Hi! My name is Audrey, and I am currently working through my doctoral capstone, Access is the Experience, in order to receive my doctorate in occupational therapy in May 2026. Through advocating for accessibility in the music festival and EDM concert scene, it has become clear that there is a significant gap in accessibility information on popular social apps like Radiate and EDMtrain. These platforms serve as primary tools for concert-goers to connect, plan, and access essential event details—but they often fail to provide critical accessibility information, leaving individuals with disabilities at a disadvantage.

Music festivals and EDM concerts are vibrant, community experiences, and everyone—regardless of physical ability—deserves a spot at the stage. Currently, disabled attendees often struggle with obtaining updated accessibility information before emailing or contacting the venue directly, sometimes with no success. This often leaves the attendee with no choice but to "find out" how accessible a venue or festival is upon arrival and throughout experience. 

What's included in accessibility at a concert or festival? 

-> short distances from parking or camping to the stage

-> ADA compliant campgrounds (if camping festival) 

-> step free entrances, or ramp present 

-> wide walkways for wheelchair maneuverability  

-> accessible and clean restroom services 

-> Unobstructed and inclusive view of the stage from ADA platform (ADA requires that 1% of the entire venue must include wheelchair accessible seating: level, slip-resistant, integrated into the general seating plan to avoid isolating disabled attendees from the crowd) 

-> auxiliary aids, clear signage, and easy to find service areas 

-> venues must make reasonable changes to policies, practices, and procedures to accommodate individuals with disabilities 

-> accessible tickets must be identified, held, and released in the same manner as general tickets, without any extra fees 

(Businesses, 2026). 

The solution is straightforward: For EDMtrain and Radiate to integrate comprehensive accessibility information directly into their apps. Features highlighting venue accessibility, available facilities, and relevant services would allow users with disabilities to plan with ahead and with confidence, ensuring that no one is excluded from these experiences. Implementing such changes aligns with universal design principles and enhances the overall user experience.

Specific requests for Radiate: 

• Add accessibility tags to events 
• Create dedicated accessibility discussion threads 
• Introduce crowd-sourced accessibility reviews 
• Provide a searchable "Accessible Events" filter 
• Partner with disabled attendees to guide feature development 

Specific requests for EDMtrain: 

• Adding a dedicated "Accessibility: section to each event page 
• Including terrain information (grass, gravel, pavement, stairs) 
• Indicating ADA viewing platform availability 
• Listing accessible restroom information 
• Providing direct accommodation contact information 

Accessibility is not just a social imperative—it is also a significant economic opportunity. Approximately 16% of the world’s population lives with a disability, representing millions of potential users (Disability, 2023). Additionally, a 2024 Open Doors Organization study found that individuals with disabilities spend over $50 billion annually on tourism and related activities, highlighting the market potential for inclusive event planning (PR Newswire, 2024). By ensuring that accessibility information is readily available within apps like Radiate and EDMtrain, event organizers and platforms can tap into this significant market while creating truly inclusive experiences for all attendees. 

Join me in urging Radiate and EDMtrain to make accessibility information standard in their apps. By signing this petition, you are advocating for broader representation and ensuring that music festivals and events truly become spaces for everyone to enjoy. Sign now to make your voice heard and help drive these essential changes.

Sources

“$50 Billion in Annual Spending Highlights Impact of Travelers with Disabilities.” PR Newswire: Press Release Distribution, Targeting, Monitoring and Marketing, Cision PR Newswire, 3 Dec. 2024, www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/50-billion-in-annual-spending-highlights-impact-of-travelers-with-disabilities-302321017.html#:~:text=“Travelers%20with%20disabilities%2C%20including%20older,time%20high%20in%20technology%20reliance 

“Businesses That Are Open to the Public.” ADA.Gov, Us. Department of Justice, 26 Feb. 2026, www.ada.gov/topics/title-iii/#:~:text=The%20ADA%20has%20specific%20requirements%20for%20public,the%20financial%20challenges%20of%20many%20small%20businesses 

“Disability.” World Health Organization, World Health Organization, 7 Mar. 2023, www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/disability-and-health