Getting accessible tickets to events can seem daunting for people with disabilities. Thankfully, there are laws and resources in place to help make getting accessible tickets easier. This article will walk through the step-by-step process of getting accessible tickets for various events.
Know Your Rights
The first step is understanding your rights under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This civil rights law prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities. It requires places of public accommodation, including theaters, stadiums, and other venues, to provide equal access for people with disabilities.
So what does this mean for accessible tickets? The ADA requires venues to:
- Provide the same ticket prices for accessible seats as standard seats in the same section
- Accept exchanges for accessible seats even after non-accessible seats have sold out
- Provide a reasonable number of accessible seats in all price ranges and sections
These provisions help ensure people with disabilities can get accessible tickets at fair prices. Knowing your rights under the ADA is key to advocating for proper accommodations.
Plan Ahead
Another key tip is to plan as far ahead as possible. Accessible seating is limited, so the earlier you can request accessible tickets the better. For extremely popular events, it’s best to plan months in advance if possible.
Once you know the event you want to attend, look up the venue’s accessibility policies on their website. Write down any important information such as deadlines to request accessible seating. You can also call the box office directly to ask questions and get details on ticket availability.
If the event is through a third-party ticket seller like Ticketmaster, you may need to create a special account and provide documentation of your disability. Do this early so your account is set up when tickets go on sale.
Choose Your Seats Carefully
When tickets go on sale, carefully select your seats based on your mobility and medical needs. Look at the venue map and seating chart to find ideal accessible seats. Some key factors to consider:
- Seating with wheelchair access: If you use a wheelchair, look for wheelchair-accessible seats. They have extra legroom and space for wheelchairs.
- Aisle seats: Aisle seats provide easy entrance and exit access from rows. They are ideal if you use any mobility aids.
- Seats with companion seats: If you have a companion, select seats with adjoining accessible seats so you can sit together.
- Distance from stage: Prioritize orchestra or front row seats if you have hearing or vision needs. balcony seats give you the freedom to come and go as needed.
Call the venue to verify the exact seats you are selecting will meet your access needs. You don’t want any surprises on event day.
Submit Accessibility Requests
Once you’ve selected seat tickets, it’s time to formally request accessible accommodations. There are two main ways to do this:
- Online form: Many venue websites have online accessible seating request forms. Fill out the form as soon as possible once tickets go on sale.
- Phone: You can also call the venue’s accessibility phone line to make verbal requests. This is helpful if you have questions or need to provide medical details.
No matter how you submit the request, be prepared with key details including:
- Your name, phone number and email
- The specific event date and time
- How many accessible seat tickets you need and the seat numbers/locations
- Any mobility aids or equipment you will bring (wheelchair, walker, service animal, etc)
- Any relevant details on your disability and medical needs
Keep records of any request forms or calls. Follow up if you don’t get confirmations within a few business days. Some venues may require you submit separate accessibility requests for parking accommodations as well.
Provide Medical Documentation
For accessible seating, venues may ask you to provide current medical documentation to verify your disability. This usually involves getting a signed note or letter from your doctor outlining your disability and seating needs.
Medical documentation policies vary between venues. Places like concert halls may be more flexible, while sports stadiums tend to have stricter requirements. Look up the venue’s documentation policies and any forms they need completed.
Ideally get documentation submitted 1-2 months before the event if possible. That gives enough processing time for the venue. Bring extra copies of medical paperwork with you on event day too. It can help if any questions come up when you arrive.
Finalizing Your Order
After you submit your accessible seating request, you’ll need to finalize ticket payment. A few things to know:
- You’ll typically pay normal ticket prices just like non-accessible seats.
- Some venues don’t do instant ticket confirmations. Give them 1 week to process and respond.
- You may need to re-select seat assignments if your first choices get taken.
- Accessible seats can’t be “re-sold” if you can no longer attend. You must return directly to the venue.
Keep all ticket confirmations and receipts in a safe place. Printing hard copies as a backup is a good idea. Contact the accessibility coordinator right away if you have any troubles finalizing ticket payment or need to make any changes.
Day of Event Tips
Once event day arrives, here are some helpful tips for a smooth accessible experience:
- Arrive early: Get to the venue early so you have time to get parked, get inside, and get settled in your seat.
- Bring documentation: Keep disability documentation handy to verify your accommodations if needed.
- Call for help: Don’t hesitate to ask guest services, ushers or the accessibility coordinator for any help you need.
- Have backups: Bring extra medication, medical supplies, or mobility aids in case of unexpected issues or delays.
- Give feedback: Notify staff if you have any access problems so they can improve for next time.
Following event policies and communicating your needs clearly goes a long way. You deserve to enjoy the event just like other attendees!
Getting Accessible Hotel Accommodations
If you are traveling to the event from out of town, don’t forget to book accessible hotel accommodations. Here are some tips:
- Do web searches for “ADA hotel” or “disability access hotel” in the city.
- Call the hotel ahead of time to explain your needs and confirm availability of roll-in showers, lowered beds, etc.
- Request an accessible room when you book online or over the phone.
- Follow up with an email to reiterate your request and needs.
- Ask about accessible parking availability.
- Inquire about hotel shuttle transportation accessibility.
Also consider proximity to the venue and public transportation when booking your hotel. You want to minimize any difficult travel between your hotel and event location.
Booking Accessible Transportation
Accessible transportation is key to getting you to and from the venue smoothly. Below are some options to research:
Accessible Ride Share Services
Services like Uber have options for requesting wheelchair accessible vehicles:
- Enable the “wheelchair accessible” ride preference in your Uber app.
- Contact accessible ride providers like Veyo directly.
- Message the driver when booked to confirm if the vehicle can fit your wheelchair or scooter.
Paratransit Transportation
Many cities have paratransit services like Access-A-Ride that provide shared rides in accessible vans to people with disabilities. Contact your local paratransit agency to see if you’re eligible.
Local Accessible Shuttle Services
Some event venues partner with accessible shuttle companies to transport disabled attendees to/from events. Reach out to the event coordinator to see if they have official shuttle recommendations.
With a mix of transportation options, you can create safe plans for getting to and leaving the event venue.
Handling Sold Out or High Demand Events
What if an event you want accessible tickets for is sold out or very high demand? All hope is not lost. Here are some tips to still try getting accessible seats:
- Get waitlisted: Many venues keep waitlists for newly released accessible seats even if general tickets are sold out. Get your name on these lists.
- Check back periodically: Keep checking ticket websites as it gets closer to the event date. More accessible tickets may be released.
- Try verified resale: Look on safe verified resale sites that re-sell already purchased event tickets.
- Email the accessibility coordinator: Directly reaching out and explaining your situation may help.
- Consider VIP options: VIP ticket packages sometimes include accessible seating, even when standard tickets are gone.
Having flexible dates or being able to attend last minute can also help. Ultimately your best bet is buying early, but remain persistent if an event initially sells out!
Filing Complaints for ADA Violations
If you encounter any violations of your ADA rights when trying to purchase accessible event tickets, you can file complaints to help hold venues accountable. Some options include:
- File a complaint with the Department of Justice ADA hotline: 800-514-0301
- Contact your state or city disability rights office.
- Consult with an ADA attorney for guidance.
Venues have legal obligations to provide sufficient accessible event seating. Filing complaints creates a paper trail and pushes venues to improve access. Consider advocating for policy changes in addition to handling individual violation cases.
Using a Ticket Accessibility Service
Third party disability ticket services exist to help take some legwork out of the accommodation process. They advocate on your behalf with venues and provide other support services. Some top options include:
| Service | Key Features |
|---|---|
| Disabled Accessible Travel & Leisure |
|
| Wheelchair Accessible Ticketing |
|
| UnivAccess |
|
These services typically charge fees but can greatly reduce the effort required on your end to get accessible tickets. They also advocate for disability rights and work to improve venue accessibility overall.
Getting the Right Assistance at Events
Navigating the actual event space also requires proper accommodations and assistance. Be proactive in setting up services you may need:
- ASL Interpreting: Request sign language interpreters to be present at the event through the venue.
- Guides: Ask guest services for guides to help you get around the venue if needed.
- Wheelchair assistance: Inquire with venue staff about wheelchair services for any pushing help required.
- Companion tickets: Those needing assistance may get discounted admission for their companions.
- Assistive listening devices: Venues are required to provide assistive listening equipment for those hard of hearing.
Don’t be afraid to ask venue staff for any accommodations you need to fully participate in the event. Make requests early so arrangements can be made smoothly.
Attending Virtually if Needed
If attending an event in-person ultimately does not work out, consider virtual accommodations. Many concerts, conventions, and more now offer online options:
- Live video streams
- Recorded event videos
- Audio only streams
- Virtual conference platforms
- Assistive captions on streams
Look on event and venue websites for virtual attendance details. Some may offer discounted virtual tickets for people with disabilities. Virtual events make engaging in the experience possible when in-person access just isn’t feasible.
Conclusion
Accessing events requires planning, flexibility and advocacy. But taking it step-by-step makes getting accessible event tickets very doable. Know your rights, plan ahead, communicate needs clearly, and leverage available resources. Don’t let disability be a barrier to participating in experiences you enjoy.
