Accessible Arts / arts + disability NSW

Performing Arts Venues Access Pack

Accessible Arts works in partnership with performing arts venues to improve access for audience members with disabilities and for disability content to be included in Performing Arts programs. Information, support and training to improve access to theatre, music, dance and performance venues is available.

News

Critical Stages 2010

A partnership between Accessible Arts and Critical Stages commenced in June 2010 to support the regional tour of A Day in The Death of Joe Egg by Peter Nichols.

Improving access to venues

Use the following resources to evaluate, improve and communicate how accessible your venue or program is:

• To evaluate access at your venue, an access audit can be undertaken by a professional access auditor. Complete a preliminary evaluation of access using the venue access audit checklist.

• To improve access for people with sensory disabilities, budget for and deliver access technologies including audio description, captioning, and hearing loops.

• To create or improve accessible seating and ticketing practices download the ticketing and seating info sheet.

• Communicate access in venues and on promotional material by using the universal access symbols.

Marketing to the disability sector

Target marketing strategies to reach people with disability by producing accessible promotional material:

• To present marketing material effectively to the disability community download the marketing to the disability community info sheet.

• To gain awareness and inform designers about accessible printing practices download the print and publication info sheet.

• To engage audiences with disability through targeted publicity download the disability media info sheet.

• To promote events to the disability sector and connect with regional disability networks contact ADHC Regional Offices and the regional offices of The Spastic Centre. National Disability Services (NDS), the Australian peak body for non-government disability services, has State and Territory Offices plus free online listings.

Training performing arts venue staff

Attitudinal barriers impact the quality of access in venues and at events. Ensure people with disability receive good customer service, accurate access information and appropriate assistance with their access requirements.

• To inform staff about a range of disabilities download and distribute the disability awareness info sheet.

• Provide Disability Awareness & Access training to front of house staff, box office staff, arts administrators, volunteers and managers. Accessible Arts offers customised, accredited and non-accredited training in Disability Awareness & Access.

Anti-discrimination legislation compliance for venues

The NSW Companion Card allows people with a significant and permanent disability to participate in community activities and events without discrimination, by providing free access for their carers to venues and events. The Companion Card is presented when booking or purchasing a ticket and the participating venue or service will issue the cardholder with a second ticket for their companion at no charge.

• Become an affiliate of the Companion Card and promote that your venue accepts the Companion Card.