🎶 Accessibility at Music Shows: challenges, achievements and what still needs to change ✨

Going to a music concert is a dream for millions of people. 🎤💃. Feeling the energy of the audience, hearing live music, and sharing unique moments is an unforgettable experience. But for many people with disabilities (PwDs) ♿ and also for people with autism 🧩, attending a concert can be a major challenge. Loud noise 🔊, crowds 👥, lack of structural accessibility 🚧, and poorly prepared support staff are some of the barriers that still keep these audiences away from cultural events.

🌟 My experience at a concert

I myself have only been to one concert in my life: the one at Demi Lovato 🎶💜, when I was younger. Even though I'm short, I preferred to sit at the back 👣, where the space was quieter and there was less physical contact. This choice wasn't accidental: close crowds, pushing, and loud noises can be quite uncomfortable 😣, especially for people with autism or sensory issues. This experience made me reflect on how much progress we still need to make in terms of accessibility at music concerts.

🚧 Main accessibility challenges at concerts

• Overcrowding and intense physical contact 👥➡️👥: Very crowded environments can trigger sensory crises and make it difficult for people with disabilities to move around.
• Long and slow queues ⏳🚶: There are often no clearly marked preferential lines for people with disabilities or autism.
• Insufficient accessible restrooms 🚻♿: In some places, the number of adapted bathrooms is still small or poorly located.
• Exaggerated sound and lighting 🔊💡: Flashing lights, fireworks, and loud speakers can be uncomfortable or even dangerous for those with sensory sensitivities.
• Poorly positioned reserved areas 👀➡️🎤: in many shows, the PcD space is placed far from the stage, detracting from the experience.

✅ What already exists is positive

Despite the challenges, some festivals and venues have already implemented important accessibility measures 👏💙. For example:

• Rock in Rio 🎸🇧🇷: offers areas reserved for people with disabilities with access ramps, in addition to providing Libras interpreters for part of the program.
• Lollapalooza Brazil 🎵🌈: has raised platforms for wheelchair users, preferential entry and specialized service.
• The Town (São Paulo, 2023) 🏙️🎤: there were sign language interpreters at selected shows and exclusive areas for people with disabilities close to the stage.
• International festivals 🌍✨, such as Glastonbury (UK) and Coachella (USA), also offer accessible maps, PwD queues, sign interpreters, and inclusive platforms.

💡 What can be improved

For shows to be truly inclusive, we still need to make progress on some key points 🚀:

• Sensory decompression spaces 🛋️🌿, where people can rest in a calmer environment.
• Team training 👨‍💼👩‍💼 for inclusive care, understanding the different needs of the public.
• Better location for PcD areas 🎯♿, allowing a good view of the stage without the risk of being pushed.
• Ease of admission process 🎟️💻, without excessive bureaucracy to prove your rights.

🌍 Cultural inclusion is a right

Music is a universal language 🎶💫. It connects people, creates memories, and transforms lives. But the cultural experience is only complete when everyone can participate with autonomy, safety and dignity.Inclusive shows and festivals don't just benefit people with disabilities or autism, they make the event more human and welcoming for all audiences 🤝❤️.

🙌 Conclusion

My experience at a concert showed that there are still significant barriers for people with disabilities and autism, but also that small changes can make a big difference ✨. If you're an event organizer, remember: accessibility is not a favor, it is a right ⚖️. And if you're a music fan, know that your voice can also help demand more accessible and inclusive spaces 📢.

🎤 Because music is emotion, it is life, and it should be for everyone! 💙