Deaf and disabled ‘discriminated’ against in booking live music tickets

Most deaf and disabled people have experienced problems and feel discriminated against when trying to book tickets to live music events, according to a new report.

The difficulties were highlighted by charity Attitude is Everything as it announced a new coalition to tackle the issue. The charity, which works to help deaf and disabled audiences get the best access to live music, unveiled its Ticketing Without Barriers coalition as it published its fourth State of Access report.

Attitude is Everything’s findings showed 80 per cent of the 349 people questioned had experienced problems while booking tickets, and that 79 per cent have been put off buying tickets due to nonaccessible booking systems.

The research found 73 per cent felt discriminated against because of their disability. It also found while 37 per cent of those surveyed said they felt the situation for deaf and disabled customers while booking access for live music events had improved, one out of ten had considered legal action.

Attitude is Everything suggested that music fans need a simple, universal system when booking tickets.