Some of the best ways to connect with others and make lasting memories are through experiences and in-person moments. Festivals, concerts, shows, and similar events can create some of the fondest memories and connect us with community in meaningful ways. However, for wheelchair users and those with limited mobility, attending a busy event or an unfamiliar venue can feel daunting instead of exciting.

To help you make the most out of your upcoming experiences, here are some tips to make sure that the next big event you attend is enjoyable and memorable instead of overwhelming.

Before diving into some research and planning, consider the accessible amenities you’ll need to be able to enjoy the event. These might include:

• Elevator or wheelchair ramp access
• Accessible parking near venue entrances
• Accessible restrooms
• Pathways that are free of barriers and obstacles
• Seating that meets your needs
• Lighting and signage to ensure pathways are clear and accessible amenities are easy to find
• Distance between key spots – how far apart are the entrance, stages, seating, food and drink areas, restrooms, etc.?

Before you buy your ticket, reach out to your travel buddies, and make plans, starting with researching the event and venue to make sure that it meets your accessibility needs. But where do you begin?

Start with the event or venue’s website to find accessibility information.

This is a great place to start when looking for accessibility information. Events and venues that are more established are more likely to have this information on their websites. Look for an FAQ or Information page to see what information is available about accessibility. Large venues might even have a designated “Accessibility Information” section on their website.

Look for information on the event’s page on Facebook, Eventbrite, or other event-hosting platforms.

Smaller, local events might have a more up-to-date presence on Facebook than an actual website. If that’s the case, you might be able to find accessibility information there. Check the event description or “Discussion” tabs on the event listing. These platforms should also include contact information so you can reach out directly to event organizers if the information is not readily available.

Look for information on online forums

Odds are you aren’t the first or only person looking for accessibility information about an event or venue, especially if the event happens on a regular basis. Online forums and websites like Reddit are a great resource for accessibility information and draw on individual users’ own experience, so you can have a better idea of what to expect. Plus, if no one has asked about accessibility yet, there will likely be lots of people who can arm you with information and let you know what to expect.

Contact organizers directly

If information isn’t readily available online, there’s no harm in reaching out to the event organizers or venue to ask! Contact information should be easy to find on event pages or websites.

See for yourself with Google Street View

Google Street View allows you to see the outside of a venue or event space. Use arrows to move in different directions and pinch to zoom in. This can help you identify wheelchair ramps, accessible entrances, and other amenities you might need. This is great for helping to identify where amenities are so you can plan your trip accordingly.

Request accommodations

In some cases, you may be able to request specific accommodations at events and venues. Call ahead of time to ask and give both yourself and the organizers plenty of time to meet your needs.

Know what’s best for you

It can be hard to get excited about an event when you’re unsure of its accessibility, and whether you’ll be able to enjoy it safely and comfortably. On days where it just feels like too much, it’s okay to sit one out—maybe invite friends over to enjoy each other’s company at home instead. But as more venues and events organize with accessibility in mind, there are lots of ways to join the party with ease and security. Limited mobility doesn’t have to be the reason you can’t enjoy community and experiences.

Events can be once-in-a-lifetime experiences and create incredible memories for you to share with your friends and loved ones. Limited mobility shouldn’t be a reason you have to miss out. With a little research and preparation, you can have the best time at a concert, festival, show, or any sort of event!

Make your next event even easier and explore mobility solutions from MobilityWorks! Accessible vehicles, scooters, and power wheelchairs can help make your experience easier.