SYNDEY, NSW (CelebrityAccess) — Live Nation and Ticketmaster are teaming up with the advocacy group Get Skilled Access to improve access to entertainment events for fans with disabilities.
Co-founded by three-time Paralympic gold medalist, eight-time wheelchair tennis grand slam winner and disability advocate, Dylan Alcott OAM, Get Skilled Access advocates for Australians with disability by ensuring their access to Australian businesses. Get Skilled Access sponsors initiatives that encourage businesses in Australia and New Zealand to expand their opportunities by including the country’s disabled citizens.
The partnership will see a variety of initiatives launched across the portfolio of Live Nation and Ticketmaster companies in Australia and New Zealand, while also seeking to bring changs to the wider industry as a whole, the companies said.
“Every fan has the right to equal access of live entertainment. We’re delighted to be working closely with Dylan Alcott and Get Skilled Access to make sure that real change happens. It is essential that the industry comes together to achieve this and now is the time for us all to find solutions,” Roger Field CEO of Live Nation Australasia and Maria O’Connor, Managing Director of Ticketmaster Australia and New Zealand said in a joint statement.
As part of the partnership, Dylan Alcott and Get Skilled Access co-founder Nick Morris (an internationally recognized access consultant expert) addressed 400 venue industry professionals at the recent Venue Management Association Asia-Pacific Congress by leading keynotes and workshops to centered on accessibility for the disabled.
The partnership has already seen Get Skilled Access provide accessibility training to 150 Live Nation employees across Australia and New Zealand, as well as consultancy on tour operations as Live Nation strives to provide new levels of accessibility on its stadium tours, including the upcoming U2 Joshua Tree Tour.
On the ticketing side, Ticketmaster has begun testing an upgraded booking system on its channels (website and app) to make it easier for fans with disabilities to purchase tickets.
