Section 3: Access Riders
They make accessibility part of regular planning, giving staff the details needed to support each artist.
This section includes tools to support the use of access riders:
Best Practices
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Integrating Accessibility as a Core Service in Arts Spaces
Music venues, promoters, festivals and agents should consider accessibility as an essential front- and back-of-house service for artists. This means treating accessibility not as an add-on, but as a fully integrated aspect of daily operations.
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Normalizing Accessibility as a Routine and Proactive Measure
Making accessibility a standard part of event planning reduces stigma by incorporating offers of accommodations into standard booking procedures.
Instead of waiting for requests, venues should offer access options proactively. -
Advertising Transparency
Venues and promoters should provide clear descriptions and images of accessible features as well as barriers in places like entrances, seating, bathrooms, and stage access on their websites. This helps performers make informed decisions about their visit. This includes outdoor and temporary event spaces.
Including details about accessible seating, assistive listening devices, and other accommodations allows artists and their crew or loved ones to plan their experience. -
Staff Training and Onboarding
All staff should be supported and trained on access riders and the specific needs of artists and patrons. This includes skills like implementing dedicated channel mixing protocols for ALDs and making sure offered accommodations are applied safely.
High turnover impacts the quality of accessibility services. Strong onboarding practices offer consistency in providing accessible services to others. -
The Path of Least Resistance
The process for submitting access requests should be streamlined, simple and inviting, with clear points of contact.
Having a feedback system helps venues understand accessibility gaps and shows a commitment a continuous improvement approach. -
Accessibility as a Journey, not a One-Time Fix
Accessibility isn’t a one-time fix. Ongoing assessments help venues adapt to new needs and stay committed to inclusivity.
Recognize that accessibility is a collective responsibility. -
Creating and Offering the Access Rider
Access riders should be provided in multiple formats to accommodate different needs. Venues can offer completion options by phone, email, or video call, allowing artists to choose the method most convenient for them.
The rider document should be structured to support screen readers and other assistive technologies. This involves using properly tagged headings, simple tables (no split or complicated cells), and alt text for any images. A clean layout and straightforward language help artists relay their needs without unnecessary complexity.
Artists and their teams should have a designated point of contact at the venue for follow-up questions or further assistance, making it a supportive and inclusive process. -
Data Privacy and Secure Information Handling
Given the sensitive nature of access needs, particularly health information, it’s important to use secure and privacy-respecting methods for data collection and storage. Venues should rely on trusted platforms that prioritize data protection and confidentiality of personal information.
With explicit consent, venues may consider securely maintaining a record of an artist’s access needs for future reference. This approach allows venues to anticipate and address individual requirements proactively for future events while respecting privacy and managing all records securely.
Making accessibility a standard part of event planning reduces stigma by incorporating offers of accommodations into standard booking procedures.
Instead of waiting for requests, venues should offer access options proactively.
Venues and promoters should provide clear descriptions and images of accessible features as well as barriers in places like entrances, seating, bathrooms, and stage access on their websites. This helps performers make informed decisions about their visit. This includes outdoor and temporary event spaces.
Including details about accessible seating, assistive listening devices, and other accommodations allows artists and their crew or loved ones to plan their experience.
All staff should be supported and trained on access riders and the specific needs of artists and patrons. This includes skills like implementing dedicated channel mixing protocols for ALDs and making sure offered accommodations are applied safely.
High turnover impacts the quality of accessibility services. Strong onboarding practices offer consistency in providing accessible services to others.
Reflections
- How can access riders empower artists to perform confidently and comfortably?
- How can venues adopt accessibility as a core service?
- How can proactive accessibility become a part of standard venue practices?
- How can venues improve online information to better support accessibility for guest performers?
- How can venues foster a work culture that supports accessibility through training, retention, and clear protocols?
- How can venues effectively assess both physical and human resources to create a fully accessible environment?
- What are essential components of a training program to prepare staff for supporting accessibility in every part of the venue?
- What are some ways venues can make the access request process welcoming and straightforward?
- Why is it important to view accessibility as a journey, and how can venues commit to continuous improvement?
- How can venues structure access riders to be both accessible and supportive to meet various needs?
