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 space | Number of wheelchair seating spaces | Grouping and location |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 150 | 3 spaces | 1 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.