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Attitude Is Everything launches accessible reopening checklist for venues and festivals
By Andy Malt | Published on Friday 11 June 2021
As we edge ever closer to the return of live music, accessibility charity Attitude Is Everything has published a ten point plan to ensure that deaf, disabled and neurodivergent music fans are able to access the gigs and festivals that they want to attend.
“The ten point Accessible Reopening Checklist is designed to help any venue or event get ready to welcome back deaf and disabled people”, says AIE founder Suzanne Bull.
“It’s free and easy to use, so there’s no reason for promoters, venue managers and event organisers not to embrace and implement this checklist. Deaf and disabled people are artists, employees, volunteers and fans, and they’re looking forward to returning to an inclusive world of sports, arts and culture. You’d better get ready!”
In which case, we’d better have a look at this plan. The ten things that venues and promoters need to commit to are as follows…
1. We agree that every person has the right to assess their own level of risk.
2. People can find facts on our website about accessibility and COVID safety to make informed decisions.
3. If we have tickets on sale, deaf, disabled and neurodivergent people can arrange the access they need.
4. No one is advised against visiting our event or venue.
5. No one will be challenged about their ‘risk status’ at our entrance due to a perceived ‘vulnerability’.
6. Attendees are not expected to bring a doctor’s note if unable to wear a mask.
7. Our COVID safety measures are accessible for everyone.
8. Our street furniture does not obstruct accessible parking or access routes for attendees or pedestrians.
9. Our staff have been trained in disability awareness and understand our access provision and COVID-safety measures.
10. We are committed to listening to deaf, disabled and neurodivergent people and engaging with any new audiences gained online during lockdown.
Commenting on the checklist, Chair of the Diversity & Inclusion Group at live industry trade body LIVE, Jane Beese, says: “When live music returns, it’s imperative that all audiences are able to head back into venues as quickly and safely as possible. This checklist is a great reminder of the needs of deaf, disabled and neurodivergent people”.
Meanwhile Beverley Whitrick, Strategic Director at the Music Venue Trust, adds: “Music Venue Trust is pleased to see that Attitude Is Everything continues to provide guidance and awareness raising about access issues that are practical but also acknowledge that not everyone might have this in place. The Accessible Reopening Checklist helps identify areas that might need further work so we will be sharing this within our grassroots music venue community”.
You can find further resources for accessible reopening here.
