Our goal is to ensure that our audiences can participate in and fully enjoy our festival, so we want attendees to be informed on a venue and show before they arrive. This guide is designed to provide comprehensive information about the criteria used by Adelaide Fringe to evaluate the accessibility of Venues, Spaces and shows that register.
The symbols are used across the Fringe website and printed guides, so we encourage you to familiarise yourself with these criteria and to use them as a guide when preparing for the festival. Together, we can ensure that our events are accessible, enjoyable, and memorable for all attendees.
Table of contents
- Overview
- Adelaide Fringe Venue Accessibility Resource
- Venue Accessibility Symbols
- Performance Accessibility Symbols
- Futher Access Organisations
- External Access Resources
Overview
The accessibility of your venue and the performing and exhibition spaces within it are important to consider. You will need to answer detailed questions within your venue and show registration in order for Adelaide Fringe to communicate the accessibility of your venue to customers through our website and the FringeTIX call centre.
Adelaide Fringe Venue Accessibility Resource
Available now, is the Adelaide Fringe Venue Accessibility Resource which has been created in collaboration with independent access consultants to highlight the crucial information you need to know and how this information fits within the regulations outlined in the Australian Standards for Access and Mobility, the Disability Discrimination Act (1992) and the National Construction Code.
Don’t worry if your venue doesn’t meet the current disability access standards, the most important thing is that you provide as much clear information about the accessibility of your venue so that access needs patrons and performers can decide themselves if your venue suits their needs. Make sure your staff are armed with as much infomation as possible also so that they can answer patron questions about accessibility.
If you have any other questions reguarding accessibility please contact the Artist & Venue Team venues@adelaidefringe.com.au or 8100 2022
Venue Accessibility Symbols
We are currently in the process of gathering feedback on our accessibility symbols, and you may notice slight modifications to certain icons, such as those for stairs and outdoor areas, before the festival. However, please rest assured that while the symbols may evolve, the underlying criteria for each accessibility feature will remain consistent and unchanged.
Step-free mobility aid accessible 
Step-free mobility aid access through the main entrance with an accessible bathroom.
If;
- Venue and Space entrance is accessible for a person with limited mobility, this includes people who use a wheelchair and/or cannot climb stairs.
- The entrance to the venue and/or space is through the main entrance.
- If the path of travel to the entrance of the venue and/or space is level, firm and obstacle free
- The Venue has a designated accessible unisex toilet or have made alternative arrangements nearby for an accessible unisex toilet.
Alternate entrance - step-free mobility aid accessible 
Step-free mobility aid access through an alternative entrance with an accessible bathroom.
If;
- Venue and Space entrance is accessible for a person with limited mobility, this includes people who use a wheelchair and/or cannot climb stairs.
- The entrance to the venue and/or space is through an alternate entrance.
- If the path of travel to the entrance of the venue and/or space is level, firm and obstacle free
- The Venue has a designated accessible unisex toilet or have made alternative arrangements nearby for an accessible unisex toilet.
Outdoor step-free mobility aid accessible 
Outdoor venue with step-free mobility aid access and an accessible bathroom – may have poor quality path or an incline.
If;
- Venue and Space entrance is accessible for a person with limited mobility, this includes people who use a wheelchair and/or cannot climb stairs.
- The entrance to the venue and/or space is through the main entrance.
- If the path of travel to the entrance of the venue and/or space isn’t level, firm and obstacle free
- The Venue has a designated accessible unisex toilet or have made alternative arrangements nearby for an accessible unisex toilet.
Not mobility-aid accessible due to steps 
If;
- Venue and Space entrance is not accessible due to stairs.
- The Venue has a designated accessible unisex toilet or have made alternative arrangements nearby for an accessible unisex toilet.
Not Accessible 
or No Symbol
If;
- The Venue doesn't have a designated accessible unisex toilet or hasn't made alternative arrangements nearby for an accessible unisex toilet.
- Not accessible for any other reason.
Performance Accessibility Symbols
Auslan Interpretation 
Auslan (Australian Sign Language) is a visual language comprised of hand movements or 'signs', facial expressions, and other body language. It is a recognized language of Australia’s deaf community. AUSLAN interpreters can represent dialogue being spoken on stage as it occurs.
During an Auslan interpreted performance, an interpreter stands on or at the side of the stage, clearly visible to the audience, and interprets the spoken word, songs, and sound effects for Deaf patrons who use Auslan.
Open Captioning 
Similar to television subtitles, Open Captioning is an assisted listening device where spoken words are displayed on screen(s), on or next to the stage
Audio Description 
Audio description is the verbal narration of visual aspects of live theatre, which is accessed by listeners through a small radio receiver and single earpiece as it is performed. Commentary is provided by trained volunteers. The service includes pre-show descriptions of program details, as well as costumes and stage settings.
Tactile Tours 
Prior to the commencement of a performance or show, tactile tours can be provided to patrons who are blind or have low vision, enabling them to form a mental picture in their mind of key items in the work.
Relaxed Performance 
A Relaxed Performance is intended to be specifically sensitive to and accepting of audience members who may benefit from a more relaxed environment, anyone with sensory or communication disorders or patrons with learning disabilities. Minor modifications are made to sensory elements like lighting and sound to eliminate surprise and reduce anxiety levels making theatre more welcoming to some audiences.
A Relaxed Performance may also offer accommodations outside of the show itself, such as a relaxation/quiet area, an activity area, family/non-gendered bathrooms etc. Front of house staff should receive special training for these performances. Audiences are allowed to move around the space or make noise during performance and bring snacks, toys, and fidgets (objects that can help soothe and focus individuals on the autism spectrum) into the theatre with them. They are welcome to exit and return to the theatre whenever they need to.
Further Access Organisations
The Royal Society for the Blind (RSB)
External Access Resources
Adelaide City Council Access & Inclusion
Adelaide City Council Accessibility Map
Accessibility for Business Owners
City of Melbourne - Good Access is Good Business
Demystifying Access - Unlimited
Unlimited is an arts commissioning programme that enables new work by disabled artists to reach UK and international audiences.
The promotion of disability awareness in our workplaces and communities is vital in establishing a society where people with disability are valued and included.
Adelaide Fringe believes that everyone should be able to participate in the festival in a safe environment that is free from discrimination and barriers. Access is a barrier that not only audiences face whilst attending the festival but also the participating artists and arts workers.
Image: Tom GK - Hearing Loss the Musical by Leighton Pearce