Accessible Reopening Checklist

Euansguide.com is the disabled access review site where disabled people, their family, friends and carers can find and share reviews on the accessibility of venues around the UK and beyond. The site is an invaluable tool for everything from planning a day out, to picking a last-minute place for coffee or lunch.

At Euan’s Guide we are asking venues to check your reopening plans against this 10-point checklist we share below to ensure Deaf, disabled and neurodivergent visitors are not left behind. This checklist was written up and published by the cross-sector Audience Access Alliance group.

The Audience Access Alliance, founded by music and event industry accessibility charity Attitude is Everything, is made up of a cross-sector coalition of 13 disability and accessibility organisations and networks all united in working to remove barriers for audiences across the UK or in devolved nations.

Designed to apply to any venue or event, from football clubs and outdoor festivals to heritage sites, music venues, tourist attractions and theatres, the cross-sector 10-point list enshrines the key understandings and policies that need to be in place for reopening to be accessible for Deaf, disabled and neurodivergent people, regardless of the setting.

Any venue or event reopening to the public should be able to say “yes” to these things:

1. We agree that every person has the right to assess their own level of risk.
2. People can find facts on our website about accessibility and COVID safety to make informed decisions.
3. If we have tickets on sale, Deaf, disabled and neurodivergent people can arrange the access they need.
4. No one is advised against visiting our event or venue.
5. No one will be challenged about their ‘risk status’ at our entrance due to a perceived ‘vulnerability’.
6. Attendees are not expected to bring a doctor’s note if unable to wear a mask.
7. Our COVID safety measures are accessible for everyone.
8. Our street furniture does not obstruct accessible parking or access routes for attendees or pedestrians.
9. Our staff have been trained in disability awareness and understand our access provision and COVID-safety measures.
10. We are committed to listening to Deaf, disabled and neurodivergent people and engaging with any new audiences gained online during lockdown.

Accessible reopening and good practice resources from Audience Access Alliance members.

Find out more about Audience Access Alliance members here.

Thank you for taking the time to read our checklist. If you your venue is not listed on our website yet you can do so by following this link.

Tags: Audience Access Alliance, Venues, Venue Checklist, Disabled Access, Covid