Accessing The Fringe

Navigating the Edinburgh Fringe can be a Sisyphean task at the best of times, as the population of Edinburgh doubles and almost every available space transforms into a venue or site specific performance space. So it can be an altogether different kind of nightmare for disabled people, in terms of accessibility. Old buildings generally have steep stairs and no lifts, and there’s often a lack of BSL interpretation in shows, or wheelchair ramps at entry points. This means that sadly many people miss out on the Fringe altogether.

As somebody who has osteoarthritis and uses a walking stick, my own personal experience has been varied, to say the least. I’m simply invisible to many people. I’ve been pushed and jostled by the crowds, some attempt to walk through me. Others around the festival are more helpful, but not everyone experiences kindness.

Step forward disabled-led charity Attitude Is Everything, who specialise in providing support and information for disabled people, making festivals and gigs more inclusive. They have been working in collaboration with the Edinburgh Fringe.

The Venue Access Award was set up in 2015, bringing guidance and ensuring that the venues are accessible to a wider audience throughout the hectic days and nights of August. Venues included are Assembly Checkpoint; Assembly Hall, Bedlam Theatre, Gilded Balloon Teviot, Greenside @ Nicholson Square, Summerhall, The Stand Comedy Club, Dance Base and Pleasance Courtyard, among many others. They also work with disabled artists and performers, bringing a wider platform across the UK. We’ve still got a long way to go, but Attitude Is Everything are a force for good, leading the way towards a positive change.

For more information on accessibility at Edinburgh Fringe, head to:

http://www.edfringe.com

For more information on Attitude Is Everything,head to:

http://www.attitudeiseverything.org.uk

Additional help:

Edinburgh Fringe are working with Deaf Action to provide BEL on request.

Sensory resources are available at the Box Office:

http://www.edfringe.com/experience/accessibility

Enhanced performances can be found here:

http://www.edfringe.com/experience/accessibility/enhanced-performances