The Magic of Mixmups

Mixmups is the brand new pre-school TV series, designed to introduce disability and diversity from an early age.

The stop-motion series was created by Norfolk-based deafblind writer and Executive Producer Rebecca Atkinson and is showing on Milkshake on Channel 5. Rebecca said: “In Mixmups I wanted to create a playful brand which would appeal to all children’s love of magic and mixing things up, but which also showcased characters with disabilities in a positive and authentic way.” Mixmups shows accessibility and diversity as the norm. The three main characters not only represent disability but also different personalities, teaching children that everyone is different. Characters include ‘Pockets’ the bear who is neat and tidy, partially sighted and has a cane and a guide dog called Yapette. ‘Spin’ is not disabled and is highly energetic, and Giggles uses a wheelchair. They live in a highly inclusive town, complete with accessible swings, lifts and automatic doors.

As well as representing disability, Rebecca was keen to make the series fully accessible to children who have sight and/or hearing loss. Therefore, all 52 episodes of Mixmups are audio-described and available with British Sign Language. There is also a fully audio-described character introduction available on YouTube. The colours are high contrast and there is low visual clutter, making it easier to follow.

Mixmups is inclusive behind the scenes too. As well as being the brainchild of a deafblind writer and Executive Producer, the show was developed with support from Positive Eye and former Teletubbies Play Consultant and parent to a VI child, Karen Newell. The Lucky Loover Bird character is voiced by Gillian Dean who is severely sight impaired, and the audio description is read by Fern Lulham, a voice artist who is also visually Mixmups impaired.

Ways to watch…

You can find all Episodes with audio description and BSL – Channel5.com
Watch full audio described intro to characters and world – YouTube ‘Mixmups All About Us’

Follow –

Facebook.com/mixmups
X @mixmups
Instagram @mixmups_official

For support with using the accessibility features on your smart TV or any other device, contact our helpline on 0800 132 320 or email [email protected].