OPINION
Reimagining Accessible Events
Alex May Covell , interim head of live events access at Attitude is Everything provides her perspective on how its recently published Live Events Access Charter has been created to help accessible events be reimagined with community and innovation at their heart
Attitude is Everything ’ s new Live Events Access Charter , which launched officially on 12 February , signifies a new chapter for the charity : shaped by collaboration , innovation , and a deep commitment to accessibility . Guided by the social model of disability , we want to ensure that venues and festivals remove barriers and create inclusive spaces where everyone can participate fully .
In my previous role as access producer for Greenwich + Docklands International Festival , the Charter provided a vital framework , helping me implement best practices without guesswork . It gave me the freedom to focus on creative solutions and meaningful engagement with disabled artists and audiences .
As a result of these personal experiences , when I joined Attitude is Everything , I knew the value , but also that there was also so much untapped potential , and so we began reviewing the Charter in October 2023 .
After gathering ideas from disabled artists , audiences , professionals , and industry contacts , and then embarking on a year of roundtables and testing , we ended up carrying out a complete overhaul . As a result of this community feedback , we realised that the old Charter – essentially a PDF guidance document and an Excel accreditation form – was no longer fit for purpose .
“ FROM START TO FINISH , THE PROCESS HAS BEEN OPEN , HONEST , AND COLLABORATIVE .”
In its place , we have developed a comprehensive online platform that makes access guidance instinctive , userfriendly and practical . It means we can track trends across our membership , use gap analysis to spot where the industry needs more support , and focus our energy where it matters most . Rather than responding to challenges , we ’ ll be staying ahead of them - using real data to drive change and shape the future of accessibility in live events .
The new Charter is about embedding accessibility as a core value in the live events sector . We ’ re also embracing new technology to put the voices of our artists , Mystery Shoppers and professionals at the centre of our work to identify what works and what still needs improvement . This will allow us to expand our perspectives on access , ensuring that it intersects with sustainability , community building , and the experiences of artists and professionals .
Alex May Covell
One of the most exciting developments is our new online hub , a dedicated space for Charter members to find resources , templates , training , and guidance . This will empower venues and festivals to implement accessible practices more effectively , benefiting from the shared knowledge of our industry .
From start to finish , the process has been open , honest , and collaborative , strengthening a community of access professionals dedicated to creating spaces of joy , connection , and creativity .
What is the true beating heart of this Charter are my colleagues , Rhiannon Griffin and Maia Barker , who have dedicated so much of themselves into this project . Their commitment to inclusion and lived experience has shaped something truly meaningful - more than just work , but a way to drive real change . Their insight , care , and determination have made this Charter what it is , and I feel truly thankful to have them by my side on this journey .
As Attitude is Everything marks its 25th year , I am incredibly proud of what we have built together . We are carrying forward the legacy of our founder Suzanne Bull , championing inclusion and accessibility in live events . Our goal is simple : to make access easy . accessaa . co . uk 15