Managers of theatres, cinemas or concert halls have generally been slow to understand and provide for the needs of people with disabilities. However, the situation is changing rapidly and people are more aware of the importance of disabled customers; negative publicity about access and other problems has helped push this along. Whilst many venues are more prepared for people with disabilities, it is a still a good idea to contact the management before you go, to explain your situation and what you will need. Some seats, or positions for wheelchairs, may be better than others, and notifying the venue in advance should ensure that your needs are better catered for. You may also find that certain performances (for example, matin?es) are less crowded than others.
Provision for people with disabilities at cinemas has improved enormously in the last few years. There are still some problems for disabled cinema-goers, however, owing to the number of older 1930’s cinemas which have been converted into several screens. The ‘main’ screen is often in the circle of the old cinema and accessed only by several steps. However, a good number of ground-floor screens have wheelchair spaces with flat access, or via a few steps, possibly through a side exit.
An increasing number of cinemas are using automatic computerized booking systems via the phone, where you can pay for your ticket by credit card and simply collect it on arrival. Some have an enquiry method for disabled patrons that puts you through to the management to make necessary arrangements. The larger cinemas have facilities available such as seats that provide additional leg room. To find out about the facilities for disabled patrons, contact the cinema showing your choice of film direct and ask for details.
As far as theatres go, many of the larger venues now have adapted toilets and facilities. In some theatres, it may be necessary for the occupant of a wheelchair to be able to transfer into an aisle seat, with the wheelchair stowed elsewhere. In other theatres, seats can be removed with advance notice to make way for a wheelchair, while in others there are specific seat-less areas where a wheelchair user will be asked to sit. If you need assistance or a specific seat as an ambulant or visually impaired disabled person, or indeed for any disability, then do ask in advance. Usually the easiest access to seats will be on the same level as any wheelchair spaces, and/or you could ask for a seat at the end of a row if this is helpful.
For other popular venues such as museums, galleries or arts centres, if you are unsure about access and facilities, contact the place concerned and ask in advance of your visit. Both access and the presentation of exhibits have been improved to suit disabled visitors, and facilities, such as catering and the provision of toilets, have been upgraded as well. Some major museums and galleries are large, making it difficult to walk or wheel all the way round in a single visit. Like most visitors, you may prefer to look at a museum/gallery map before or when you arrive, so you can select some of the things of greatest interest and plan the easiest route round. Some places will have on-site wheelchairs to borrow, but check and book these in advance if they are going to be a necessity. Ask about any entrance charges – most are free.
Some arts centres are housed in modern, purpose-built buildings; others are based in old buildings such as Victorian town halls and churches that have been adapted for the purpose. Accessibility varies, but efforts have been made in recent years to cater better for disabled visitors. Many arts venues have multiple functions, and may include a cinema, theatre, concert hall, and an exhibition area. If you are in London, you may find it practical as well as interesting to visit a site or complex that has a number of such accessible possibilities within easy reach of each other, such as the South Bank or the Barbican centre.
If you are going to a theatre, cinema or other venue in London, you could contact the London arts access information service, Artsline. As well as providing a telephone information line, Artsline has available an access guide to theatres in London called Open Door and a booklet entitled Disabled Access Guide to London’s West End Theatres.
You should also check to see whether there are any services giving similar information in your area, from DIAL. Relevant help may be available from your local authority information service. Some past or present experiences may provoke you into joining one of the many local groups campaigning for better local access to public buildings and places.
If you like visiting stately homes and gardens, the National Trust
Handbook gives information about the suitability of its properties for people in wheelchairs, and there is a separate guide from them for properties that are particularly suitable. All give free admission to someone escorting a person in a wheelchair, and some have motorized buggies for those with mobility problems.
Three other books give details of wheelchair access:
• Places that care by Michael Yarrow
• The National Gardens Scheme handbook, and
• Historic houses, castles and gardens
which list over 1300 properties of all types and gives information about access. Other possible sources of information are RADAR (the Royal Association for Disability and Rehabilitation), and local disability groups, or your local MS Society may have information about access issues to places near to you.