Why Accessibility Matters
An accessible event is one that everyone can attend, regardless of disability. This is not just a legal requirement under the Equality Act 2010 — it is good business. Around 14 million people in the UK have a disability, and when they cannot attend your event, you are missing out on both revenue and community.
Making Ticketing Accessible
- Clear event information — list accessibility features on your event page
- Companion tickets — offer free or discounted tickets for personal assistants
- Seating options — designate wheelchair-accessible spaces
- Communication — provide a contact method for accessibility queries
- Digital tickets — QR code tickets work on any smartphone with screen readers
At the Venue
Ensure your venue has level access or ramps, accessible toilets, and clear signage. Brief your door staff on accessibility procedures. Consider providing a quiet space for attendees with sensory sensitivities. Small changes make a huge difference to the experience of disabled fans.
Legal Requirements
The Equality Act 2010 requires event organisers to make reasonable adjustments to ensure disabled people can access their events. This applies to all events open to the public, regardless of size. Failure to make reasonable adjustments is unlawful discrimination.
Practical Accessibility Measures
- Venue access: Choose venues with level access, lifts, and accessible toilets. If your regular venue has access issues, consider what adjustments can be made — portable ramps, relocated entrances, or alternative seating arrangements.
- Companion tickets: Create a free "Personal Assistant" or "Carer" ticket type for people who need a companion. This is standard practice and should be prominently offered on your event page.
- Communication: Include accessibility information on your event page: wheelchair access details, hearing loop availability, quiet areas, and contact information for access queries.
- Ticket options: Offer accessible seating options as a specific ticket type if your venue has designated wheelchair spaces or accessible viewing areas.
- Sensory considerations: For events with loud music or flashing lights, warn attendees on the event page. Consider offering a quiet area or sensory pack (ear defenders, fidget tools) for neurodiverse attendees.
Digital Accessibility
Your event page and ticketing process should be accessible to people using screen readers, keyboard navigation, and other assistive technologies. Tickts event pages are built with web accessibility standards (WCAG) in mind, ensuring the purchase flow works with assistive technology.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to make every venue fully accessible?
The law requires "reasonable adjustments" — not perfection. If your venue has steps and no lift, you are not required to install a lift, but you should consider alternatives: relocating to an accessible space, providing a ramp, or offering alternative arrangements for wheelchair users.
How do I know what adjustments to make?
Ask. Include a question in your booking process: "Do you have any access requirements?" This simple step lets you know what adjustments are needed and shows attendees that you care about their experience.
Accessibility Beyond the Venue
Accessible events start with accessible information. Your event page should be clear, well-structured, and compatible with screen readers. Use descriptive headings, avoid relying on colour alone to convey information, and provide alt text for all images.
Consider the full journey: How do attendees get to your venue? Is there accessible parking close to the entrance? Are there dropped kerbs on the route from public transport? Is signage clear and well-lit? Accessibility is about the complete experience, not just the venue itself.
Train your staff and volunteers on disability awareness. A brief 15-minute training session before the event covers the basics: ask before helping, do not make assumptions about someone needs, speak directly to the person (not their companion), and be patient and flexible.
After each event, ask for feedback specifically about accessibility. What worked? What could be improved? The most valuable insights come from people who experience your event with a disability. Act on their feedback to make each event more inclusive than the last.
