“I gig in my wheelchair every week,” says Jamil, a 31-year-old who was born with cerebral palsy and calls himself an avid music fan. Jamil, who travels with a support worker to concerts, says that if he really puts time and effort into planning around a gig, “most of the time he can go” but it takes a lot of work.
Research by UK charity, Attitude is Everything, has been vital in highlighting the issue around the purchasing power of the community. Able to demonstrate that more than 3 million people living with disabilities went to a live music event in the past year and music fans with disabilities make up 11% of the live music audience, they finally got some action that has reduced the complicated and expensive ticketing process which can double the cost if the venue doesn’t provide a free companion ticket.
Jamil’s wish list: A well-positioned, accessible viewing platform, straight- forward labeling of accessible seats during the online ticket purchasing process and big enough loos at the venue. For others the game changer is elimination of the aggravating need to provide evidence of a disability, safe and easy entrances and exits along with knowing the range of a hearing loop before buying a ticket.
Source: BBC. Read the full article.
