise and VisABLE changed my life. Though my acting is now on hold for health reasons, I would always go back to VisABLE if and when I am well enough. I was treated with respect and encouragement, and Louise is a lovely person who cares deeply about the artists who she represents

 

Kevin Davids

 

Kevin Davids

The BBC first asked Louise if she would represent me in 2005. Since then, I have appeared in such great television programmes as ‘The Bill’, ‘Blue Murder’, ‘Lunch Monkeys’, ‘Inn Mates’, the fantastic “I’m with stupid” and now “Coronation Street”. Louise has worked tirelessly to set up and perfect VisABLE People from the offset, and I believe that she has now done so, although knowing Louise she will always think of more that needs to be done. She has been a champion for disabled performers, and through her dedication to such, we are being taken seriously, and considered more for roles that aren’t disabled specific. A great move forward for us all. I would like to say thanks to Louise, and hope that she continues to champion the disabled performer for a long time.

 

Anna Scutt

 

Anna Scutt

Louise has got me auditions and a job through Spotlight I wouldn’t have been eligible to apply for myself, but for me her biggest contribution has been her tireless campaigning to get us seen for any role we are able to play. The recent auditions at NT and RSC show people are finally taking notice.

 

Ryan Garrison

 

Ryan Garrison

I do think she is amazing and has given Ryan amazing experiences especially as he had a major surgery and his dream was to get on the TV fairly impossible I thought but he has been and also at the cinema in a film as well so what more can I say about this wonderful lady, it is not only Ryan’s life that she had made more exciting but ours as well thanks so much, Sara (Ryan’s mum).

 

Asa Marshall

 

Asa Marshall

I have been working with Louise and VisABLE since the age of 16. We eventually met at an Awards Ceremony in London, where I was receiving a film award. It was an absolute pleasure to meet Louise… she is an incredible woman, so down to earth, understanding, caring and extremely hard working – I don’t know how she juggles everything! I have been offered many interesting jobs by Louise which has really helped me with my confidence and self-esteem. I thoroughly love and enjoy being part of VisABLE, the agency provides incredible opportunities for disabled people, it definitely breaks down barriers and limitations which is inspiring to the public and to those who perhaps do not understand disability. Louise has been doing a fantastic job for many years and I am sure she still has a lot of success coming her way! Thank you Louise.

 

Ruben Carril

 

Ruben Carril

It is wonderful to work with Louise. What she does for the disabled community in the entertainment industry is amazing. VisABLE (and Louise) has given me the ability to get back to work in mainstream entertainment. Without her I would struggle to be seen or heard.

 

Bryan Ellis

 

Bryan Ellis

I have been part of the team at VisABLE now for nine years and in that time have found Louise to be a first class agent. Louise has found work for models, actors, presenters, etc. who are disabled, She is very kind and thoughtful and would go that extra mile to help you. Thank you Louise for all the work you have put me forward for in the past and in the future. Louise has given disabled people the chance to work and I think she should be put forward for a Queens Award.

 

Bert Newsome

 

Bert Newsome

I have been working as a Male Model for many years and got to know Louise when she had her Agency in Birmingham, during my early years in the industry Louise was the person who taught me so much on how to present myself and give the right impression in front of clients. Louise leads by example, when she contacts you regarding work you can be assured that all information regarding the booking is there in fine detail. She is not just a booking agent but a friend to all her models and staff, a person who you know if you have a problem is always there to help find a solution. Louise and VisABLE are the most professional agency I have ever worked for. Louise never believes in doing less than 100%. I feel proud and privileged to be part of her team.

 

Luke Hamill

 

Luke Hamill

I’ve enjoyed many years working with Louise, who has arranged castings for some enjoyable TV and film roles. She inspires me with her professionalism and passion for breaking down stereotypes in our industry. I look forward to many more years working with Louise.

 

Katy Nicholson

 

Katy Nicholson

Before becoming a part of VisABLE I could only have dreamed of being in a wheelchair dance group (rhinestone rollers) performing in front of an audience and showing everyone what we can achieve! With Louise’s continuous dedication, support and hard work! I can fulfill my goals and dreams, knowing I am doing exactly what I LOVE!

 

Owen Prince

 

Owen Prince

I think Louise has been fantastic I have been given opportunities for TV that I never thought I would have been given and she is easy to chat to and always gives great advice and I feel lucky to have Louise as my agent.

Simon Kent

 

Simon Kent

I have been very pleased with the work i have done through VisABLE People. Louise works hard for her clients and I received good advice on how to prepare for my castings one to one. I know that the team at VisABLE People will only put me up for work that i am 100% suitable for which gives me confidence when I am auditioning and in the agency I am working for.

 

Paul Houghton

 

Paul Houghton

I first contacted Louise over ten years ago. We spoke on the telephone for a considerable time, within the first minute I realised Louise was someone I wanted to work with. Her ethos is the same as mine, choice and control for disabled people by enablement. Louise is a strong believer in the Social Model of disability; all of her cliental are portrayed in a positive light. I have been represented in many forms working for Louise, from a Falklands war veteran to NHS user…I’ve acted as unemployed, acted as non-disabled only to reveal yes I do have a disability. Louise has given me a platform to project equal opportunity and rights for disabled people, her organisation is outstanding in the imagery or how disabled people are preserved and seen. Without Louise’s strong belief in inclusion of disability, the media of film and print would still be stereo typing and not including disability within their formats. Hats off to Louise, a woman who has made a difference.

Natalie Amber

 

Natalie Amber

Louise is an amazing lady who goes above and beyond her job. I have only been with Visable people for just under six months. But in that small amount of time she has shown me so much support and encouragement. She has such an understanding towards disability in the industry and the arts, and has dedicated so much time to fighting the cause for gaining a much needed equality that it puts to shame the ignorance and attitudes of a lot of other agents out there. When I first became dependant on a wheelchair I suddenly felt very isolated and pigeon holed by my disability. The first words my agent at the time told me was ” there will now be very little work I can put you up for, as I don’t get many breakdowns looking for a disabled characters, and there was no point trying to put me forward for anything else.” But I was determined that I was not going to be defined by my disability. However It proved very difficult not having the help and support from my agent. That’s why I feel so lucky to have been introduced to Louise. Not only does she constantly strive to get everyone on her books the best opportunities possible. She treats everyone as individuals and works round the clock to make sure every actor/ performer/ model has their needs met both during the audition and during the duration of the job. It is these qualities that make her an exceptional agent.

Byron Konizi

 

Byron Konizi

Acting has always been a keen interest of mine and a long term dream I enjoyed pursuing. However since I began suffering from my ill health I felt that my acting career was doomed as I could no longer meet the requirements and demands of the directors or casting crews. I was very sad and disheartened to be left feeling that I would no longer be able to act or be a part of a professional production. Louise Dyson changed all of that and provided me with a new dream and new hope. Louise has been unbelievably supportive and incredibly accommodating of me and my ill health, throughout the time she has represented me as an acting agent. She has helped me to continue acting continuously even through my days of unexpected severe trauma. Louise Dyson has stood by me when so many others in the acting profession have found that they could not, and due to the restraints of my ill health have sadly turned there back on me. Louise has earned my deepest respect and my friendship, due to her compassion and drive to give people like me, whose lives have taken an unexpected turn for the worst, a chance to continue to pursue their dreams and ambitions within acting. I don’t think there is an agent I could be happier with. I am so glad I met Louise she is an angel and is the silver lining to my storm cloud.

Diana Martin

 

Diana Martin

Louise Dyson represents deaf and disabled talent in a environment that can be quite hostile – she is one of a kind. It is often felt that as roles for Deaf people come a long once in a blue moon there is no real longevity in representing them. Louise has broken down this barrier and works tirelessly to enable deaf and disabled talent to secure them roles in a mainstream environment. VisABLE proves time and again that there is a variety of talent just waiting to be cast if everyone is willing to be open minded.

Nina Smith

 

Nina Smith

My name is Nina and I have Down’s syndrome. Through VisABLE I have been in one cinema film (Oxford Murders) as an extra and I was also an extra in ‘Silent Witness’. In the ITV series ‘Sold’ I had a small non- speaking part as ‘Dawn’. I have also attended auditions and interviews, which have been a good experience even when I didn’t get a part. The main impact for me being part of VisABLE has been all the different experiences in which I have grown in confidence. It has also been nice to tell people that ‘look, this is what I have done’ and feeling proud that I have achieved something special.

Cortez Nelson

 

Cortez Nelson

I would really like to show my gratitude and appreciation for all the support and guidance that Louise has given me, she has really taken her time and put so much effort into this, and has been a great help, given that she is always busy. She always finds the time to answer my calls and respond to all my emails in the fastest time possible, bearing in mind the large number of clients on her books. I am really thankful for getting this opportunity, because not many agency’s provide a service of this kind and quality. She really understands about disabilities and takes ever action possible for my best interest, and also if you get any job opportunity she will make sure that its suitable for your needs and that it caters for you as best as possible.

Helen Clyro

 

Helen Clyro

What sets Louise aside from others is her energy, focus and determination to show that the artists on her books are no different to any other actor, model or presenter. Until we are accepted more as part of the general makeup of performers on stage and screen, she’ll carry on tirelessly forwarding the lives and careers of all of us and so many more. She continuously puts us up for ‘non disabled’ roles, illustrating the point that anyone from a secretary to a scientist could have a disability, thus helping to promote exclusivity and dispel some preconceptions. I’m sure that audiences are more accepting than we sometimes give them credit for. Her integrity and professionalism is unprecedented, her caring for her artist’s well-being and future is unlimited – I’m just lucky to be one of them. There is a wealth of disabled talent out there, Louise knows it, and she believes in it – she believes in us (and we believe in her!).

Nana Twum-Danso

 

Nana Twum-Danso

Louise has been a great influence on me in terms of building my confidence to do things I might never have done otherwise. I admire her commitment to breaking down the barriers for disabled actors and models.

Jacqui Press

 

Jacqui Press

Since I was aged 7 years old I have always been involved in drama and having several training courses and qualifications under my belt. I knew that I had to be pro-active to be able to do what I love.. however having a disability it was not always easy to gain work within the mainstream market and really struggled to find jobs. However I came across Louise over 10 years ago and she gave me the confidence not to give up. Louise is always there for me if I ever need advice or guidance and we have a very consistent relationship where she always makes time for me. It is a very competitive industry and I do experience disappointments however I have managed to gain a variety of work through Louise from TV acting, Dramas, Commercials, Voice Overs, modelling and this has allowed me to showcase my skills. I have utmost respect and admiration for Louise.

Darren Swift

 

Darren Swift

Louise has been instrumental in furthering my career as an actor, I had been an extra/supporting artist for about 20 yrs and never really thought too much about being an ‘actor’ until 2011 when Louise called to ask me if I could attend an audition at the National Theatre on the South Bank, after some reluctance on my part and some persuasive encouragement from Louise I agreed that I’d give it a go. The audition was successful and I spent the next 7 months at the National on stage with Sir Anthony Sher and many other established and prolific actors. This experience was a pivotal point for me as I decided that acting was what I wanted move onto. Since then I have been cast in many more productions and continue to develop the skills and techniques needed as an actor. I am extremely grateful to Louise for those kind words of encouragement and her continuing support.

Rosie Blake

I was one of the finalists in 1994 Worked on some amazing jobs I may never have had the opportunity to undertake. To be part of something that helped change attitudes and perceptions of beauty was amazing. Louise has worked tirelessly for all of us. Thank you is too small a word!