Original article published on Care Appointments (04/10/18) by Lucy Mapstone
Most hearing-impaired and disabled people largely feel discriminated against when trying to book tickets to live music events, according to a new study from Attitude is Everything. The report's disclosure coincided with the charity's announcement of its Ticketing Without Barriers coalition. The study estimated that 80 percent of 349 people surveyed had had problems while booking tickets, and 79 percent have been discouraged from buying tickets due to non-accessible booking systems. Moreover, 73 percent felt discriminated against on account of their disability. Although 37 percent felt the situation for deaf and disabled customers while booking access had gotten better, 10 percent had considered legal action. Attitude is Everything suggests a simple, universal system for evidencing access requirements for music fans, and providing more choice and flexibility in the ticket-booking process. Such options include wheelchair-accessible spaces, transfer positions and step-free seating, and the charity's members will study ways of developing a unified approach to access booking for everyone's benefit. Attitude is Everything also is scheduled to meet with UK Music to set up its program of delivery prior to giving an update on progress at the Ticketing Professionals Conference in March 2019. "UK Music is committed to working with Attitude is Everything and being a part of their continuing mission to make live music accessible to all," says UK Music CEO Michael Dugher.
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