Attitude is Everything publishes a 10-point “live music checklist” to help ensure Deaf, disabled and neurodivergent fans are made welcome when full-capacity events resume

11 June 2021 - Press release

Created by the cross-sector Audience Access Alliance, the initiative is designed to apply to any kind of venue or event and has been widely endorsed throughout the music industry 

 

With full-scale events anticipated to resume in coming weeks, Attitude is Everything is today urging the UK’s music and event industries to adopt a new 10-point checklist as part of their reopening plans - ensuring Deaf, disabled and neurodivergent fans are continued to be made welcome at gigs and festivals.

The checklist is an initiative from the Audience Access Alliance, acoalition of 13 disability and accessibility organisations and networks all united in working to remove barriers for cross-sector audiences across the UK, and is being replicated across the cultural, entertainment and sports sectors.

Designed to apply to any venue or event - from football matches and outdoor festivals to heritage sites, music venues, tourist attractions and theatres - it enshrines the key understandings and policies required for reopening to be fully accessible for Deaf, disabled and neurodivergent people, many of whom are desperate to start attending shows again. 

 

Suzanne Bull MBE, Founder, Attitude is Everything, said:
“The 10-point Accessible Reopening Checklist is designed to help any venue or event get ready to welcome back Deaf and disabled people. 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!”

 

The full Accessible Reopening Checklist runs as follows: 

Any venue or event reopening to the public should be able to say “yes” to these things:

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.

Attitude is Everything is delighted that the checklist has already been widely endorsed and welcomed across the live music and events sector.

 

UK Music Chief Executive Jamie Njoku-Goodwin said:
“This checklist from Attitude is Everything and the Audience Access Alliance is an excellent initiative and will help make music events as inclusive as possible.
“The music industry has been working hard during the periods of lockdown to develop new protocols to make venues safer than ever.
“We would encourage everyone to look at the checklist, which will be an invaluable tool in ensuring venues and event spaces are fully accessible for Deaf and disabled fans.”

Jane Beese, Head of Music, Manchester International Festival, and Chair of the LIVE Equality, Diversity & Inclusion group:
"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." 

Sybil Bell, Founder, Independent Venue Week:
“This brilliant initiative from the Audience Access Alliance is so important and timely. With events planning well underway and venues and promoters gearing up to open their doors again, these steps will help ensure consideration around open access for audiences across the country. And because it’s designed for events of any scale at venues of any size, it means there is real opportunity for deaf, disabled and neurodivergent people to have access to arts and culture across the board. We fully support the checklist and encourage others in the music and event’s industry to do the same.” 

Beverley Whitrick, Strategic Director, Music Venue Trust:
“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.” 

David Martin, Chief Executive Officer, Featured Artists Coalition:
"The music world is renowned for leading in so many ways.  As we build back from one of the most challenging periods in a generation, it is time once again to lead, by celebrating the diversity that makes us what we are and striving for a truly inclusive music industry. That's why we urge all of those across our sector to ensure that they adhere to the Audience Access Alliance's 10-point checklist, as we start to return to live events."  

Annabella Coldrick, CEO, Music Managers Forum:
"The MMF warmly welcomes this easy to use checklist from Attitude is Everything and the Audience Access Alliance. Everyone should be able to enjoy live music and, as we prepare for the end of lockdown, it's vital that the entire industry understands the importance of being inclusive and welcoming to all disabled people." 

 

The checklist follows recently published guidance from Attitude is Everything on venue reopening and accessible employment. 

Additional reopening and good practice resources from Audience Access Alliance members can be foundhere.