1.Ensure information is available in accessible formats

• •

  Where possible, work to ensure that digital and print brochures are made available at the same time

• •

  Offer the opportunity to be added to a mailing/text list at point of booking, to receive updates or reminders about events for which attendees have purchased tickets

2.Ensure website accessibility through consultation of Web Content Accessibility Guidelines. Provide

• •

  The option for pages to be viewed without images; provision of image and video descriptions

• •

  Clear titles and consistent navigational tabs, changeable colour schemes and high-contrast options

• •

  Clear, large, left-aligned text

3.Ensure easier access to accessibility information online

• •

  An accessibility page which is accessible from the home page would be beneficial

• •

  Information which may be important to attendees with VI: o The layout of the venue and the location of entrances, exits, and facilities

  • o Clear reporting of services which are/are not available

  • o How to access companion ticket schemes and disabled seating

• •

  Third party ticket sellers should signpost customers to accessibility information/contact numbers

1.Changes to phone bookings

• •

  Adequate training of phone operators to ensure awareness of the range of provisions available to attendees with VI; their needs must be considered at point of booking

• •

  Adequate manning (and firm policy) of accessibility phone lines to ensure stress-free booking

2.Changes to online booking systems

• •

  Ensure that booking systems allow for accurate recording of attendees’ needs (a “tick box” approach to recording disability does not convey the unique needs or requests of an attendee)

• •

  Improvements to online bookings must be made to ensure that all accessibility provisions and schemes can be booked, independently, by a VI attendee

1.Increased lighting inside venues

• •

  Mark the perimeters of steps and pathways; appropriately light signs and access points outside and inside

• •

  In toilets (ensure that lights and light switches are appropriately maintained)

2.Ensure disability awareness training needs are met amongst staff

• •

  Ensure that Guide Dog policies are communicated clearly and staff queries are addressed

• •

  Implement VI-specific training. In basic form, this could be an online training module and/or handout. Charitable organisations may be able to provide practical training and support to help staff feel confident understanding the needs of, and assisting, VI attendees

3.Provide VI attendees with the option for early access to the venue/auditorium

• •

  This option could be communicated at point of booking

4.Ensure adequate promotion of disabled areas

• •

  Work to meet the needs of VI attendees in these areas (e.g. stable seating with a clear stage view). It may not be possible to move disabled areas/platforms, but ensuring that VI attendees are informed of what to expect and the support available will allow them to decide if these facilities meet their needs

1.Greater promotion of existing AD and TT services

• •

  List the availability of these services within online accessibility information

• •

  Ensure that this information is communicated to VI attendees during the booking process

2.Vary the days on which AD and TT services are offered (including evening and weekends)

3.Endeavour to increase the number of AD performances and TT available to VI attendees

• •

  AD service providers, charitable organisations and VI attendees themselves may all play a role in ensuring that venues are aware of the demand for these services