Inclusive Ticketing
Disability sport events — from wheelchair basketball to sitting volleyball, para athletics to blind cricket — need ticketing that is fully accessible. This means accessible event pages, flexible ticket types for participants and companions, and clear venue accessibility information.
Best Practices
- List all venue accessibility features on the event page
- Offer free companion tickets for personal assistants
- Provide multiple booking methods (online, phone, email)
- Include BSL or easy-read event information where possible
- Ensure your QR tickets work with screen readers
Tips
When creating events on Tickts, use the event description to detail every accessibility feature. Include parking information, nearest accessible transport, and a contact for accessibility queries. Consider pricing carefully — many disability sport attendees are on limited incomes, so keep tickets affordable or free.
Accessible Ticketing Principles
Disability sport events need ticketing that is as accessible as the sport itself. This means event pages that work with screen readers, clear information about venue accessibility, and ticket options that cater for participants and spectators with different needs.
Key Considerations
- Companion tickets: Create a free "Personal Assistant / Carer" ticket type for attendees who need a companion. This is standard practice and should be clearly offered on the event page.
- Accessible seating: If your venue has designated accessible seating areas, make these available as a specific ticket type with clear information about what is provided (wheelchair space, companion seat, proximity to facilities).
- Information provision: Your event page should include detailed accessibility information: wheelchair access, accessible toilets, hearing loops, quiet spaces, and any assistance available on the day.
- Communication: Offer multiple ways for attendees to communicate accessibility needs — email, phone, and a notes field during booking.
Participant Registration
For disability sport competitions, registration needs to capture classification information alongside standard details. Include clear instructions on your event page about classification requirements and direct participants to relevant sport-specific classification bodies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should disability sport events be free?
Not necessarily. Charging for disability sport events (at the same rates as equivalent able-bodied events) normalises disability sport and generates revenue to sustain programmes. However, always offer accessible pricing, companion tickets, and bursaries for those who need them.
How do I make my event page accessible?
Tickts event pages are built with web accessibility standards. Use clear, descriptive text, provide alt text for any images you upload, and include comprehensive accessibility information in the event description. Avoid using colour alone to convey information.
Creating Truly Inclusive Events
Inclusive event planning goes beyond physical accessibility. Consider the full range of disabilities — physical, sensory, cognitive, and mental health — and plan your event to be welcoming to all:
Physical accessibility: Wheelchair access, accessible toilets, level surfaces, designated wheelchair viewing areas, parking close to the entrance.
Sensory: Hearing loops for hard-of-hearing spectators, clear signage for those with visual impairments, quiet areas for people who need a break from noise and crowds.
Cognitive: Clear, simple communication on your event page. Visual timetables. Staff who are trained in supporting people with learning disabilities. Predictable event structure without unexpected changes.
Mental health: Calm spaces available. Staff who are approachable and understanding. A welcoming, non-judgemental atmosphere.
Consulting with disabled people in your community during the planning process is the most effective way to identify and address accessibility barriers. Their lived experience reveals issues that able-bodied planners simply do not notice.