Written by Natalie South-Law

Navigating live events as a disabled person can be challenging. Being able to advocate for your access requirements can help to make sure the event is as enjoyable and comfortable as possible.

This guide is designed to help you through some steps to effectively advocate for your access at events.

Be confident in your access requirements.

You know them best! If you are about to attend your first event, it may be challenging to know what access requirements you may need to attend a live event comfortably.

Some examples could include:

• Access to viewing platform/viewing area: A viewing platform is designed for wheelchair users, or people who may need a seat to watch the show. It is raised to give a clear line of sight to the stage. Smaller venues may have a viewing area which is a space on ground level for wheelchair users, or people who may need a seat. Viewing areas are also helpful for people who may not be comfortable in crowds but can stand.
• Essential companion: Disabled people are entitled to bring an essential companion with them at no extra cost. The role of an essential companion could include supporting you through crowds and around the venue, helping you to find your seat, and carrying food and drink.
• Early entry: Venues allow early entry into the event to help you avoid crowds and comfortably find a space to position yourself at the event.
• Step-free access: Although this may seem obvious, some venues may use an alternative entrance as their step free entrance. It’s always worth mentioning if you require step free access so this can be organised.

This is not an exhaustive list, but just to give an example of what you can reasonably request at a live event. It might be helpful to make a list of your access requirements. The clearer you are about your requirements, the easier it will be to communicate them to the event organiser.

Research the venue’s access information in advance.

If the information is not clear, don’t be afraid to ask questions.

Before attending an event, look at the venue’s website for details on accessibility. If the website is missing information, or there is anything you aren’t sure about, reach out directly to the venue.

Ask specific questions relating to your access requirements and make notes if you need to.

Communicate your access requirements as early as possible or ask someone to support you in doing so.

Once you’ve identified your requirements and researched the venue, the next step is to communicate with venue management as early as possible. The sooner you make your needs known, the more time the venue has to make necessary arrangements for your visit.

When reaching out to the venue, their website should have an email address to contact the access lead. Typically, you would send an email stating what show you are attending, and what access requirements you need.

Websites should state how long a reply should take, but make sure to follow up if you don’t receive a response within the timeframe. Persistence is often necessary, as organisers might be juggling many different aspects of the event.

Assert your needs during the event.

During the event, be ready to assert your needs if your access requirements aren’t being met or have someone there to support you to do so.

A few tips to help you:

• Stay calm and assertive: If you encounter barriers, approach staff politely but firmly. Explain your situation and what you need.
• Seek allies: Look for staff members who seem particularly helpful or who have been designated to assist with accessibility. They can often become strong allies in ensuring your needs are met.
• Record issues: If you encounter significant barriers, document them with photos or written notes. This can be useful for addressing the issue later.
• Know who to contact: Identify the event’s contact for accessibility issues. This is usually the venue management.

Some additional but optional ways you can advocate for your access:

Provide feedback after the event.

Providing feedback after the event is crucial, to ensure any concerns are addressed and to help improve accessibility for future events. Constructive feedback can be powerful in creating change, especially when it comes from experience.

• Send a follow-up email: After the event, send an email to the venue sharing what worked well and what didn’t. Be specific about any challenges you faced and offer suggestions for improvement, if you feel comfortable to do so.
• Acknowledge positive experiences: If an event was particularly accommodating, make sure to highlight this in your feedback. Positive reinforcement can encourage venues to maintain or even improve their accessibility efforts.

Advocate for long-term change.

Consider how you can contribute to long-term change beyond a single event. By advocating for your accessibility, you can help create a more inclusive environment for all disabled people.

•  Engage with venues: Your insights as a person with access needs are invaluable. Collaborating with venues on accessibility can be powerful. (You could signpost to Attitude is Everything for support!)
• Join advocacy groups: Becoming active in disability advocacy groups can help to push for broader change and connect you with others with shared goals.
• Educate others: Share your experiences and knowledge with other disabled people and allies.

Advocating for your access as a disabled person at events is not always easy, but it is essential for ensuring your full enjoyment. By knowing your rights, clearly communicating your needs, and being prepared to assert them, you can navigate events with confidence.

Remember, your advocacy not only benefits you but also contributes to a more inclusive and accessible world for everyone.