Performing arts and people with disabilities
Performance venues have responsibilities under the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) to make 'reasonable adjustments' for people with disabilities.
Reasonable adjustments
Performing arts venues are required by the DDA to make reasonable adjustments to make their premises accessible. For example, venues may have to make the following adjustments:
- allow support or assistance dogs
- install accessible toilets, seating facilities and ramps
- provide alternative entrances for wheelchair users
- ensure acceptable physical access to an auditorium
- provide an induction loop for a hearing-impaired theatre-goer
- Access to everyday services
Some older venues may be restricted in what they can do, especially if they have listed building status. Also, smaller venues would not necessarily be expected to make the same level and types of adjustments as larger venues.
Facilities vary from venue to venue, with some performances specifically for people with disabilities. It may be that companions or carers are offered a reduced rate or free admission, but this may be only for specific performances.
Seating arrangements for wheelchair users
There is likely to be a limit to the amount of wheelchair spaces in an auditorium. Sometimes venues ask that a non-disabled companion accompanies wheelchair users, with the possibility of a discounted or free ticket. You should contact the venue in advance to check their facilities and the arrangements they have in place for wheelchair users.
Support and assistance dogs
If you have an assistance or support dog, you should contact the venue in advance so that they can allocate the most appropriate seating for you. Occasionally, assistance dogs are not allowed in auditoriums but your dog should be looked after in a suitable place during the performance.
You may wish to arrange for a staff member to take you to your seat, or organise return transport home. It is important to discuss all your requirements at the booking stage to ensure the venue can assist you in the best possible way.
Signed and captioned performances
Many theatres and other venues offer performances that are sign language-interpreted or captioned - you can find details of these in their published programmes. Information should also be available on their websites and alternative-format publicity material, or through booking staff, brochures or recorded phone messages.
Some venues provide textphone - the process for this should be detailed in their booking procedures.
Induction loops
Many venues have induction loops - infrared, induction or both. An induction loop is a system that helps you hear more clearly by reducing background noise. They can also be set up with a microphone to help hearing aid users hear performances easily. Some venues, such as larger concert halls, have amplified sound and/or headsets to issue on request.
Audio description
Many theatres and other venues offer performances in audio description. This is a service where the action, scene changes and the actors' or performers' body language is described in addition to the dialogue, and where you listen to live commentary through a headset.
Make sure that you request this service when making your booking. Venues will be able to let you know when they run performances with audio description via their booking staff, website, brochures or recorded phone message.
Information in alternative formats
Many large venues offer information to blind or visually impaired customers in alternative formats - such as large print programmes. At some venues description notes are available before the performance begins to 'set the scene'. These may be available on audiotape, in Braille and large print.
Some venues may provide other information in Braille, for example the layout of the venue or its bar menus. A venue might also provide Braille signage or textured flooring around its building to guide users.
Information from venues
As well as contacting a venue directly, there are other ways to find out more information about facilities and supported performances. Most venues have websites with specific information for customers with disabilities, and seating plans are normally available.
Many of them are listed in the 'useful links' section on the Northern Ireland Arts Council website:
Adapt NI works with venues throughout Northern Ireland to ensure that accessibility for all is achieved. You can find out more about accessibility by visiting the Adapt NI website.
Getting involved
The performing arts cover a wide range of activities for people of all abilities. There are many ways for you to get involved - whether as a participant or as a member of the audience.
Throughout Northern Ireland, there are many arts organisations that work with people with disabilities. These include:
- Open Arts
- Streetwise Community Circus Workshops
- Stage Beyond
- Grand Opera House
- Northern Ireland Theatre Association
- Arts and Disability Forum
Organisations like these work in a variety of ways so that everyone can get involved in the performing arts, including:
- education and outreach programmes
- community development
- workshops
- projects that showcase drama, dance and music
- annual programming of UK-wide touring theatre, music or dance companies
The majority of arts organisations operate a programme of year-round activities. Depending on your location and interests there are opportunities to get involved in the creation, development, production and direction of performances. Or, you might just want to go along to watch. You can find out more by visiting the Arts Council of Northern Ireland website.
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