The Edinburgh Fringe Festival 2011 has recently announced it’s improvements regarding access for deaf and disabled audiences.
I have to give them a big pat on the back, not only have they provided BSL interpreters for many performances; there is an accessible ticket collection point and a member of staff who can sign. Access does not just stop with the performance and Edinburgh Fringe have clearly taken this on board and are working with deaf and disabled theatre professionals to ensure an enjoyable festival for all.
Please read the full press release below and go to it’s source at: www.edfringe.com
“Festival Fringe Society announces improvements to access at the 2011 Fringe.
The 2011 Fringe has improved access facilities for Deaf and disabled audiences including a new accessible ticket collection point, and in the Box Office a dedicated accessible ticket booking line and BSL proficient staff member. This follows steps the Fringe Society has been taking to make the Festival a more accessible event. Festival Fringe Society Chief Executive Kath M Mainland said:
“We are delighted to announce the new ticket collection point and the improved facilities at the Fringe box office. These are significant steps in improving the Fringe’s accessibility for audiences as well as participants. Promoting equity, preventing discrimination and valuing diversity are fundamental to the
Society. Ensuring that all our internal procedures reach acceptable standards has led us to receive ‘Two Ticks’ accreditation from Job Centre Plus.
“The accessibility information in our programme is much clearer for 2011 and our box office staff will have detailed information about the facilities, including changes to access from previous years, at each performance space.”
The Fringe Society is committed to improving access for Deaf and disabled audience members. Amongst developments, the Fringe Society is working with industry experts including Birds of Paradise Theatre Company who will be contributing to events held during August at the Fringe’s participants’ centre, Fringe Central. Representatives from Birds of Paradise, a Scottish company that
works with casts of disabled and non-disabled professional actors will be part of the panel that makes up Fringe Society Access Training. Also working to improve access at the Fringe are Artlink and FST who are supporting adapted show information distribution to Deaf and disabled audiences in formats
such as Braille and audio.
The new accessible ticket collection point is at the University of Edinburgh’s Visitor Centre, 2 Charles Street and is open from 03 August 2011. The ticket collection point is fully accessible from both Charles Street and the walkway area towards the rear. Both entrances are ramped and the doors are
fully automatic and wheelchair accessible.
Ends.
Notes to Editors.
Ticket collection point 2 Charles Street opening hours 03-29 August 09:30-20:00 Monday-Saturday 12.00-20:00 on Sundays.
The access booking line and BSL proficient staff hours are available at edfringe.com or please contact the Fringe box office directly.
2011 Edinburgh Festival Fringe 05-29 August.
For further information please contact media@edfringe.com 0131 240 1919“
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