d/Deaf and neurodivergent people go to gigs, dance at festivals and often love live music. They might experience it in different ways: through sign language, lip-reading, captions, residual hearing and vibration. The best events will try to offer several of these, so people can choose what works for them.
Here are practical ways to make your event welcoming for d/Deaf, hard of hearing and neurodivergent audiences.
1. Plan it with the people you want to welcome
The most useful step costs little: talk to your audience. They’ll tell you what matters, and they’ll help spread the word that your event is worth coming to. Beat Blocks has several neurodivergent team members who shape everything we do as a company.
2. Make access information easy to find
Publish clear access information before people book: what support you offer, where it will be, and how to ask for more. Let people contact you by email or text, not only by phone.
3. Provide BSL interpretation
British Sign Language interpreters who specialise in music can sign lyrics, rhythm and the feel of a performance, not only the words. Make sure they’re well lit and that d/Deaf audience members have a clear view of them and the stage.
4. Caption lyrics and announcements
Screens showing song titles, lyrics and announcements help d/Deaf and hard of hearing audiences, and many hearing people enjoy them too. For smaller gigs, even a screen with the setlist and band names makes a difference.
5. Plan for sensory needs
Let people know in advance about loud moments, strobe lighting and crowded areas. Offer ear defenders, and a quiet space where anyone can take a break and come back when they’re ready.
6. Let people feel the music
Many d/Deaf people experience music through vibration, often by standing close to the speakers. For some neurodivergent people, standing that close is sensory overload. A haptic floor lets gig-goers get that feeling without being right next to the speakers. The music travels through the floor, so people feel the beat, the bass and the build of a track through their whole body.
Read more: What is a haptic floor?
7. Brief your team
A few minutes of briefing helps staff and stewards communicate well: face people when speaking, keep a pen and paper or a phone notes app handy, and know what access support is on site.
Find out more
The charity Attitude is Everything works with the music industry to improve access for d/Deaf and disabled audiences. Their free DIY Access Guide is a good place to start.
Add a haptic floor to your event
Beat Blocks began as a way for d/Deaf, disabled and neurodivergent people to share live music with everyone else. The floor has been part of events including Roundhouse in London, Meltdown at Southbank Centre, Cheltenham Jazz Festival and Tropical Pressure festival, and was studied with Falmouth University in research into accessible live music.
