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City of Wollongong

Accessible seating and viewing areas are important so people with disability can sit with their family and friends, can view activities and performances and are comfortable.

Consider the following:

  • Provide a ticketing / booking system so people can book a range of seating to best suit their abilities and allow them to sit with their friends and / or family. Alternatively, provide contact details so this assistance can be provided.
  • Make sure people who are Deaf or hard of hearing can choose seats with a clear view to Auslan Interpreters and any screens with captioning.
  • Make sure people who are blind or have low vision can choose seats close to presenters, stages, or performances.
  • Create enough space between rows of seating for people to manoeuvre and move through.
  • Provide space at the ends of rows for people who use mobility aides, such as walking sticks and walking frames.
  • Make sure there is seating with backs and arm rests.
  • Make sure spaces for wheelchair users are spread out across the seating area and next to non-wheelchair spaces so wheelchair users can be seated with friends and family.

The following is a guide for grouping and distribution of seating:

Number of fixed seats in a room or spaceNumber of wheelchair seating spacesGrouping and location
Up to 1503 spaces1 single space; and 1 group or 2 spaces (mixed)

Communicate this seating guidance to event staff, booking officers, contractors, and security staff so they can assist people to access seating.

Where there is only general spectator viewing, consider providing a 'no standing' section or a designated accessible viewing area or platform. These options can accommodate everyone and will help wheelchairs users, people with mobility aides and people who prefer to sit.

These areas should be:

  • Located next to a continuous accessible path of travel
  • With clear sightlines to the event or screens for alternative communication e.g., Auslan Interpreters, live captioning, and audio description
  • Clearly shown on the event maps and in promotional material
  • Promoted on the event website
  • Available for booking (if possible)
  • Inclusive of friends and family of people with disability
  • Described as “accessible seating or viewing area” or “no standing area” - not disabled or wheelchair area.