skip to main content

Attitude is Everything State of Access Report 2016

Simple changes to online information provision could drastically improve the experiences of Deaf and disabled venue and festival goers, shows new report.

Published: 17 March 2016 | 12:00 AM Updated: 28 April 2021 | 4:28 PM

Attitude is Everything (AIE), which works to improve Deaf and disabled people’s access to live music, has launched its latest State of Access Report. The 2016 report reveals that simple changes to online information provision could have a dramatic impact on the experiences of Deaf and disabled customers.

The report assesses the prevalence and quality of access information across venues and festivals of all sizes across the UK, and gives a ‘good’, ‘adequate’, or ‘poor’ rating.  The survey covers all aspects of access from information provided, including booking, travel and arrival, parking, step free access, toilet facilities, food and drink, and accessible camping to name a few.

Of the 386 venues and festivals were surveyed, 1 in 3 of venue and festival websites provided no information, and fewer than 1 in 5 provided information rated ‘good’.

Venues wanting to sign support AIE and improved access for Deaf and disabled people can sign up to AIE’s Charter of Best Practice.

David Webster, National Organiser for Live Performance, said: “The MU welcomes this report. There is clearly work to be done here, and raising awareness is part of the battle. This report helps to cement that awareness amongst venues owners and festival organisers.”

Get MU membership today

From gig players to part-time teachers and professional instrumentalists, MU members can access specialist insurance for musicians. This includes Public Liability, Instrument and Equipment Insurance, Accident Insurance, Tax Investigation Insurance, and Professional Indemnity Insurance for music teachers.

Explore our member services

  • Get public liability insurance for musicians
  • Access expert legal support
  • Be represented in your profession
  • Access expert career advice, resources, and training events
  • Connect, network, and get to know the community of musicians

Learn about all membership benefits

Get MU membership today

Continue reading

The outside of the BBC Headquarters building.

BEAU Statement on BBC Charter Review Launch

The MU has joined sister unions in writing to Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport Lisa Nandy to reiterate the key principles that should underpin the BBC Charter Review process.

Published: 18 December 2025

Read more about BEAU Statement on BBC Charter Review Launch
Black and white image of a conductor in front of the orchestra pit in a theatre, cast members are on stage in the background out of focus.

MU Welcomes Arts Council England Review

We broadly welcome Baroness Margaret Hodge’s review of Arts Council England, which reflects many of the concerns raised by the MU and other creative unions. We will now press the government to respond positively to its recommendations.

Published: 18 December 2025

Read more about MU Welcomes Arts Council England Review
Naomi Pohl at Labour Party Conference 2024 holding a placard that says 'Labour's New Deal for Working People'.

Landmark Employment Rights Bill Becomes Law

The MU welcomes passage of the Employment Rights Bill, which will now become law. Shaped by trade union input, the legislation represents an important step forward for workers’ rights, equality and protections, with further reforms for freelancers promised in a second phase.

Published: 16 December 2025

Read more about Landmark Employment Rights Bill Becomes Law
A person's open palm holding a graphic of sound waves.

MU Urges Government to Back Musicians on AI

The MU is urging the Government to drop its original AI proposal after the interim consultation response revealed overwhelming opposition. With only 3% of respondents backing the preferred option, ministers must now deliver robust regulation to protect musicians’ rights.

Published: 16 December 2025

Read more about MU Urges Government to Back Musicians on AI