The Sound of Inclusion: Accessible Music for All
Michael Hughes
Consultant
The Power of Music
The energy of a live concert, the shared passion of a crowd, the raw emotion of a musical performance – these are experiences that transcend barriers and unite us all. As a lifelong music enthusiast, and also a person with disability who uses a manual wheelchair full-time, I’ve always believed that the joy of live music should be accessible to everyone, regardless of ability. My personal journey navigating the music scene, however, has come with its challenges, as I know is the case for many Australians with disability who love attending events. The car accident I was involved in at 18 drastically changed my life, and one of the biggest adjustments was figuring out how to continue enjoying my passion for live accessible music and events.
The Reality of Exclusion
In Australia, 5.5 million people live with disability, that’s 21.4% of the population! That’s a pretty significant number of people who may face barriers in enjoying live music due to inaccessible venues, lack of amenities, or simply not feeling welcome, safe or included. The music industry, like many others, has been slow to recognise and address these needs, leaving many music lovers feeling excluded from an experience that all should be able to enjoy. The questions I had to ask myself back then still resonate today: “What’s the best wheelchair accessible entrance? Where are the accessible bathrooms? Is there a sensory space if the event gets overwhelming? Will I be able to see the stage?”
The Winds of Change
But change is happening. As awareness grows and advocacy efforts gain momentum, there’s a rising tide of organisations and individuals committed to making music events more inclusive. At Get Skilled Access (GSA), we’re proud to be part of this movement, working tirelessly to break down barriers and ensure that everyone, regardless of their ability, can experience the thrill of live music. Checkout how GSA changed the live music accessibility landscape in Australia for Auslan users.
Checkout Ability Fest 2024
Ability Fest stands as a beacon of inclusivity and accessibility in the music festival scene. As Australia’s pioneering festival dedicated to creating a welcoming environment for all, Ability Fest has proudly hosted four memorable editions in Melbourne, Victoria, and is expanding its reach in 2024 to sunny Brisbane!
We’re thrilled to partner with the Dylan Alcott Foundation, with all proceeds from the festival supporting their remarkable work.
Check out the tickets for Ability Fest 2024 below and join us for an unforgettable celebration of music and inclusivity!
My Role in the Movement
My role as an Accessibility Liaison at GSA has given me a unique perspective on the transformative power of inclusion. It’s been incredible to be part of events like SXSW Sydney 2023, the P!NK Summer Carnival Tour, and Zach Bryan’s sold-out Flemington Racecourse show, ensuring that anyone with accessibility requirements has a point of contact and support on-site. Assisting people navigating events to making sure accessible facilities are readily available, it’s about helping people have the same great experience everyone deserves at a concert.
The Profound Impact of Inclusion
The impact of these efforts goes far beyond simply providing access. For people with disability, attending a music event can be an opportunity to connect with others, express themselves, and feel a sense of community. The smiles on their faces as they experience the music without barriers are a constant reminder of the importance of our work. And for me, it’s incredibly rewarding to meet other passionate music fans who also have disability, knowing I can help make their experience as enjoyable as possible.
Fostering a Culture of Inclusion
The journey towards full inclusion is far from over. There’s still much to be done to educate event organisers, improve venue accessibility, and challenge societal attitudes towards disability. It’s a collective effort that requires collaboration, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to creating a world where everyone can access and enjoy the magic of live music.
At GSA, we’re not just providing access; we’re fostering a culture of inclusion. We believe that music has the power to transcend differences and unite us all. By breaking down barriers and creating opportunities for everyone to participate, we’re building a more vibrant and inclusive music scene for all Australians.
A Call for Action
So next time you’re at a concert or festival, take a moment to appreciate the diversity of the crowd. Look for the Auslan interpreters, the wheelchair-accessible platforms, the sensory spaces – these are signs of progress, reminders that inclusion is not just a buzzword, but a lived reality.
And remember every person in that crowd, regardless of ability, deserves to experience the joy and connection that live music brings.