I have recently found myself reading a number of bizarre 'accessibility statements' for venues. Perhaps it is coincidence, or perhaps it points to more places feeling that they need to tick a box on disability access.
"Ah ha." I hear you say. "Can I hear the call of the Jaded Cynic?"
Quite possibly, but the reason I suggest there is a whiff of tokenism will be apparent...
First up:
"We regret that the building is accessible by stairs only. We have created links with other arts organisations that are fully accessible so that projects available at Chisenhale Dance Space can take place in other venues. Please contact us if you have specific access requirements."
The implication here seems to be that if I want to take part of watch one of their projects, they will move the whole thing to another venue. Maybe it's like a Cliff Richard movie.
"Hey everyone, why don't we just put the show on right here?"
cue jaunty music over jump-cuts of venue renovation.
If that is the case, then I think they should get whatever the highest accolade is for a disability access policy. On the other hand, that might not be what they mean at all, and that's the point. What are they saying? And if it's that vague, then why bother saying it at all?
Secondly:
"The Luminaire welcomes everyone and our aim is to make your visit as comfortable and enjoyable as possible, whether you're here to see a band, or play in one. We are a first floor venue and whilst we would like to provide easy access for all, there may be accessibility problems for those with restricted mobility. Entry is via a stairway [with two turns]. The venue itself, however, is on one level, though our toilets have not been adapted to be wheelchair accessible. If you have a disability and want to visit us for a gig, drop us an e-mail well in advance and we'll do everything we can to help."
They welcome everyone, providing they can cope with stairs and don't need a disabled toilet. But, hey, even though you might not be able to get up the stairs, the venue is all on one level. One level at the top of a whole flight of little levels, and with two turns along the way.
Ok, they are showing willing. But why use phrases like 'easy access for all' if they can't provide it. I'm sure they would like to provide it. I would like to be able to levitate (it would make stairs easier). I would really like to assemble a farm full of miniature animals. But it doesn't mean I can or will do these things (I will do the farm idea, one day).
As with many other wheelchair users, I don't expect every venue to be accessible to me. Yes I expect reasonable adjustments to be made (in accordance with the Disability Discrimination Act). To do so makes good business sense anyway.
But when a venue cannot reasonably be made accessible for everyone, then that's fine. I many be a little disappointed, but them's the breaks. If they make it clear what the situation is then I have no problem.
But what annoys me is when a venue makes vague or contradictory statements claiming commitment to access for all. Just tell me what the situation is so that I can make an informed decision. If you don't then I end up doing things like this:
"Ah ha." I hear you say. "Can I hear the call of the Jaded Cynic?"
Quite possibly, but the reason I suggest there is a whiff of tokenism will be apparent...
First up:
"We regret that the building is accessible by stairs only. We have created links with other arts organisations that are fully accessible so that projects available at Chisenhale Dance Space can take place in other venues. Please contact us if you have specific access requirements."
The implication here seems to be that if I want to take part of watch one of their projects, they will move the whole thing to another venue. Maybe it's like a Cliff Richard movie.
"Hey everyone, why don't we just put the show on right here?"
cue jaunty music over jump-cuts of venue renovation.
If that is the case, then I think they should get whatever the highest accolade is for a disability access policy. On the other hand, that might not be what they mean at all, and that's the point. What are they saying? And if it's that vague, then why bother saying it at all?
Secondly:
"The Luminaire welcomes everyone and our aim is to make your visit as comfortable and enjoyable as possible, whether you're here to see a band, or play in one. We are a first floor venue and whilst we would like to provide easy access for all, there may be accessibility problems for those with restricted mobility. Entry is via a stairway [with two turns]. The venue itself, however, is on one level, though our toilets have not been adapted to be wheelchair accessible. If you have a disability and want to visit us for a gig, drop us an e-mail well in advance and we'll do everything we can to help."
They welcome everyone, providing they can cope with stairs and don't need a disabled toilet. But, hey, even though you might not be able to get up the stairs, the venue is all on one level. One level at the top of a whole flight of little levels, and with two turns along the way.
Ok, they are showing willing. But why use phrases like 'easy access for all' if they can't provide it. I'm sure they would like to provide it. I would like to be able to levitate (it would make stairs easier). I would really like to assemble a farm full of miniature animals. But it doesn't mean I can or will do these things (I will do the farm idea, one day).
As with many other wheelchair users, I don't expect every venue to be accessible to me. Yes I expect reasonable adjustments to be made (in accordance with the Disability Discrimination Act). To do so makes good business sense anyway.
But when a venue cannot reasonably be made accessible for everyone, then that's fine. I many be a little disappointed, but them's the breaks. If they make it clear what the situation is then I have no problem.
But what annoys me is when a venue makes vague or contradictory statements claiming commitment to access for all. Just tell me what the situation is so that I can make an informed decision. If you don't then I end up doing things like this:
The steps in this picture are at the otherwise wonderful Butterfly World Project.
I would encourage everyone to visit Butterfly World. The butterflies are stunning, the facilities are excellent, the landscaping innovative and beautiful, and the aims and principals behind the project are to be applauded. One teensy criticism: The map doesn't make it very clear where there are steps. On this occasion, it would be possible for them to construct a step-free switchback path to cope with the level change, but I don't mind that they have steps (especially as the majority of the site is wheelchair accessible). It would be nice if they put them on the map, though.
I would encourage everyone to visit Butterfly World. The butterflies are stunning, the facilities are excellent, the landscaping innovative and beautiful, and the aims and principals behind the project are to be applauded. One teensy criticism: The map doesn't make it very clear where there are steps. On this occasion, it would be possible for them to construct a step-free switchback path to cope with the level change, but I don't mind that they have steps (especially as the majority of the site is wheelchair accessible). It would be nice if they put them on the map, though.
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