VENUE RESOURCES

DESIGN NOTE - REPLACE STOCK PHOTO

Open doors, packed floors

Why accessibilty matters:

  • It’s the right thing to do
    No one should miss a show because of a barrier in your venue. ADA is one of the most frequently dismissed areas in the live music scene, as it seems daunting. We’re here to help change that!

  • Fans return, and bring friends
    A venue that feels welcoming builds loyal audiences who spread the word for you.

  • Artists talk
    Acts are more likely to book and recommend rooms that handle access smoothly.

  • Less barriers, fewer headaches
    Meeting ADA basics up front means fewer complaints or fines down the line.

  • Help is out there
    Tax credits and local grants can offset the cost of ramps, interpreters, and other upgrades. Even the smallest DIY spaces can offer an experience on par with a 2,500 cap room!

The guides below walk you through each step, keeping your budget manageable and DIY spirit intact.

Quick Check List

  • Permanent ramp or sturdy portable ramp.

  • Mark one viewing zone that is not blocked by the pit.

  • At least one wheelchair accessible restroom (or single user restroom) if feasible.*

    Doorway clear opening 32 in, grab bars installed.

    *If a full retrofit isn’t possible, list the closest accessible option.

  • An email or phone number fans can use to request interpreters, captions, or other special requests.

  • Door and bar staff briefed on your accessibility plan.

Title III in Plain English

Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a landmark civil rights law that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in all areas of public life. For live music, this means:

Public venues, like most clubs, bars, and theaters in the United States, must provide equal access to disabled individuals unless doing so would cause an extreme hardship on the venue, or would fundamentally change the nature of the event.

If you operate a public venue you must offer equal access to all attendees. That means:

  • Provide a safe way in, a place to watch, and a way to use the restroom.

  • Offer an auxiliary aid like an ASL interpreter or captions when a fan asks with reasonable notice.
    Detailed law text lives on ADA.gov. We keep it linked in every section so you never dig for it!

Download a summarized PDF Advocacy Letter by the NAD

Read the full text on ADA.gov

Small venue solutions

  • Low Cost Tip:
    Aluminum suitcase ramps start at $200

    Funding Help:
    IRS Disabled Access Credit, up to $5,000 back!

    Grants:
    City and state accessibility mini-grants sometimes cover portable ramps. Check annually to make sure you don’t miss out!

  • Low Cost Tip:
    - Partner with our Interpreter Pool and build relationships for better rates.
    - Book early for lower fees.
    - If needed, raise ticket prices a few dollars across the whole event to cover the cost.

    Funding:
    IRS Disabled Access Credit, up to $5 000 back.

    Grants:
    Local arts councils and community foundations often run small accessibility grant programs! They change each season, so check early and apply as soon as they open.

  • Some fans prefer real time captions instead of an ASL interpreter. Captions can cover both spoken banter and lyrics on the fly.

    Low Cost Tips:

    • Use a free phone or tablet app to generate live captions and cast them to a TV or projector.

    • Pre load lyric slides for each song if auto captions struggle with music.

    • Invest once in a small monitor or inexpensive projector you can reuse every night.

    Funding

    • Check state arts grants for adaptive tech.

    If a Deaf patron specifically asks for an ASL interpreter, the ADA expects you to provide one unless doing so would create an undue hardship. Captioning alone may not meet that requirement. Speak with the patron about their needs and be ready to offer solutions!

  • Low Cost Tips:
    Mark a clear viewing zone with tape or lightweight stanchions. List it on the floor plan so staff know to keep it open.

    Funding:
    Materials are usually under $50, so no funding is typically necessary.

  • Provide info about your accessibility options when promoting your venue or shows!

Budget tip: treat access like yearly overhead, not a one-night hit

Think of ADA costs the same way you think of electricity or insurance. A portable ramp, interpreter fees, or caption setup can be spread across an entire year of shows, then offset by tax credits and local grants.

  • Estimate your yearly access spend. Divide the total by the number of events you host. For most small rooms, it adds only a few dollars per show.

  • Use the IRS Disabled Access Credit. It can cover up to half of qualifying expenses, up to five thousand dollars a year.

  • Plan early, save later. Booking interpreters in advance and investing once in reusable gear beats scrambling and overpaying on show day.

  • Utilize Grants. Community grants come and go each year, be sure to stay on top of it to make sure you can take advantage when they are available.

Building access into your annual budget keeps the cost predictable, makes upgrades easier to finance, and shows artists and fans you are serious about welcoming everyone.

Handling a request

Early and effective communication is the key to a positive experience!

  1. Log the request. Note the date, show, and need.

  2. Confirm within two business days. Even if you are still checking feasibility.

  3. Book the service or arrange the modification.

  4. Send a final confirmation to the fan at least forty-eight hours before doors.

  5. After the show, ask how it went and note any fixes for next time.

Grab our email templates for steps two and four here!
PLACEHOLDER LINK

Join the Access Verified Registry

Take the pledge, earn the badge, and let fans know your door is open to everyone.

How it works: This is about progress, not perfection. We are here to help you keep moving forward.

  • Sign the pledge
    Commit to improving access and responding to every request in good faith.

  • Complete a quick self-check
    Note what you already offer and what you want to tackle next. Need guidance? Let us know! We’re here for your questions.

  • List a contact
    Give fans a clear email or phone number for accommodation requests.

What you get

  • Public directory listing.
    Fans and artists see your name on our map and know you take access seriously.

  • Official badge.
    Add the Access Verified badge to your website, social feeds, and venue door.

  • Priority support.
    Direct line to our team for quick questions and problem solving.

  • Interpreter pool contacts.
    First access to vetted ASL pros who know live music!

  • Grant alerts.
    Early notice when new state or city funds open up for ramps, tech, or training.

  • Promotion opportunities.
    We spotlight verified venues in newsletters and social posts.

Ready to join?
[Fill out the pledge form here]

NEED TO CREATE PLEDGE FORM*

VENUE FAQ

My building is old and narrow. What can I do?
Portable ramps, creative floor plans, and simple signs solve most entry and line of sight issues. Our guide lists suppliers, real world examples, and low cost workarounds that keep the vibe intact and safe for everyone involved.

Do I have to pay for every interpreter?
If an interpreter is needed for effective communication (stage banter, lyrics, announcements, etc), the cost is on the venue. The IRS Disabled Access Credit can cover half of what you spend each year, up to five thousand dollars. Spread the remaining cost across tickets, find grants, or sponsor dollars and view it as a yearly cost.

How much notice can I ask for?
48 hours is the general rule of thumb. More notice helps everyone, but avoid a flat “no” on a late request unless you have truly tried every option.

What counts as an undue hardship?
Only expenses that would seriously threaten your venue’s survival or fundamentally change the event. A single interpreter fee almost never meets that bar, especially once tax credits and grants are factored in.

Where do I find portable ramp or interpreter suppliers?
Our resource page links vetted ramp vendors, sliding scale interpreter pools, and caption tech. One click, and you are talking to people who know live shows, in and out!

Still have questions?
Email us at info@AVHQ.org and we will work through it with you.

“We are not here to grade you or shut you down. We are here so you never have to scramble the night before a show. Sign the pledge, grab the resources, and let’s keep the music open and easily accessible to everyone.” - Josh, Founder, Access Verified.

Extra reads and downloads!

Dive deeper into resources that empower disabled music fans and help your venue become accessible.