Making Live Events Accessible: A Step Towards Inclusion for All

Last December, a spectacular concert by AR Rahman took place in Delhi. At first glance, it seemed that this event was accessible. Wheelchair users had premium seating options priced at Rs 6,000 and Rs 25,000. However, those who bought the cheaper tickets at Rs 1,000 found no wheelchair access. This situation highlights a critical issue: accessibility is often viewed as a luxury instead of a necessity.

In the same month, several other popular artists like Sunidhi Chauhan, AP Dhillon, and Papon performed in the city, but sadly, accessibility was still a significant concern. Even for those who tried, financial resources could not buy them the necessary access to these much-anticipated events.

The focus here is majorly on wheelchair users, but what about individuals with visual or hearing impairments? Their needs often go unnoticed. Why do we overlook the rights of these people to enjoy public spaces and events?

Countries like the United Kingdom have made meaningful progress toward inclusivity for those with disabilities. The Equality Act of 2010 ensures that accessibility is a legal requirement. Various organizations, from universities to event management companies, have created guidelines aimed at making events inclusive. This shift is the result of years of advocacy for disability rights in that nation.

The Challenge of Attitudinal Barriers

So, why are live events still not universally accessible in India, even after the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act came into effect nearly a decade ago? Unfortunately, the reality is that people with disabilities face indifference and prejudice. Popular culture often portrays these individuals in a humiliating light, showcasing difficulties in speaking or moving in a mocking manner. These stereotypes contribute to a negative mindset that influences how public spaces are planned and funded.

When society thinks of people with disabilities as belonging to “special” schools or isolated areas, it makes them invisible in daily life. This institutionalized neglect leads event organizers to overlook this group as a legitimate audience. If event planners don’t recognize people with disabilities as part of their audience, their specific needs are often ignored, resulting in their exclusion from cultural and social life.

Additionally, organizers often cite practical concerns such as potential backlash and resource allocation for making venues accessible. However, these arguments lose their weight when accessibility is factored in from the planning stage; it doesn’t significantly increase costs.

Another common excuse is the dubious claim that accessible venues yield poor returns due to low attendance from those with disabilities. It’s essential to realize that if locations are not accessible, they won’t attract attendees. This creates a cycle: without access, there will be fewer attendees, which in turn prevents the provision of access.

Positive Developments in Accessibility

It’s not all doom and gloom. The Serendipity Arts Festival held in Goa recently stands out as an excellent example of how to make events accessible. The festival was not only wheelchair-friendly but also included tactile installations, Braille texts, audio descriptions, and visual cues to cater to deaf and blind audiences.

Internationally, Coldplay’s 2025 concert is making waves for its innovative approach, offering vibration jackets that allow deaf attendees to feel the beats and rhythm of the music. This band has taken significant steps to ensure the inclusivity of their events, making a real difference for people with different needs.

The India Art Fair also deserves applause for its initiatives, such as tactile and Braille artworks, sign language interpretation, and quiet rooms for those with cognitive disabilities who may need a break from sensory overload.

Why Accessibility Matters

Ultimately, ensuring that live events are accessible is about intention and understanding. Persons with disabilities are not a niche market; they are equal citizens just like everyone else, deserving of the same access to culture, leisure, and social life. Investing in accessibility benefits everyone—brands gain customer loyalty and goodwill, while people with disabilities can engage in activities with dignity.

While having a law mandating accessibility is important, it loses its value without a genuine effort to include people with disabilities in public discussion. Although India has robust legislation in place, its implementation often falls short, especially during events. Most Indian musicians have yet to make a concrete commitment toward accessibility.

Siddhant Shah, the founder of Access for ALL, sums it up well: “Accessibility should not be seen as a virtue. It should become a habit, integrated into our daily life,” rather than something done for appearance’s sake.

Years after gaining independence, the conversation surrounding disability has often revolved around jobs and pensions. Yet, persons with disabilities are fully rounded individuals with a range of needs and desires. It’s high time we regard them as such.

More importantly, we must remember that everyone has the potential to become temporarily disabled—accidents and illnesses can affect us all. Designing events and spaces with this in mind leads to universal access, benefiting everyone.

Let’s work together to create a world where everyone, regardless of their abilities, can enjoy life fully.

AccessibilityForAll #InclusionMatters #DisabilityRights #LiveEvents #CulturalInclusivity #EqualAccess #Empowerment #UniversalDesign

Original Text – https://scroll.in/article/1090010/why-making-live-events-accessible-for-people-with-disabilities-makes-sense-for-everyone?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=public