Ms Carmen Millar:

In terms of barriers to people with disabilities engaging in the arts, basically, we need more supports. For example, the Seen-Unseen project is going in some galleries and we need it in more galleries. We need capacity for more music events. When we phone to book accessible tickets for music gigs, for example, there are only so many allowed. As a result, only a few lucky people get to sit at the accessibility stage and enjoy the gig. If the seating is sold out, you cannot use it and you have to join the crowd. I have been to a gig where I was in the crowd and I was bashed about, elbowed, stamped on. It is not suitable. The only way to enjoy a gig is to get the accessible ticket and sit at the accessibility stage, but there is not enough capacity so more of everything is needed.

I have also been involved in audio-described performances at the Abbey Theatre. The audio description is arranged by ADI. There are only 20 headsets for audio description so there needs to be more. If a play runs at the Abbey for a month and only one performance is audio described, only 20 people will get to access it because there are only 20 headsets. Only 20 people in the whole country will be able to go to the Abbey to see that play. Could we have more audio description, more seating for accessibility, more of everything please?