Accessibility is a critical aspect of any public event. Ensuring that people with disabilities can participate in and enjoy these events is a matter of fundamental human rights and essential for creating an inclusive and diverse society.

Making events accessible to people with disabilities is right. Not only does it ensure that everyone can participate in and enjoy the event, but it also sends a message that people with disabilities are valued members of society who deserve equal opportunities and access to public spaces.

With visitors descending on Sydney from all over the world in May, it makes sense that Vivid needs to be accessible and inclusive for everyone so that all guests, no matter their ability, can make the most of this spectacular yearly celebration. For anyone unfamiliar with this unique event, Vivid Sydney is one of the world’s largest festivals of light, music and ideas. Light installations take over various areas in the CBD, and special events and concerts occur throughout the city. Vivid Sydney has taken extra steps to ensure everyone can safely participate, regardless of their ability.

The law surrounding accessibility and inclusion during events in Sydney
Like many other cities in Australia, Sydney has implemented various measures to ensure that public events are accessible to people with disabilities. The Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) of 1992 is a federal law that protects the rights of people with disabilities in Australia. Under this legislation, event organisers must make reasonable adjustments to ensure their events are accessible to people with disabilities.

The NSW Government has also implemented additional measures to ensure accessibility at public events in Sydney. The Disability Inclusion Act of 2014 aims to promote the inclusion and participation of people with disabilities in all aspects of community life, including public events. This legislation requires event organisers to take reasonable steps to ensure that people with disabilities can access and participate in their events.

How Vivid Sydney is setting the example for accessibility and inclusion:

• Wheelchair accessible events
  The most famous part of Vivid Sydney is the light installations. This year, over 100 events will be accessible for wheelchair users, including over 50 light installations along the Vivid Light Walk. There will also be accessible viewing areas and designated spots to relax, such as at the Sydney Opera House, Dawes Point and Darling Harbour.
• Audio facilities for the hearing impaired
  To ensure those with hearing aids can have complete access to the experience, most Vivid events will offer hearing loop or audio induction loop facilities. Vivid venues such as the Museum of Contemporary Art and the City Recital Hall have an induction hearing loop system.
• Closed-captioning light installations
  Vivid offers audio descriptions and closed captioning of each Light Walk installation. They can be accessed by scanning them with the QR code on each installation light box along the walk or by visiting the audio description webpage on the Vivid Sydney webpage. The projection soundtracks can be heard through a mobile phone, while the Cinewav app gives you access to the whole experience of the audio-visual installations.
• Sensory-friendly exhibitions
  This year, Vivid will include a sensory-friendly, interactive workshop. The workshop encourages creative thinking and audience participation and invites everyone on the autism spectrum or living with a sensory sensitivity disability to come along.
• Support workers welcome
  Those living with a permanent disability can bring along a support worker to many of Vivid’s special events this year. If you’re a support worker providing support through platforms like Mable, you can apply for a Companion Card to accompany your client to specific events for free. Companion Cards are an essential accessibility service for those living with a disability.

Other accessibility initiatives:

• A specially designed accessibility map identifies the best level route and avoids steps. The map is available from VividSydney.com and at Vivid Sydney Information Booths
• Accessible information booths at Circular Quay and Darling Harbour, which have lower countertops for those in wheelchairs, plus water bowls for guide dogs
• Text to Talk function via VividSydney.com, which offers short descriptions of each Vivid Light Walk installation for screen reader or smartphone devices with accessibility options
• Auslan interpreters at Vivid Ideas Game Changer major events. Game Changer venues, including Roslyn Packer Theatre Walsh Bay and Sydney Town Hall, offer hearing loop systems
• Audio described tours of Lighting of the Sydney Opera House Sails led by specially trained Opera House staff for people with vision impairment and their companions to experience the centrepiece of Vivid Sydney.

Getting to and around Vivid
There will now be a dedicated Access & Inclusion Team at Vivid to assist people with a disability with access requirements so that they can pre-plan their trip and provide information about accessible services and facilities. For example, much of the CBD will be susceptible to road closures, and parking permits will be given access to closer drop-off and pick-up zones for those with mobility issues. There will also be accessible parking for minibuses used by disability services, community and aged care groups.

Accessibility remains an essential aspect of any public event in Sydney. The legislation surrounding this issue is designed to protect the rights of people with disabilities and ensure they can participate fully in all aspects of community life. Event organisers, such as Vivid Sydney, are responsible for making their events accessible to everyone, and doing so is not only a legal requirement but also a moral imperative. By prioritising accessibility, we can create a more inclusive and welcoming society for all.

If you have any questions or need guidance around making your premises disability friendly, contact us at Access Link Consulting; we are passionate about promoting accessibility for all.

Call us on (02) 8319 4616 to enquire about our services today.