Bite #10: On-stage Navigation and Gear ID for Blind and Low-Vision Musicians
Blindness and low vision exist on a spectrum, ranging from partial sight to complete blindness. Some people might rely on peripheral vision, light perception, or magnification. These impact how musicians navigate venues, interact with equipment, and perform on stage. Venues can use tactile elements like embossed labels and textured stickers to help musicians identify gear, inputs and operational controls like dials and faders.
High colour-contrast, cane-detectable stage edges and communicating stage plots can make it easier to safely navigate the stage. Accessible backline gear and stage equipment can significantly improve user experience.
A basic understanding of how to provide sighted guidance with dignity and respect, along with advance planning for accommodations, can also make a big impact.
High colour-contrast, cane-detectable stage edges and communicating stage plots can make it easier to safely navigate the stage. Accessible backline gear and stage equipment can significantly improve user experience.
A basic understanding of how to provide sighted guidance with dignity and respect, along with advance planning for accommodations, can also make a big impact.
I use reflective, tactile jewel stickers on my battered Roland
SP-404 sampler for performing in dark nightclubs.
Setting The Stage
A legally blind guitarist had requested a 1969 Silverface Fender Twin Reverb amp on their tech rider, specifying the need for tactile markers on their presets for vibrato, reverb, and mids. They also agreed to allow the opening act to use their backline.
When they arrive for soundcheck, they find the venue didn’t follow through on their request. This forces the guitarist to request a line-check, while relying on auditory cues and knob-fiddling to adjust their tone during, eating into their set time.
When they arrive for soundcheck, they find the venue didn’t follow through on their request. This forces the guitarist to request a line-check, while relying on auditory cues and knob-fiddling to adjust their tone during, eating into their set time.
Reflection
How can your venue incorporate tactile and visual accessibility solutions to support seamless performances and prevent delays?
Actions
Tactile Markers
On-stage Navigation and Cane-Detectability
High-Contrast Cable ID
Clear and Safe Stage Pathways
Stage Position Terminology
Terms for Stage Positions
Communication and Access Riders
Additional Notes
- Use Braille or embossed-letter label makers to identify controls on amps, mixers, and other shared equipment.
- You can also utilize fabric hockey tape, liquid latex, or stickers with raised textures.
- Products like ‘Bump Dots’ are made specifically for tactile identification.
- Place them on key areas like gain, tone and EQ knobs, inputs, outputs, switches, and channel selectors for on-the-fly changes and troubleshooting.
On-stage Navigation and Cane-Detectability
- Use high-contrast tape or glow-in-the-dark markers on the edges of stages, ramps, and stairs.
- Tactile ground surface indicators (TGSIs) are cane-detectable solutions for identifying hazards.
- Apply fabric tape on the floor to delineate and identify monitor wedges, mic stands, and DI boxes.
- This helps keep equipment placement predictable and consistent across performances.
High-Contrast Cable ID
- Use brightly coloured cable wraps and a consistent colour-coded labeling system for quick ID of patch cords, XLR, and power cables.
Clear and Safe Stage Pathways
- Keep paths free of obstructions and loose cables.
- Use cable ramps or beveled wire covers where needed.
Stage Position Terminology
- Familiarize yourself with common stage positions.
- Use verbal cues to describe the setup: “Your amp is at the back-left corner, and monitors are positioned downstage center.”
Terms for Stage Positions
- Learn basic sighted guide techniques.
- Never push, pull, or grab anyone except in the case of an emergency.
- Do not make assumptions. Always ask the person first if they would like sighted guide support.
Communication and Access Riders
- Allow performers time before the show to familiarize themselves with tactile markers, cable tags, and stage layout.
- Communicate in advance your venue’s approach to tactile and visual markings. Include this information in booking contracts and on your website.
Additional Notes
- Apply these concepts across the venue to label backstage/green room operational controls like light switches, heating and cooling, microwaves, and on personal items like food and beverage hospitality.
- If pre-packaged meals were included on the hospitality rider, you can use tactile labeling for quick food and drink ID in the fridge.
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