Bite #11: Green Rooms for Artists with Chronic Pain, Mobility Aid Users, and Invisible Disabilities
Navigating a performance space can be challenging for artists with chronic pain and mobility disabilities. Chronic pain, often invisible to others, affects how a person moves, making actions like walking, bending, reaching, or standing difficult.
Many disabled artists use mobility aids like wheelchairs, power chairs, walkers, rollators, crutches, or canes, which shape how they interact with a space. Barriers like hard-to-reach power outlets, heavy equipment, or uncomfortable seating can make preparation for a performance exhausting.
Some disabilities are invisible. Invisible disabilities are health conditions not immediately apparent but significantly impacting daily life. A lack of visible indicators can lead to misunderstandings or inadequate support.
Examples of invisible disabilities include:
Other disabilities may be more visible. A wheelchair or a cane can act as a visual indicator. Some people also may be able to walk short distances, depending on the day, while others experience fluctuating or intermittent conditions. The result is that their support needs can vary.
Creating accessible spaces begin with attitudinal changes, understanding, and responding to the many different experiences of disabled artists with invisible disabilities and mobility needs.
Many disabled artists use mobility aids like wheelchairs, power chairs, walkers, rollators, crutches, or canes, which shape how they interact with a space. Barriers like hard-to-reach power outlets, heavy equipment, or uncomfortable seating can make preparation for a performance exhausting.
Some disabilities are invisible. Invisible disabilities are health conditions not immediately apparent but significantly impacting daily life. A lack of visible indicators can lead to misunderstandings or inadequate support.
Examples of invisible disabilities include:
- Chronic pain
- Mental health conditions
- Sensory impairments
- Cognitive disabilities
- Autoimmune disorders
Other disabilities may be more visible. A wheelchair or a cane can act as a visual indicator. Some people also may be able to walk short distances, depending on the day, while others experience fluctuating or intermittent conditions. The result is that their support needs can vary.
- An ambulatory mobility aid user may walk short distances but rely on a mobility aid for longer distances or when fatigued.
- A wheelchair user might stand briefly to fold and store their chair in a vehicle
- Someone with chronic pain or fatigue might carry a folding cane in a bag to use only when needed.
- Someone who temporarily uses crutches after breaking an ankle
Creating accessible spaces begin with attitudinal changes, understanding, and responding to the many different experiences of disabled artists with invisible disabilities and mobility needs.
Setting The Stage
A musician who uses a wheelchair to get around is preparing in the green room before going on stage. They need a quiet, dimly lit space to rest in a reclined position because of chronic pain and light sensitivity. However, the room has bright fluorescent lighting, and the switches are hard to locate and out of reach. There is no transfer bar near the sofa, so they are unable to lay down.
How does your venue create a functional green room that supports artists with chronic pain, mobility aid users, and invisible disabilities?
How does your venue create a functional green room that supports artists with chronic pain, mobility aid users, and invisible disabilities?
Actions
Navigation
Rest and Recovery
Charging Stations, Storage and Organization
Automated Climate and Lighting Control
- Maintain clear pathways with enough turning space for wheelchair or scooter users
- Keep areas uncluttered, free from cords, equipment, trash bins or other obstacles.
Rest and Recovery
- Different types of chairs with adjustable height, sturdy armrests, and high-back lumbar support.
- Recliners, folding cots, portable loungers, sectionals with chaise, or padded benches for laying down
- Footrests like lightweight ottomans or poufs. Cushions with lumbar support.
- Portable heating pads and ice packs, with mini-coolers and microwaves
- Portable, secure grab bars with suction cups.
- Anti-fatigue mats with beveled edges
- Ergonomic instrument stands with adjustable heights
Charging Stations, Storage and Organization
- Accessible power strips, USB hubs, and wireless charging pads at reachable heights.
- Portable Charging docks for mobility aids like wheelchairs and scooters
- Makeup stations with height adjustable counters and seating
- Adjustable mirrors and drawers at an accessible height
- Portable mirror stands adjustable for seated or standing use.
- Hooks for hanging mobility aids like canes, crutches, or walkers.
- Wall-mounted coat hooks at varying heights and heavy-duty hooks for bags or mobility aids.
- Personalized accessibility kits containing grabbers, cushions, and other tools
- Rolling carts or open shelves for easy-to-access personal belongings.
- Hand carts, dollies and wagons for storing and transporting gear
Automated Climate and Lighting Control
- Dimmable, adjustable task lights in green rooms and dressing rooms.
- Smart devices like Google Home or Alexa for hands-free control of lighting and temperature.
- Professional solutions like Lutron or Control4 systems for advanced automation.
- Portable fans or air purifiers for temperature and environmental comfort.
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