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Welcome to this essential guide for Adelaide Fringe participants! This resource is designed to help you understand the criteria Adelaide Fringe uses to evaluate the accessibility of venues, spaces, and shows. By familiarising yourself with these guidelines, you can ensure your event information is clear and accessible to all festival-goers, making the Fringe experience enjoyable and memorable for everyone.

Contents

Overview

Considering the accessibility of your venue and its performing and exhibition spaces is an important step. When you register your venue and show, you will be asked detailed questions that allow Adelaide Fringe to communicate your venue's accessibility to customers via our website and the Adelaide Fringe call centre.

Adelaide Fringe Venue Accessibility Resource

The Adelaide Fringe Venue Accessibility Resource is now available. This valuable resource was developed in collaboration with independent access consultants to highlight crucial information and explain how it aligns with regulations such as the Australian Standards for Access and Mobility, the Disability Discrimination Act (1992), and the National Construction Code.

If your venue does not currently meet all disability access standards, please do not worry. The most important action you can take is to provide clear and comprehensive information about your venue's accessibility. This enables patrons and performers with access needs to make informed decisions about whether your venue suits their requirements. Additionally, ensure your staff are well-informed so they can confidently answer patron questions regarding accessibility.

Should you have further enquiries regarding accessibility, please contact the Artist & Venue Team at venues@adelaidefringe.com.au or call 8100 2022.

Venue Accessibility Symbols

We are currently seeking feedback on our accessibility symbols, and you might observe minor adjustments to certain icons, such as those representing stairs and outdoor areas, before the festival commences. Rest assured, while the visual symbols may evolve, the fundamental criteria for each accessibility feature will remain consistent and unchanged.

Step-free mobility aid accessible

This symbol indicates step-free mobility aid access via the main entrance, complemented by an accessible bathroom.

  • The venue and space entrance is accessible for individuals with limited mobility, including those who use a wheelchair or cannot climb stairs.
  • The entrance to the venue or space is through the main entrance.
  • The path of travel to the entrance of the venue or space is level, firm, and obstacle-free.
  • The venue has a designated accessible unisex toilet or has arranged for an alternative accessible unisex toilet nearby.

Alternate entrance - step-free mobility aid accessible

This symbol denotes step-free mobility aid access through an alternative entrance, along with an accessible bathroom.

  • The venue and space entrance is accessible for individuals with limited mobility, including those who use a wheelchair or cannot climb stairs.
  • The entrance to the venue or space is through an alternate entrance.
  • The path of travel to the entrance of the venue or space is level, firm, and obstacle-free.
  • The venue has a designated accessible unisex toilet or has arranged for an alternative accessible unisex toilet nearby.

Outdoor step-free mobility aid accessible

This symbol signifies an outdoor venue with step-free mobility aid access and an accessible bathroom. Please note that the path quality may be poor or include an incline.

  • The venue and space entrance is accessible for individuals with limited mobility, including those who use a wheelchair or cannot climb stairs.
  • The entrance to the venue or space is through the main entrance.
  • The path of travel to the entrance of the venue or space is not level, firm, and obstacle-free.
  • The venue has a designated accessible unisex toilet or has arranged for an alternative accessible unisex toilet nearby.

Not mobility-aid accessible due to steps

This symbol indicates that the venue is not mobility-aid accessible due to stairs.

  • The venue and space entrance is not accessible due to stairs.
  • The venue has a designated accessible unisex toilet or has arranged for an alternative accessible unisex toilet nearby.

Not Accessible or No Symbol

This applies if:

  • The venue does not have a designated accessible unisex toilet or has not arranged for an alternative accessible unisex toilet nearby.
  • The venue is not accessible for any other reason.

Performance Accessibility Symbols

 

Auslan Interpretation

Auslan (Australian Sign Language) is a visual language comprising hand movements, facial expressions, and other body language. It is a recognised language of Australia’s Deaf community. Auslan interpreters can translate spoken dialogue on stage as it occurs. During an Auslan interpreted performance, an interpreter stands on or beside the stage, clearly visible to the audience, interpreting spoken words, 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), either on or next to the stage.

Audio Description

Audio description is the verbal narration of visual aspects of live theatre, which listeners access through a small radio receiver and single earpiece as the performance unfolds. Commentary is provided by trained describer. This service includes pre-show descriptions of programme details, as well as costumes and stage settings.

Access2Arts have a comprehensive guide for providing Audio Description services for the blind and low vision community. Find the Audio Description Guide here. 

Tactile Tours

Before a performance or show begins, tactile tours can be offered to patrons who are blind or have low vision. These tours enable them to form a mental image of key items within the work.

Relaxed Performance

A Relaxed Performance is specifically designed to be sensitive and welcoming to audience members who may benefit from a more relaxed environment, including those with sensory or communication disorders, or patrons with learning disabilities. Minor adjustments are made to sensory elements like lighting and sound to eliminate surprises and reduce anxiety, making theatre more accessible and welcoming for these audiences.

A Relaxed Performance may also provide accommodations beyond the show itself, such as a relaxation/quiet area, an activity area, or family/non-gendered bathrooms. Front-of-house staff should receive specialised training for these performances. Audiences are permitted to move around the space or make noise during the performance and can bring snacks, toys, and fidgets (objects that can help soothe and focus individuals on the autism spectrum) into the theatre. They are welcome to exit and return to the theatre whenever necessary.

FringePOD - Accessibility at Fringe with Access 2 Arts

Access2Arts Chief Executive Bec Young, along with Fringe artists Selena Mersey, Yoz and Maz Ray chat all things accessibility at Fringe. Watch as they share their creative processes and lived experiences—exploring how we can make the arts more inclusive for all.

Further Access Organisations

External Access Resources

Summary

Adelaide Fringe is committed to ensuring a safe, inclusive, and accessible festival experience for everyone.

  • Understanding and communicating your venue and show's accessibility is crucial for all attendees.
  • Clearly display relevant Venue and Performance Accessibility Symbols to inform patrons.
  • Engage with listed Access Organisations and Resources for additional support and information.

Additional Resources

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.