All aspects of the concert-going experience, from purchasing a ticket to attending the show, can be difficult for a disabled guest. During my time in RespectAbility’s National Leadership Program, through extensive research and open conversations with organizations and venues, I have learned it is possible to have a well-rounded concert experience as a disabled guest with the right accommodations in place.
The Challenges
In the past, I have been a verified fan through Ticketmaster, which qualified me for presale. However, wheelchair-accessible seats were not available on Ticketmaster at the time. This required me to contact the venue directly to purchase the seats, but the venue was not offering the seats until general on-sale. This created a barrier in the process since it did not allow me to utilize my presale status. I have also had barriers when trying to purchase my companion tickets in the same section as me. The Americans with Disabilities Act states up to three companion seats may be purchased, and that these seats must be near the accessible seats. But most venues only allow one companion to be purchased with a wheelchair seat. This can be limiting to the disabled patron when traveling with family and friends, and it is frustrating because non-disabled customers can experience the concert with as many friends as they’d like.
Collin McSpirit is an amputee and a huge fan of the jam band Goose. He spoke with me about how he bought a ticket to the ADA section at a recent show, but once the band came on stage, everyone stood up and he could no longer see. The staff switched his seat to the front. Collin said, “I am thankful for the people who switched seats with me, but my night was ruined, and I couldn’t take it, so I left early.” Collin’s Facebook group, called So Ready For ADA, is full of people sharing stories like this one. Collin has experienced some struggles attending concerts as a disabled patron and is passionate about making spaces more accessible for all.
What Venues and Organizations Are Doing
Accessibility protocols vary from venue to venue. However, extensive accessibility measures should be universally implemented and exercised in each venue.
After a meeting with Madison Square Garden, we gained insight into innovative accessibility protocols. One main component of a successful set of accessibility protocols is having an accessibility department. Madison Square Garden offers different seating for each accommodation. They sell their ADA tickets through the disability office instead of Ticketmaster’s website. They use Ticketmaster, however, they do not have a service fee for disabled guests. This allows disabled guests to have an easier experience when purchasing tickets. Most venues only allow one companion for each accessible ticket, but Madison Square Garden allows up to three companions. Madison Square Garden also offers a sensory room, ASL interpreters, and a Subpack vest for Deaf guests to use during shows.
Barclay Center is currently revamping their accessibility protocols to make it a better experience for guests. They take feedback from their community members very seriously. They have just hired an ADA consultant team that meets bi-yearly to update and improve accessibility technology. The goal of the updated accessibility features is “to make the venue feel like a home to all community members,” said Freddrick Richardson, Director of Guest Services.
Shine Music Festival is a universally designed music festival created by Shawn Satterfield. This music festival was created to empower inclusion and accessibility through music. Shine Music offers a transformative live music experience, comprehensive accessibility measures, and adaptive technology creating a truly universal environment. “At Shine Music, we believed there was a better way. We created unique spaces that allow everyone the opportunity to find a place that works best for them, ensuring an inclusive and united experience for all,” Satterfield said.
What’s Next
The general standard in the entertainment industry is inaccessibility, which must be changed. These three organizations are all different but have one thing in common, which is their commitment to making the concert-going experience accessible for disabled guests. I have met with all these individuals and organizations to gain a better understanding of what progress has been made in the industry and what still needs to come. Disabled guests can have an incredible experience at concerts with the right accommodations. These connections have also proved that venues can put accessibility as a top priority, it just needs to be considered when coordinating these events instead of being an afterthought.
My goal is to create an accessibility guide for venues to go off as a rule of thumb, because advanced accessibility protocols should be implemented in every venue. The disabled population is the largest minority group in the world but is often not considered. We deserve to experience live music just like anyone else.
RespectAbility works with all different kinds of organizations and institutions to demystify accessibility and make it a reality for many who feel that they could not possibly begin to make accommodations for people with disabilities. We encourage all venues, festivals, and entertainment spaces to consider reaching out to us to have a conversation about making your space more accessible, comfortable, and fun for people with all different kinds of disabilities. Together, we can remove the barriers that people with disabilities face in enjoying musical acts in community with other fans.
Chanel Keenan contributed to this piece.
