Frustrated by a lack of progress, Shona Louise pens an open letter about access barriers faced by disabled workers and audience members.
Theatre is for everyone - that's what they tell us anyway. However, for Deaf, disabled and neurodivergent audience members and those working in the industry, quite often that simply isn't true. Every year disabled people tell themselves that things will get better. But, as every year passes by, there is little change. It is frustrating that in 2021 we are still having the same conversations about accessibility and disability rights in the theatre industry. Disabled people are the largest minority, making up 20% of the population, but we are routinely ignored, disrespected, and shut out of an industry that so often claims to be welcoming to all.
At the end of 2020, I surveyed 262 disabled people to gain a snapshot of what it's like being both a disabled audience member and a disabled person working in theatre. A staggering 57% said they didn't feel welcome or included within the industry. On top of this, 77% said that accessibility issues had stopped them from visiting or working in a theatre before.
When asked about what these barriers are, the responses received were so varied, confirming how deeply ingrained this kind of discrimination is within the industry... Keep reading on Shona Louise's blog.
Theatre is for everyone - that's what they tell us anyway. However, for Deaf, disabled and neurodivergent audience members and those working in the industry, quite often that simply isn't true. Every year disabled people tell themselves that things will get better. But, as every year passes by, there is little change. It is frustrating that in 2021 we are still having the same conversations about accessibility and disability rights in the theatre industry. Disabled people are the largest minority, making up 20% of the population, but we are routinely ignored, disrespected, and shut out of an industry that so often claims to be welcoming to all.
At the end of 2020, I surveyed 262 disabled people to gain a snapshot of what it's like being both a disabled audience member and a disabled person working in theatre. A staggering 57% said they didn't feel welcome or included within the industry. On top of this, 77% said that accessibility issues had stopped them from visiting or working in a theatre before.
When asked about what these barriers are, the responses received were so varied, confirming how deeply ingrained this kind of discrimination is within the industry... Keep reading on Shona Louise's blog.