Sections
This guide is divided into 4 sections containing resources, modules, exercises and comprehensive audit and assessment tools to provide the reader with a snapshot of their existing space and the policies and protocols of
which their operational foundation is built upon.
which their operational foundation is built upon.
Index
SECTION 1: THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT
This section helps you evaluate and improve the physical accessibility of your venue, inside and outside. It includes the audit checklist and companion guide to assess things like entrances, load-in zones, pathways, bathrooms, stage access and green rooms. The goal is to make sure your space works for people with different mobility needs and disabilities.
SECTION 2: THE ADAPTIVE ENVIRONMENT
This section focuses on creating flexible spaces that meet the needs of people from diverse backgrounds, abilities, and experiences. It offers practical tips for making your venue welcoming, including guidance on smudging ceremonies, an introduction to DeafSpace principles, implementing all-gender facilities, and creating sensory-friendly backstage areas.
SECTION 3: ACCESS RIDERS
This section offers a customizable access rider template for artists and performers to communicate their access needs, and a resource directory connects venues with local support services in Nova Scotia and Canada-wide.
SECTION 4: HUMAN CAPACITY
This section focuses on building a strong foundation for accessibility by creating a supportive, safe, and inclusive workplace culture. It provides an audit tool and companion guide to help you review and improve your internal operations, with practical resources on harm reduction, nightlife safety, and preventing workplace violence. You’ll also find guidance on employee rights, employer responsibilities, and ways to create a fair, respectful, and healthy environment for both staff and patrons.
This section helps you evaluate and improve the physical accessibility of your venue, inside and outside. It includes the audit checklist and companion guide to assess things like entrances, load-in zones, pathways, bathrooms, stage access and green rooms. The goal is to make sure your space works for people with different mobility needs and disabilities.
SECTION 2: THE ADAPTIVE ENVIRONMENT
This section focuses on creating flexible spaces that meet the needs of people from diverse backgrounds, abilities, and experiences. It offers practical tips for making your venue welcoming, including guidance on smudging ceremonies, an introduction to DeafSpace principles, implementing all-gender facilities, and creating sensory-friendly backstage areas.
SECTION 3: ACCESS RIDERS
This section offers a customizable access rider template for artists and performers to communicate their access needs, and a resource directory connects venues with local support services in Nova Scotia and Canada-wide.
SECTION 4: HUMAN CAPACITY
This section focuses on building a strong foundation for accessibility by creating a supportive, safe, and inclusive workplace culture. It provides an audit tool and companion guide to help you review and improve your internal operations, with practical resources on harm reduction, nightlife safety, and preventing workplace violence. You’ll also find guidance on employee rights, employer responsibilities, and ways to create a fair, respectful, and healthy environment for both staff and patrons.
