Here at Fringe HQ we work hard to make sure art is as accessible and inclusive to everybody as possible, and we passionately encourage all Fringe artists to do the same. After all, disabled people and Deaf people want to experience art, and of course you want as many people to see your art as possible. When access requirements are met, it says everybody is welcome. Melbourne Fringe artists - who are also art-loving audience members, say that feeling welcome through accessibility at shows makes them feel considered, like they belong.

Access considerations should flow into and be embedded within your creative processes, audience development and marketing campaigns. Get on it from the get-go and avoid having to make costly decisions down the line when it’s too late.

If you are planning on having accessible performances, remember to include these as part of registration in STEP 5 – Access. We can’t direct audiences to your accessible performances if we don’t know about them. It’s also important to advertise access provisions to the appropriate communities.

Talking About Disability

At Melbourne Fringe, we say ‘disabled people’. Many people in the disability community prefer identity-first language. This positions disability as part of a person’s identity and belonging to a cultural group. Another preferred term is ‘people with disability’ – this term puts the person before the disability, and it acknowledges that disability is caused by societal barriers.

We use ‘Deaf people’ to refer to people who are culturally Deaf – that is, people who were born deaf, or became deaf early in life, and who use Auslan sign language to communicate.

We discourage the use of euphemisms like ‘special needs’, ‘differently abled’, ‘handicapable’ and ‘diffability’ because these create further stigma for disabled people.

The disability and Deaf communities are diverse. We follow and respect the community members’ lead on what they prefer to be called. Some people don’t consider themselves to be disabled at all (especially people within Deaf and Autistic communities), and they will use language that suits them.

Find out more info via our Guide to Talking About Disability

More information on language can be found at People with Disability Australia.

What to Consider

• Physical accessibility – A venue or event with adequate physical mobility access would indicate a space free of physical obstacles for all involved persons including artists and patrons, allowing everyone to utilise the space. This would involve no steps without an alternative flat pathway for patrons in wheelchairs or those with limited mobility and a mobility accessible bathroom. Find out more details via this resource: Ensuring Your Event is Physically Accessible
• Audio Description enhances the live theatre experience for people who are blind or have low vision. Through the use of a small radio receiver and a free, easy-to-use headset, audiences can listen to a description of the visual aspects of the performance during appropriate breaks in the dialogue. Find out more details via this resource: Making Art Accessible for Blind and Low Vision Audiences
• Relaxed performances are designed to create a safe and welcoming environment for patrons with learning difficulties and/or sensory and communication challenges. There is a relaxed attitude to noise and movement, often small changes are made to the lighting and sound effects, and audience members can be invited to enter and exit the venue throughout the show. Find out more details via this resource: Low Sensory and Relaxed Performances
• Auslan interpreting – The term Auslan is an acronym of “Australian Sign Language” and is the language of the Australian Deaf community. Check out this great factsheet for more information. If you are interested in booking an interpreter for your event, you can find out more info as well as service providers via this resource:
  Making Art Accessible for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Audiences
• Visual rating – If your event is not Auslan interpreted, or interpreted only on specific dates, a visual rating gives audience members who are Deaf a better understanding of how they can access your work. ****We will ask you to provide this during your event registration.
• Aural rating – If your event does not have an Audio Description service, or is interpreted only on specific dates, an aural rating gives audience members who are blind or low vision a better understanding of how they can access your work. We will ask you to provide this during your event registration.
• Language no barrier – A Language No Barrier symbol indicates that audiences can understand and engage with the event without a comprehensive understanding of the English language. This may include (but not limited to) events that have a high visual or physical component (e.g. visual arts, dance, circus) or musical performances with no or very minimal English language spoken. You will be asked this question during your event registration.